UK: Now, stricter rules for students' visa

Britain on Thursday introduced stricter visa rules for foreign students, including those from India, under which those applying must hold the required funds in their own or their parents' bank account for a minimum period of 28 days prior to making the application.

The third phase of stricter rules for foreign students under the tier4 of the points-based system will come into force from today. According to the UK Border Agency, foreign students need to prove that they have unconditional offer of a seat at a licensed college, university or school under the new visa requirements introduced from March this year.

The students also need to show all details and evidence provided to educational institution to secure admission. The students need to prove that they can financially support themselves and their dependants for at least nine months.

From October 5, a voluntary trial period for the sponsorship management system under Tier 4 will start. The students should also prove that they can financially support themselves and their dependants for at least nine months.

The end of the 28 day period must not be more than one month before the date of the visa application. Applicants must show bank statements or other evidence specified in the official Tier 4 guidance, the agency said.

From February 2010, the use of the sponsorship management system will become mandatory.

However, between October 5 and February, confirmations of acceptance for studies in the UK can still be issued through the current system of visa letters, the agency said.

The idea is that sponsors will gradually begin to use the management system, alongside the old system, over the coming four months.

From the 'go live' date, the confirmation of acceptance to study in a UK education institution can be issued through a visa letter or through the sponsorship management system, or through a combination of them both.

The system is usable for international students applying for UK student visas from within the UK, the agency said.

Those applying to come and study in the UK from abroad are required to continue to make their visa application with a visa letter until February 2010.