Generally, no, you cannot stay in the UK after your Student visa expires. Your Student visa is only valid for the duration of your studies, and you must leave the UK when it expires.
However, there are a few exceptions where you may be able to stay in the UK after your Student visa expires:
You Can Apply for a Different Visa:
- Graduate Route: If you have completed a qualifying degree at a UK university, you may be eligible to apply for the Graduate Route. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for two years (or three years for PhD graduates) to work, volunteer, or look for work.
- Other Work Visas: You may be eligible to apply for other work visas, such as a Skilled Worker visa, if you have a job offer from a UK employer.
- Family Visa: You may be able to apply for a family visa if you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK.
You Can Apply for Leave to Remain:
- Exceptional Circumstances: In some cases, you may be able to apply for Leave to Remain in the UK if you have exceptional circumstances, such as a serious illness or if you are the victim of domestic violence.
You Must Leave the UK:
- If you do not meet the requirements for any of the above options, you must leave the UK when your Student visa expires.
It is essential to check the latest immigration rules and regulations before your Student visa expires. You can find more information on the UK government website: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration.
