Further changes for Tier 4 (General) visas to come into effect
In March 2011 the UK Border Agency announced changes to the rules for Tier 4 applications. The first set of these changes were implemented in April. The next set of changes for Tier 4 will be introduced on 4 July.
The changes being introduced from this date are:
restrict work entitlements to migrants studying at higher educational institutions (HEIs) and publicly funded further education colleges only;
restrict the sponsorship of dependants to those studying at postgraduate level at HEIs on courses lasting at least 12 months, and government-sponsored students on courses lasting at least 6 months;
require education providers to vouch that a new course represents genuine academic progression;
ensure that maintenance funds are genuinely available to the applicant, by introducing a declaration on the visa application form;
commit to publish a list of financial institutions that we consider, on the basis of experience, do not verify financial statements to our satisfaction in more than 50 per cent of a sample of cases;
introduce a streamlined application process for low-risk nationals applying to attend courses with Highly Trusted Sponsors;
extend the list of courses for which students must receive ATAS clearance;
restrict the ability to deliver accountancy courses accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) to those sponsors accorded platinum or gold status by ACCA; and
clarify the position of overseas universities with campuses in the UK.
Changes to Financial Institution Requirements
One of the changes taking place will see the UK Border Agency maintain a list of financial institutions that we consider do not provide satisfactory verification checks of financial statements submitted with Tier 4 applications. The agency plans to publish this list in the coming weeks. Once on the published list we will not accept financial statements in support of Tier 4 applications from these institutions. These changes will also apply to applications from Tier 4 dependants.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to check that the financial institution holding the funds the applicant relies on to score points under Tier 4 is not one from which the UK Border Agency will not accept financial documents. We advise all applicants to check the list of financial institutions in good time before making an application.
Once published, the list of financial institutions will be reviewed and updated regularly. The UK Border Agency will give 30 days notice of any proposed additions to or deletions from the list. Applications will be considered on the basis of the list in force at the time of application is made.
