From April, Strict Student Visa System Will Be Enforced In UK

03 Nov 2011

UK has planned to stiffen the student immigration system further and the new system will come into effect from April 2012.  The home office said that the new strict student visa norms were “beginning to bite” and the British Universities said that the new norms for overseas students will damage their international reputation.

Damian Green Immigration Minister said, “Changes we have made are beginning to bite,” and will be practiced from next April.  The new system will include the following changes:

• Post study work visa will be closed
• Applicants who wish to stay and work will need to apply under the skilled worker visa category
• New time validity for the student visa will be introduced
• Work placements will be done strictly

The Home Office said that nearly 11,000 non EU students will not be able to come to UK for study this year because more than 450 institutions in UK have been banned and they will be no longer be eligible for enrolling overseas students.  These institutions were disqualified for not meeting the standards of new inspection regime.

 Damian Green said, “Too many institutions were offering international students an immigration service rather than an education and too many students have come to the UK with the aim of getting work and bringing over family members. Only first class education providers should be given license to sponsor international students.”

He further said, “We have curbed the opportunities to work during study and bring in family members. We have also introduced new language requirements to ensure that we only attract genuine students whose primary motivation is to study.”