An onshore application in the United Kingdom refers to the submission of an official visa, immigration or university application while also being physically present inside the UK under a valid immigration status.
Whether you are trying to transition from a degree to a graduate visa or switching to sponsored employment or trying to extend studies, understanding the onshore application process is essential for maintaining lawful stay and ensuring a smooth transition.
What is an Onshore Application?
Unlike the offshore application- wherein the application is submitted from the home country or country of residence, an onshore application is processed while the applicant is already residing within UK borders.
Benefits of Applying Onshore
- Lawful Residence: The applicants do not need to interrupt their living arrangements or incur international travel costs.
- Protection Under the Section 3C Leave: Under the Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971, if a valid onshore application is submitted before an existing visa expires, the applicant’s existing immigration status and rights automatically will continue while waiting for a decision.
- Evidence Requirements: The applicants who have resided legally in the UK with valid leave for 12 months or longer will be exempt from meeting standard financial evidence rules for Student and Skilled Worker applications.
Types of Onshore Visa Applications
1. Student to Graduate Visa
- Overview: It is designed for the international students who have successfully completed an eligible degree at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance.
- Duration: Generally granted for 2 years (or 3 years for doctoral graduates).
- Prerequisite: The higher education provider must formally notify the Home Office of the student’s successful course completion prior to the application submission.
2. Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa
- Overview: It permits the individual to switch from a student, graduate or dependent visa to sponsored employment.
- Prerequisite: It requires a valid certificate of sponsorship issued by a home office-licensed sponsor, meeting the minimum skill level and salary thresholds.
3. Student Visa Extension
- Overview: Enables the students to continue studying in the UK at the higher academic level.
- Prerequisite: The applicants must demonstrate that the academic progression possess a new confirmation of acceptance for studies which is issued by their sponsor.
Legal Rules and Limitations
1. Switching Restrictions
The immigration rules prohibit switching to a long-term visa onshore from a certain short-term or temporary statuses, which include:
- Visitor/Tourist Visa
- Short-Term Student Visa
- Seasonal Worker Visa
- Immigraton Bail
2. Timelines and Expiry
The applications must be submitted online on or before the exact expiry date of the current visa, submitting the application after the visa expires would render the applicant an overstayer, which can negatively impact future immigration history and trigger the civil penalties.
3. Travel Restrictions During the Processing
The applicants also must not travel outside the common travel area, while an onshore application is pending. Leaving the Common Travel Area would result in the automatic withdrawal of the application under the paragraph 34K of the immigration rules.
Step by Step Onshore Application Process
- Document Preparation: Secure the required reference numbers (CAS or CoS), current identity documentation and digital immigration records.
- Online Application: Complete the correct UKVI online application form.
- Fee Payment: Pay the applicable visa application fee and the compulsory Immigration Health Surcharge (HIS).
- Verify your Identity (Digitally and In-Person)
- Decision Processing: The processing times generally range from 3 to 8 weeks depending on the visa route.
