Changes to student visa rules implemented

Significant changes to the Tier 4 student route of the points based system have been brought into effect today, 4 July 2011, by the the UK Border Agency (UKBA).

These new limitations change a student’s rights to bring dependants to the UK or to switch to a work visa after completing their course of study.

The changes to Tier 4 were laid before parliament on 13 June 2011 and have been subsequently clarified by the UKBA. Full details of the changes can be found in our posts:

These changes are part of the government’s ongoing aim to drastically reduce the number of migrants coming to the UK.

New forms for Tier 4 and dependants

As part of the new system the UKBA have also published a new set of forms for students and their dependants. They should be used with immediate effect, although they will continue to accept applications made on the old form until 24 July 2011. You should note that whilst they will accept applications made on the old forms the new rules apply with immediate effect.

The new forms and guidance documents are as follows.

Application form for Tier 4 (Child) students applying from inside the UK

Dependants of points-based system migrants - for applications made inside the UK

Application form for Tier 4 (General) students applying from inside the UK

The latest amendments to the rules follow changes which came into force on 21 April to the language and funding requirements and the maximum lengths of stay for students. These changes are detailed in our post, Finalised details of student visa programme announced.


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