New uk student policy- summary
New uk student policy- summary
New uk student policy- summary
Following the recent reshuffle of the laws of many areas of immigration, the UK Border Agency have published a summary of the new student policy which aims to come into force in the nearest future.
The areas that will be changed are as follows:
Accreditation
It is said that sponsors of students will need to be accredited either by Ofsted or its entrusted equivalents (QAA, The Independent Schools Inspectors, the Bridge Schools Inspectorate or the Schools Inspection Service) and must become Highly Trusted Sponsors. There is a requirement to achieve Highly Trusted Status by April 2012 and be accredited by the relevant agency by the end of 2012, a specific date to apply will be announced shortly.
Sponsors are advised that during the transition period, an interim limit will be applicable on the numbers of sponsored person by those who do not meet the above. It is advised that private providers will have the ability to provide courses, including pathway courses, by working in partnership and when the licensed sponsor takes responsibility and providers direct sponsorship to the student.
Entry Requirements- English Language Requirement
This requirement means that B2 in each of the four disciplines is seen as the appropriate level for applicants studying level 6 (undergraduate) and above.
Please note that B1 is perceived to be an appropriate level for lower courses including Pathways.
In order to obtain a visa, for those outside of universities, a test certificate from an independent test provider must be presented and this must indicate and prove the attained level, universities will at that stage be able to vouch a student's ability and decide the level of study needed (either degree level or above). The UK Border Agency will ignore this requirement for truly exceptional student following individual requests by the university academic registrars. The UK Border Agency Officers will be able to refuse a person who is unable to speak English without the use of an interpreter.
Funding
Applicants, when submitting evidence of funding, will be required to sign a declaration that the funds presented to meet the maintenance requirement are genuinely available for the use of coming to the UK to study. Essentially this means that easier refusals can be made on grounds of deception. Applications that include bank statements from banks that the UK Border Agency cannot trust to verify the statements will be refused, furthermore local lists of inadmissible banks will be provided.
UK Border Agency claim that a streamline process will be introduced for low risk applicants going to Highly Trusted Sponsors, in other words they may waive the requirement to provide documents beyond the CAS letter and passport/ID Document. It is said that this is based on robust supporting evidence of compliance and abuse and in order to bring a system that is targeted and responsive for staff and applicants.
Entitlements- Work during term time & work placements
Students at Recognised Bodies (universities)- Such students will maintain the right to work for 20 hours a week on a part-time basis and to carry out work placements, this is when the study:work ratio is 50:50.
Students at publicly funded FE Colleges- Such students will also be able to continue to work for 10 hours a week on a part-time basis
Other students- Others will not have any right to work part-time and work placements will need to be 66:33 in favour of study:work.
Dependants
In order for a student to sponsor a dependant of theirs they must be on a post graduate course (NQF 7 or above) at a university and the course is more than 12months, or they must be a Government Sponsored student. All dependants will enjoy the right to work.
End of Course- Time as a student
Once a student reaches the completion of their course, they will be allowed to remain as a student a maximum of 3 years at NQF 3-5 Level and 5 years for those at NQF 6-7. Those at higher levels studying PhD courses will have exceptions apply to them. This is also the case for courses that require a matter of professional qualification which is longer than 5 years (such as medicine and architecture) Sponsors must vouch academic progression for those students that are not progressing to the next NQF Level.
Post-Study Work
As previously announced, the current Post-Study work category will close from April 2012. Graduates from UK Universities with recognised degrees, PGCE or PGDE Certificates will be able to switch into the Tier 2 Category without a limit on switchers. However, only those in the UK can switch prior to the expiry of their student visa. Normal Tier 3 requirements will apply except the Resident Labour Market Test. UK Border Agency say that they will ensure to keep genuine student entrepreneurs with great ideas to remain in the UK to develop their business propositions.
At Ergen & Sharif, we provide a comprehensive service to prospective and existing students as well as sponsors. Simply contact us on 0207 569 3035 or alternatively email us at info@ergensharif.co.uk.
Are People Really Our Most Important Asset? SEO – where demand meets supply Brief Guide To Customs Clearance Linksys Router Set Up Great Prices for Roman Shades Chillers- Basic need of any Industry Burn victims Why Virtual Office Space is Ideal? Actualtests 70-262 Vicious Cycle When You Pack OTOSCOPY – The H‘ear'ing Problem You Can't Beat Black Rugs For That Sophisticated Look