Tougher visa rules for students going to UK
Apr 27, 2011
Starting from April next year, those wishing to study in the United Kingdom will face tougher visa rules.
The revised rules will come with restrictions on the right to work and to bring dependants.
"The new system is designed to ensure students come for a limited period, to study not work," Home Secretary Theresa May said.
According to the new rules, students at universities and publicly funded further education colleges will retain current work rights but all other students will have no right to work. However, the UK will allow new international graduates to take up skilled jobs in their territory if they are interested.
With the new rules, only postgraduate students at universities and government-sponsored students will be able to bring their dependants.
Students to the UK will have to demonstrate good English skills too.
The new rules require that those coming to study at degree level will have to speak English at an upper intermediate (B2) level. UK Border Agency staff will be able to refuse entry to students who cannot speak English without an interpreter.
"My aim is not to stop genuine students coming here - it is to eliminate abuse within the system. Our stricter accreditation process will see only first-class education providers given licences to sponsor students," May said. "I am delighted to announce that, alongside our stricter rules, we will ensure that innovative student entrepreneurs who are creating wealth are able to stay in the UK to pursue their ideas."
For more information on the new visa rules, please see www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk.
Thank you The Nation