Student visa for uk new rules
When you apply for the student visa, you need to check if you fulfil the requirements or not. If yes, then you can apply for a work permit and get one. Apart from this, there are other things that have to be fulfilled like your education background, immigration history and pass the test to enter in UK.
The newest British Student visa permission has already transferred to the new developments. This indicates that now foreign students can work in the UK throughout their course period. The new rules came into force on November 6th 2012 and this is a major change that is widely accepted by British universities and every school.
UK student visa new rules:
If you are a non-EU student looking to study in the UK, you will need to apply for a Tier 4 Student Visa.
What is a Tier 4 Student Visa?
A Tier 4 Student Visa allows you to study in the UK for up to six months, with an option of extending your stay if you wish. You can only apply for a Tier 4 Student Visa if you have been offered a place on a course at an eligible institution. The institution will check that you meet the eligibility requirements before offering you a place on their course. If your application for a visa is successful, it will be issued by the British Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Eligibility requirements:
In order to be eligible for a student visa, you must meet the following criteria:
1) You must have been offered a place on a course at an eligible institution (the institution must be authorized by the UK Border Agency)
2) You must have enough money to support yourself during your time in the UK (at least £900 per month)
To study in the UK and a foriegn national you must be above 16 years of age. You are also required to have an offer from a reputed institution or a licenced student sponsor. Having a strong financial plan or sponsor to fund your education and living expenses is also important.
The United Kingdom is one of the leading countries attracting students from all across the globe. Despite the pandemic, there has been a good rate of visa approval in the UK, especially for Indian students.
These are the main UK visa requirements for a UK student visa applications in 2022:
| UK Student Route Visa Requirements | |
| General requirements | a valid passport (original)a passport-sized photograph meeting UKVI requirementsConfirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) |
| English Language proficiency for visa(University requirements could be higher) | UG course: you must be proficient to at least CEFR level B2 (IELTS 5.5)PG course: at least CEFR level B1 (IELTS 4.0)Below degree level: one of the Secure English Language Tests (SELT) certificates |
| Financial requirements | You must prove funds for one of the following: First year tuition fees; ORComplete tuition fee for courses less than one year; ORFee for next academic year, or outstanding fees (if you are extending your visa for further studies) For living costs: Have at least £1,023 per month to up to 9 months |
| Evidence of qualifications | Current certificates or official transcripts with Your name, the name of the institution, the course title, and the date awarded. |
| English Translations | All documents should be officially translated to English. A fully certified translation includes: Original documentsConfirmation of accuracy in translationDate of translationFull name and signature of the translator The translator or translation company’s contact details |
1. Offer from an Educational Institution
You must have an offer from a licensed student sponsor. As proof, the educational institution will give you the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
You must have the CAS before you apply for a UK Student Visa. Moreover, you have to apply for the student visa within six months of receiving the CAS.
There are various courses that you can select from :
- A part-time course that will qualify you above degree level (RQF level 7 or higher). In this case, you might need the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate
- A full-time course that will qualify you for a degree level or higher (RQF level 6.7 or 8)
- A full-time course that will qualify you for a degree level or more (RQF level 6.7 or 8)
- A full-time course that will qualify you for a below degree level (RQF level 3.4 or 5)
- An English language course at level B2 or more in the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) scale
- An approved foundation programme that is sponsored for dentists and postgraduate doctors
What is a CEFR ?
CEFR is also known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, and Assessment. Its main aim is to provide a structural method of learning, teaching, and assessing that applies to Europe’s languages.
Here is the CEFR table for English Qualifications:
2. Proficiency in the English Language
You must prove that you are fluent in the English language. The level is measured on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) scale.
As proof, you must pass the Secure English Language Test (SELT).
| Level of study | English skill level (CEFR) |
| Below degree level | B1 |
| Degree level or above | B2 |
Note: If you have applied for a course of degree level or more, then:
- The provider can evaluate your English language skills.
- You might have to take a different test. But, still, the test results have to be equivalent to the B2 level.
3. Eligibility criteria
The eligibility criteria for the UK student visa requirements are:
- The applicant must be of 16 years of age or more
- The candidate must have enough funds to pay the course fee. They must also be able to support themselves during their stay
- The applicant must have an offer from an approved educational institution
- The candidate must be at a certain level in the English language test results
4. Documents Needed
The documents needed for the student visa are:
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- Passport-sized recent photograph
- Proof that you have paid the visa fee/ visa application fee
- Proof of funds/financial evidence
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate (If needed)
- Medical test results for tuberculosis
- Payment of the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
- Written agreement from financial sponsor (in case of sponsorship)
- Police clearance certificate
However, if you are under 18 years of age, some additional documents are needed. These are:
- Proof of consent from parents or legal guardian
- Evidence of relationship with parents or legal guardian
- Copy of birth certificate or any government document that displays the names of parents
Note: The offer letter for your study programme will mention whether the programme requires an ATAS certificate.
5. Tuberculosis Test Results
The main medical examination that you need to undergo is for tuberculosis. It is required if you intend to stay in the UK for more than six months. The test is a must for visa applicants from the specified list of countries.
For this examination, you have to take the chest x-ray test. But, if the results are uncertain, then you have to provide a sputum sample.
Only approved clinicians can perform the tests.
If the results are negative for tuberculosis, you will get a certificate. The certificate will have validity for six months from the date of the test.
6. Proof of funds
The sufficient funds required is £1,265.00 to support your living expenses and pay the UK’s tuition fees.
In the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), the funds required are:
- £1,015 per month as living costs if your course is outside London
- £1,265 per month if your course is in London
- £2,530 for the course in London (if you are on the Doctorate Extension Scheme)
- £2,030 for the course outside London (if you are on the Doctorate Extension Scheme)
Note: Proof of funds are not required if:
- You had a valid visa previously for the UK
- The visa must have been for a minimum of 12 months
- Your country is listed under the ‘differential evidence requirement’
- Your application states you as a student union sabbatical officer
7. Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
You must pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS). It is mainly for those who want to stay in the UK for more than six months. The amount of money that you have to pay depends. It is dependent on the amount of time you live in the UK.
If you are granted leave for less than six months, you need to pay half the annual amount. If you are granted leave for more than six months, you need to pay the full yearly amount.
You can use the NHS (National Health Service) after you have paid the IHS. But, you will still have to pay for dental treatments, prescriptions, assisted conception, eye tests, and so on.
Types of Student Visas in 2022
| Study Visa Type | Who is eligible? | When to apply? | When to arrive in the UK? |
| Student VisaIt replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa | For students aged 16 or above who are offered a course at a UK University or collegeAllows you to stay as per your course lengthProcessing time: 3 weeks | 3 months before the course starts | 1 week before if your course lasts 6 months or fewerUp to 1 month before if your course lasts more than 6 months |
| Child Student VisaIt replaced the Tier 4 (Child) student visa | Students between 4 and 17Processing time: 3 weeks | 3 months before the start of your course | Up to 1 week before if your course lasts 6 months or fewerUp to 1 month before if your course lasts more than 6 months |
| Short-term Study Visa | Students in a short-term course (for 6 to 11 months)Processing time: 3 weeks | 3 months | Depends on travel dates |
New immigration rules regarding the UK student visa
To make things easier for international students, the UK government has made some changes. The new rules are:
From 1 January 2022, free movement will end and be replaced with the UK’s new points-based immigration system.
5 October 2020, brought the ‘new points-based system’ Student route into force. There would be no limit on the number of international students who can come to the UK under the route.
Priority will be given to highly skilled individuals, such as those with scientific, academic and technology-related qualifications.
There are changes in the new post-study work (PSW) visa. The changes are:
- It will enable the students to work and live in the UK for 3 years after completing a Ph.D.
- They can stay and work for 2 years after completion of the Master’s degree.
- The government can extend the PSW limit for the Master’s degree holders from 2 years to 4 years.
The new rules are aimed at increasing the total number of international students choosing to study in the UK higher education system each year to 600,000 by 2030.
British Council highlighted that the change would have a positive impact on the number of Indian students choosing the UK as a higher education destination.
All migrants looking to enter the UK to work or study will need to apply for permission in advance.
Indian students starting a UK course in autumn will be eligible to apply even if they need to start their UK course online due to COVID-19.
Conclusion
We hope that this blog helped you with what you were looking for.
Let’s take a quick look at the main UK study Visa Requirements in 2022:
- A valid passport (original)
- A passport-sized photograph meeting requirements
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Offer from an Educational Institution
- Proficiency in the English Language
- Proof of Financial ability
- Evidence of Qualifications
- Tuberculosis Test Results
- Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
With the UK’s new point-based immigration in place, there is a lot of confusion among applicants who wish to study in the UK but aren’t familiar with the new process yet.