The next set of changes to the Immigration Rules affecting the student visa tier, Tier 4, has been laid in Parliament, and will come into effect on 4 July 2011.

From this date, only students at higher education institutions and publicly funded further education colleges will be able to work, and retain their current entitlements.

Furthermore, only students studying at a higher education institution on a course on NQF 7 / QCF 7 / SQCF 11 or above lasting 12 months or more will be able to sponsor their dependants, and government-sponsored students on courses lasting at least 6 months. These dependants will be entitled to work.

Other changes include requiring education providers to vouch that a new course represents genuine academic progression and introducing a streamlined application process for low-risk nationals applying to attend courses with Highly Trusted Sponsors.

Please contact our offices for further information.