New Visa Extension Policy

by Johnny Tao

A new points based immigration system for overseas students in the UK was announced by the UK Border Agency (Home Office) in February.

Overseas students already in the UK who need to extend their stay will come under the new student tier (Tier 4) from the end of March 2009.

According to the new policy, to extend your permission to stay in the UK as a general student, you must pass a points based assessment and score 40 points.

You will get 30 points for a visa letter from a licensed sponsor; and 10 points if you can show (and have documents to prove of course) that you have enough money for your course fees and monthly living expenses (known as maintenance).

Additionally, from autumn, overseas students will have to apply from inside the UK.
The visa letter will be replaced by a confirmation of acceptance for studies when the first phase of the new IT system for sponsors goes live. (UK Border Agency)

Comments & Advices

According to The Abeceder, a human resources management consultancy, the points based system was created in the best interests of the UKm to manage the number of people coming here to work and study. And the introduction of the student tier - Tier 4 - will complete the rollout of the points system.

“The new policy requires the applicant’s attendance to be higher than 85%, otherwise you will be turned down,” said Kirsty Mophee, an adviser in Westminster University Student Counseling Services. “This will eliminate the possibility of engaging illegal activities in the UK using student visa,” she added.

According to the Times, “In order to cut the number of non-EU migrants allowed to work in the UK as more workers lose their jobs in the economic recession, the Home Office will continue to enhance immigration rules.”

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