UK Visa System – New Rules

UK Visa System – New Rules
A new system for UK visas is now in place. The system is run by the British Government immigration Department called the UK Border agency.
If you want to come to the UK in order to do a short course of study during your visit, you can apply to do so as a student visitor. The period when you intend to be in the UK must not exceed six months.

Student Visitor Visa Information

Main points for SVV

• for non-EU students
• course must be less than 6 months
• not covered by the Points Based System
• no need for a CAS number
• students are not allowed to work with an SVV
• students are not allowed to undertake work placements
• no dependents or family members allowed to accompany student
• no extensions at the end of visa

All respectable Language Schools and Boarding Schools in the UK now have Sponsor License and will help their students to secure the correct visa for study.

If your are coming to England to study for less than 6 months you will need a Student Visitor Visa (SVV) and to get this you will need a letter of enrollment plus a visa support letter from the School you are going to attend.

From 22 February 2010, visa letters for Tier 4 General Student and Child Student visa applications is no longer valid. Students will need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter to complete their visa application.

General Student Visa Information

Main points for GSV

• for non-EU students
• course must last 6 months or more
• covered by the Points Based System
• students must obtain a CAS number from a registered sponsor
• visa letters are not acceptable any more
• full fees must be paid before CAS can be issued
• GSV holders may be permitted to enter with family
• holders must attend a minimum of 80% of their course – many schools demand 100%
• at present the minimum English level is Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Level A2 soon to raise to B1
• Boarding Schools and Language Schools can assist with testing to ensure applicants are at the correct level