International Students To Face Tougher Visa Restrictions In The UK

The UK Home Office announced today scores of reforms to the student visas system aimed at reducing misuse of the system.

AsianScientist (Mar. 23, 2011) – The U.K. Home Office announced today scores of reforms to the student visa system, which it believes will “eliminate abuse within the system.”

These reforms include rehauls to poor-performing institutions in the U.K., tougher criteria for international students wanting to study in the UK, and limits on these students’ right to work.

These measures follow a review and public consultation by the Home Office which revealed that one in seven international students in the country are studying in fake private colleges.

According to Home Secretary Theresa May:

“‘International students not only make a vital contribution to the U.K. economy but they also help make our education system one of the best in the world. The changes I am announcing today re-focus the student route as a temporary one, available to only the brightest and best. The new system is designed to ensure students come for a limited period, to study not work, and make a positive contribution while they are here.”

Poor-quality colleges will face greater scrutiny by the end of 2012, says the Home Office. From April 2012, all institutions wanting to sponsor students will have to be classed as ‘highly trusted sponsors’ and become accredited by statutory education inspection bodies.

Students will now be held accountable for their English standards, and incoming students will be required to speak a higher level of English. Those who require a interpreter may be refused the right of entry by UK Border Agency staff. These language requirements are anticipated to cut the number of students arriving in the UK each year by 80,000, says the Home Office.

Newer students will face tighter working restrictions, it says. Current students at universities and publicly funded further education colleges will retain current work rights. Newer students, however, will face restrictions on work placements at courses outside of universities.

The controversial ‘post study work route’ – which allowed thousands of graduates up to two years to find employment – has now been closed, says the Home Office. Only those graduates who have an offer of a skilled job in Tier 2 of the points-based system will be approved to work.

Dependents of certain students will not be allowed under the new system, says the Home Office. In future, only postgraduate students at universities and government sponsored students will be able to bring their family members into the U.K.

Student visas will now be limited to five years at higher levels, it says. There are currently no limits for visa time frames for higher education.

Along with these stricter rules, the Home Office says it is now giving incentives for innovative student entrepreneurs who create wealth in the U.K. to stay and pursue their ideas.

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Source: The Home Office UK.
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