Changes in the rules governing student visas Tier 4 of 12 November 2015

In July 2015 the UK government has announced another upcoming stage of the reform of the Tier 4 Points Based System, which allows foreign students to obtain a visa to study in the UK. Was recently published the most recent information regarding changes in the rules governing the stay in the country for students intending to study in UK.

The main changes are:

1. The decrease in the maximum period of training in the UK programme, degree qualifications below level NQF 6 (A-levels and Foundation), from 3 years to 2 years

The change came into force on 12 November 2015 and has the following consequences for students:

• Students enrolled in programs of education with a degree qualification below NQF 6 (A-levels and Foundation) will be able to study in the UK not more than 2 years, if they have a Tier 4 visa (General).
• Students with a Tier 4 visa (Child), these changes do not affect until then, until they reach the age of 18, after which the time of stay in the country on a visa starts to count and is limited to a maximum term.
• The time of stay in the country for students aged 16 and 17 years old with a visa Tier 4 (General), not counted in the maximum time by which to study in UK.

2. The increase of standards on the amount of cash necessary for living in the country and training for students applying for a visa Tier 4 (General)

The change came into force on 12 November 2015.

Students are required to provide evidence that they have funds in the amount needed to pay for training and cover the costs associated with living in the UK for the period up to 9 months stay in the country. Ratios are calculated on the basis of the following parameters:

3. Any student having a visa Tier 4 (General) and wants to extend it without leaving the UK will no longer be able to refer to the status of "Established Presence" (there is an experience of stay in UK)

The change came into force on 12 November 2015 and has the following consequences for students:

• The change affects all students who are studying in UK and planning to apply for a visa Tier 4 (General) for admission to the new education programme without leaving the country. They are required to provide evidence that they have sufficient funds to stay in the country for the period up to 9 months.
• The status of "Established Presence" previously allowed students who have already studied before in UK at least 6 months and wanted to continue his studies and obtain a Tier 4 visa, providing evidence of funds for accommodation in the country only for a period of 2 months.

4. Requirements for passing exam IELTS (test of English proficiency for visa Tier 4)

According to the rules established by the UKVI, to apply for a Tier 4 visa for education in UK programme level of qualification below NQF 5 (A-levels, Foundation), are required to take the IELTS UKVI.

For admission to the educational programs of qualification NQF level 6 (Graduate Diploma, first degree, master's degree) allowed the passage of the test of English as a foreign language in other examination systems, including standard IELTS Academic and PTE Pearson.