New Student Visa rules in force – 04/07/2011

The new changes to Tier 4 of the student visa rules came in force on 4 July 2011. The new rule changes entail the following:

• From this date, only students at higher education institutions and publicly funded further education colleges will be able to work part-time during term time and full-time during vacations, and retain their current entitlements.

• The sponsorship of dependants will be restricted to students sponsored by higher education institution on post-graduate courses lasting for 12 months or longer, and government-sponsored students on courses lasting at least 6 months. These dependants will be entitled to work.

• Education providers have to vouch that a new course represents genuine academic progression.

• A streamlined application process for low-risk nationals applying to attend courses with Highly Trusted Sponsors have been introduced.

Please contact our offices for further information.