In the recent months, UK immigration has become one of the most discussed topics.
With new changes to the UK immigration laws being introduced on almost monthly basis the Tier 4 Student category of the points-based system came again under the scrutiny of the UK Border Agency.
According to Alan Johnson, the Home Secretary, 30% of migrants who came into the UK entered on student visas.
Vast majority of them enrolled on a short course rather than a degree level qualification.
The UK immigration authorities are reviewing the current immigration laws pertaining to the Tier 4 Student category in order to stop any alleged abuse of the visa system.
The following changes are likely to be implemented: · Successful applicants from outside the EU will have to speak English to a level only just below GCSE standard, rather than the current beginner level; · Students taking courses below degree level will be allowed to work for only 10 hours a week, instead of 20 as at present; · Those on courses which last under six months will not be allowed to bring dependents into the country, while the dependents of students on courses below degree level will not be allowed to work; · Visas for courses below degree level with a work placement will only be approved if the institutions they attend are on a new register.
As part of the new measures by 2011 the UK Border Agency wants to have in place a more sophisticated system to allow close monitoring of migrants to ensure they leave the UK after the expiry of their visa.
In the last 12 months there were number of significant changes implemented into the Tier 4 Student category including introduction of a certificate of acceptance for studies (CAS), biometric enrollment and foreign national identity cards (ICFN).
Furthermore, following concerns regarding unusually high volume of student visa applications from Nepal, northern India and Bangladesh, earlier this month, the processing of those cases was suspended until further notice.
Mr Johnson, however, stated that UK colleges and academic institutions should continue to attract those foreign students who want to come to the UK for legitimate study.
He recognised that the UK is the second most popular destination for people going into higher education and brings £5 -£8 billion in to the British economy and therefore the UK immigration authorities should be acting in the country's best interest.
With new changes to the UK immigration laws being introduced on almost monthly basis the Tier 4 Student category of the points-based system came again under the scrutiny of the UK Border Agency.
According to Alan Johnson, the Home Secretary, 30% of migrants who came into the UK entered on student visas.
Vast majority of them enrolled on a short course rather than a degree level qualification.
The UK immigration authorities are reviewing the current immigration laws pertaining to the Tier 4 Student category in order to stop any alleged abuse of the visa system.
The following changes are likely to be implemented: · Successful applicants from outside the EU will have to speak English to a level only just below GCSE standard, rather than the current beginner level; · Students taking courses below degree level will be allowed to work for only 10 hours a week, instead of 20 as at present; · Those on courses which last under six months will not be allowed to bring dependents into the country, while the dependents of students on courses below degree level will not be allowed to work; · Visas for courses below degree level with a work placement will only be approved if the institutions they attend are on a new register.
As part of the new measures by 2011 the UK Border Agency wants to have in place a more sophisticated system to allow close monitoring of migrants to ensure they leave the UK after the expiry of their visa.
In the last 12 months there were number of significant changes implemented into the Tier 4 Student category including introduction of a certificate of acceptance for studies (CAS), biometric enrollment and foreign national identity cards (ICFN).
Furthermore, following concerns regarding unusually high volume of student visa applications from Nepal, northern India and Bangladesh, earlier this month, the processing of those cases was suspended until further notice.
Mr Johnson, however, stated that UK colleges and academic institutions should continue to attract those foreign students who want to come to the UK for legitimate study.
He recognised that the UK is the second most popular destination for people going into higher education and brings £5 -£8 billion in to the British economy and therefore the UK immigration authorities should be acting in the country's best interest.
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