UK student visa: more changes in the offing

Now, a second set of changes has been announced regarding the student visa system in UK.

These changes, which will be effective from July 4 this year, were announced by the home secretary on March 22. They will affect the Tier 4 points-based system.

Earlier, the first set of changes was implemented on April 21. The changes have been affected to strengthen the migration system and prevent immigration frauds.

What are the changes?
The changes will tighten the rules for the students willing to work and settle in UK. Certain amendments have also been made regarding the academic progression for visa extension in students.

Below are the changes announced by immigration minister, Damian Green. The changes will

• give the ‘right to work’ only to the students studying in higher educational institutions (HIE) or public funded colleges
• require the confirmation by education providers regarding the new courses helping in academic progression
• ask for genuine availability of maintenance funds from the applicant
• involve introduction of streamlined application process for low-risk nationals seeking admission with the help of Highly Trusted Sponsors
• mean extension of courses requiring ATAS clearance
• require that accountancy courses now be offered to platinum or gold sponsors only
• clarify the position of overseas universities with campuses in the UK