Policy changes to Tier 4 of UK points-based system announced
October 01 2009 by Liam Clifford
Two major policy changes to Tier 4 of the UK points-based system have been announced by the UK Border Agency to coincide with the release of the Sponsorship Management System on 5 October 2009.
The first policy change affects sponsors and people who want to study in the UK who are applying for their student visa from within the UK.
Visa applicants applying for a Tier 4 visa must prove that they have sufficient funds for their period living in the UK. They must prove that they have funds to cover fees and maintenance in their bank for at least 28 days in a period no more than a month before they apply.
However, a concession has so far been in place requiring applicants to prove they have the funds in their banks on the day they apply only.This concession ends on 1 October for applications made from outside the UK. However, the concession for those already living in the UK has been extended.
The second policy change brings Tier 4 in line with other tiers on the UK points-based system, claims the UK Border Agency. The change will ensure that students’ permission to stay will be "tied" to their sponsor from 5 October 2009.
As a result, each student's sponsor's reference number will be printed on his or her passport vignette or on their ID card.
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