How do I apply for a bridging visa, as I am progressing from English Language to Higher Education?

Every year Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) announce a bridging visa for English Language students who have successfully completed their 2nd or 3rd English course and who are now progressing into Higher Education.

This bridging visa is for students who need to renew their visa for a few months before they start their studies at NCI. 

The bridging permission is a short term Stamp 2 permission and Students must renew their visa again after they have started their studies at NCI. 

Details about the 2025 bridging visa are available on the immigration website linked here.

Requirements for eligible students to apply for the bridging visa

•  An in date IRP card or a card that has expired within one month when applying for the bridging permission;
• Successfully completed a 3rd English Language course listed on the ILEP or successfully completed a 2nd English Language course listed on the ILEP on or after 1st July;
• Have enrolled in and paid fees in full for a Higher Education Programme listed on the ILEP.  Note: The NCI Offer letter and Fees receipt meet this requirement.

Students can apply for a renewal via the immigration online portal.  See the NCI article 'How do I renew my student visa'.

Important Note:

On the immigration portal students must select apply by selecting the option Applications for Registration Renewals and select Registration Renewal.  When applying you should enter the following.

- In section 1.18 - Permission type for Renewal select STAMP 2

- In section 1.19 - Please select the category that applies to you which is... 'I am an English Language Student moving to a course on the ILEP'

See the NCI article 'How do I renew my student visa'.