The Home Office has recently changed the way that it deals with students who remains in the UK illegally beyond the expiry date of their student visa. In the past the Home Office has used it's discretion in deciding late applications, this is no longer the case.

Any applications made from now on, to extend a visa which has already expired is likely to be refused, without the right of appeal. This will result in the applicant being asked to leave the UK and return home immediately. Anyone who has overstayed in the UK previously or had an application refused for overstaying will find it difficult to obtain a new visa to return to the UK. This will cause severe problems for any student who needs to remain in or return to the UK to complete a course of study.