Crackdown on student visas
UKBA is tighteneing the Immigration rules for students by imposing a stringent requirement for those seeking to enter the UK to speak passable English and by banning those students who enrol on short courses from bringing dependant spouse and children.
These Tier 4 student visa changes come into effect immediately and will effect all those students who are in the process of submitting their applications.
“Prospective students will have to speak English to a level just below GCSE standard, treating English as a foreign language, rather than the beginner level as at present. In a move designed to protect jobs for British youngsters, students taking “below degree-level” courses will only be permitted to work for 10 hours a week, instead of the current 20.
Those on courses lasting less than six months will not be allowed to bring dependants, while the dependants of students on below degree-level courses will not be allowed to work. Student visas for below degree-level courses with a work placement will also only be granted for institutions that are on a new register, the highly trusted sponsors list”.
