04/07/2011

Changes To Student Visa Rules Now In Force

Significant changes to the Tier 4 student route of the points-based system have come into effect today.

The UK Border Agency have revised the Immigration Rules relating to Tier 4 to enforce restrictions.

In regards to work entitlements, only students sponsored by higher education institutions (HEIs) and publicly funded further education colleges will be allowed to work part-time during term time and full-time during vacations.

Another restriction imposed includes sponsorship of dependants to those of students sponsored by HEIs on postgraduate courses lasting 12 months or longer, and of government-sponsored students on courses lasting longer than 6 months.

Institutions will now also have to confirm that courses represent genuine academic progression from any previous courses studied by the student in the UK and create a streamlined application process for low-risk nationals sponsored by Highly Trusted sponsors.

These changes are aimed at delivering a strong migration system which tackles immigration abuse while allowing genuine students to study at genuine colleges.

The UK Border Agency have also revised the application forms for Tier 4 (General), Tier 4 (child) and dependants under the points-based system.

The changes to the Immigration Rules were laid in Parliament on 13 June.

The latest revisions follow the Home Secretary's statement to Parliament about student visas, and the publication of a statement of intent, in March.

(BMcN/GK)

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