Student rule changes from 3 March
From 3 March 2010 the UK Border Agency introduces important changes for overseas students, which include:
- a higher level of English required before you can travel to the UK for study
- sub-degree students will only be able to study at colleges on a "trusted sponsor" list, details of which the Border Agency has yet to announce
- students studying below first degree level or on a foundation degree course will be restricted to 10 hours work during term time, instead of 20
- no dependants will be permitted to accompany anyone studying a course for less than six months
- dependants of sub-foundation or undergraduate degree level students are prevented from working
These changes, which Home Secretary Alan Johnson took the unusual step of announcing on a Sunday morning TV programme, are a reaction to perceived difficulties with student visa processing. The Border Agency has also suspended visa applications in northern India, Nepal and Bangladesh while it investigates allegations of fraudulent applications. Students should also be aware that their college can no longer issue "visa letters" to support applications made after 2 March; electronic "confirmation of acceptance of studies" is now required.
We at Latitude believe that these changes are yet another example of poor policy making by the Home Office and Border Agency. Time and again the rules change in response to a perceived threat to our borders, and to comment in the British media.
If you are a student about to submit an application for a visa, or for further leave to remain, you should get legal advice before you submit - it is far better than dealing with a refusal from the Border Agency, since appeals under Tier 4, as with the rest of the Points Based System, are difficult to win. Basic information for students and those wishing to study in the UK can be found here: http://latitudelaw.com/work