New rules for UK student visas released
February 11 2010 by Liam Clifford
Home Secretary Alan Johnson has announced new stricter UK visa requirements for people from outside the EU who want to study in the UK.
The rules are intended to
limit the ability of students who are studying at lower than degree level to
work in the UK. The changes also prevent their dependents from working in the
UK.
Anyone looking to move to the UK to study English will need to hold a
reasonable level of English before they are able to do so. This will also apply
to anyone looking to study courses below degree level.
Another major
change is the prevention of anyone studying in the UK for less than six months
from bringing their spouses or dependents with them.
In addition, spouses
and dependents of students studying at lower than degree level are prevented
from working in the UK.
Alan Johnson explained the reasoning behind the
new stricter rules: "we have already made fundamental changes to the immigration
system to control migration in a way that is firm, and has a positive impact on
our workforce and economy.”
The changes in the UK visa rules for students have
sparked concerns among smaller colleges and language schools over their ability
to attract students due to the changes.
See the latest Immigration News
