The United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) has announced shorter working hours for students on courses below degree-level for Tier 4 Student Visa migrants; dependants of students on courses lasting 6 months or less must apply for Tier 1 or Tier 2 visas to come to the UK.
The UKBA has published changes for student visa applications under Tier 4 of the Points-Based system.
These changes only apply to those who have submitted their applications after 3 March 2010. Applicants who made their application before 3 March 2010 will be considered under the rules that were in force at the time you applied.
One of the main changes that will affect students applying after 3 March 2010 include a raised minimum level for English Language courses that Tier 4 students can study to. Now, Tier 4 Students coming to the UK to study English can only study up to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) – but at the same time, in order to apply to study for this course, they must evidence their current English Language skills at CEFR level B1. There are exceptions to this requirement for government-sponsored students or for those wanting to study a pre-sessional English course that meets certain requirements.
A major change affecting Tier 4 adult students (and Tier 4 child students aged 16/17) studying on a course that is below degree-level involves a restriction to their working allowances. Students on such courses can work for a maximum of 10 hours per week during term-time, as opposed to the 20 they were previously allowed. However, this restriction does not apply to Tier 4 adult students who are applying for a foundation degree.
In addition to restrictions on working hours for Tier 4 students the UKBA has also applied a prohibition on working for the dependants of Tier 4 students, whilst they are in the UK as dependants of a Tier 4 student. They will be required to make the necessary application under Tier 1 or 2 of the points-based system once they can prove they qualify.
Further changes to the rules for Tier 4 (General) students mean that dependants of Tier 4 students will no longer be able to accompany the main applicant to the UK if the main applicant is studying a course under Tier 4 (General) for six months, or less.
April 25th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Hello! I have a question. Could you answer me, please, becouse I can not find the answer for this question. I have Tier4 till 22.05.10. I’m studing in Cambridge now, my course Internship till 22/05/10. I would like to extend my viza but I want to change the school and the city. Can I do this? My school said me that I’m not allowed to change the school and the city, if I want to extend I have to extend in Cambridge. If it is not allowed to change a school can I take a course in this school but in other city? But I want to change the school and the city. Thank you!
July 7th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
hello, myself Rignesh Bhatt
I would like to ask about a work permit. I am a tier 4 general student, my visa runs up to 30 -03-2011. I would like to get work permit. I am working as a shop assistant. This is a news agents shop, we have more than 500 customers
of paper delivery. Every single account operated by computerised programme. My course is diploma in IMIS (institute of management and information systems), as part of it, so my knowledge is really useful for them to manage accounts, they are ready to sponsor me.
So, can you please explain to me, how can I get a work permit?
July 28th, 2010 at 7:57 am
Hi my name is Angie,am renewing my visa this mo.w/my dependant.do we both need to take English test?thanks very much