What: The UK government has introduced new arrangements for student visas, as part of the Tier 4 of the points-based system. The visa process will simpler, more objective and more transparent for applicants and prevent the abuse of the immigration system.

Details

• All education providers that recruit international students in the UK need to be registered with the UK Border Agency. More than 2,100 universities, independent schools and colleges have applied to be licensed sponsors. The institutions are responsible for ensuring that international students comply with the conditions of their visas while they are in the UK.
• Before a student makes a visa application, s/he needs to ensure that s/he has an unconditional offer of a study place from a licensed education provider. The student also needs to show that s/he has sufficient funds to cover course fees and living costs during his/her studies. The student will be issued with a visa for study at a particular institution, and for the full duration of his course if degree level or above. 
• Comprehensive guidance for Tier 4 can be found at: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk 
• Further information about studying in the UK can be found at: www.britishcouncil.org.in
• Tier 1 (highly skilled migrants) of the points based system went live on February 29, 2008. Tier 2 (skilled workers) and Tier 5 (temporary workers) went live on November 27, 2008. Tier 3 (low skilled workers) remains suspended.
• In March 2006, the Government published a Command Paper setting out the new PBS, 'A points-based system; Making Migration work for Britain'. The new system consolidates the many complex routes into just five tiers. It is designed to facilitate entry to the UK of all those wanting to come to work, train and study.
  Further information is available at: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/points/whatisthpointsbasedsystem/