LATEST NEWS

07 November 2011 – (New policy guidance on the marriage visa age of 21)

The UK Border Agency has issued new policy guidance following the judgment of the Supreme Court in the case of Quila and Bibi Versus Secretary of State for the Home Department [2011] UKSC 45.

This case challenged the requirement under paragraph 277 of the Immigration Rules for both foreign spouses and their sponsors in the UK to meet a minimum age of 21 before the foreign spouse could be granted a visa to enter or remain as a spouse or partner. Paragraph 277 (along with other paragraphs of the Immigration Rules) was amended on 27 November 2008 to raise the minimum age from 18 to 21.

The Supreme Court has ruled that, whilst they recognised that the Secretary of State was pursuing a legitimate and rational aim of seeking to address forced marriage, the change to the rule (increasing the minimum marriage visa age from 18 to 21) disproportionately interfered with the Article 8 rights of those who were in genuine marriages.

The guidance primarily affects applicants whose applications for entry clearance or leave as a fiancé(e), proposed civil partner, spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner were refused under paragraphs 277, 289AA, or 295AA of the Immigration Rules solely because they or their sponsor were aged between 18 and 20 and whose application was refused on that basis between 27 November 2008 and October 2011. This applies to applications made within or outside the UK. The guidance sets out how such applicants can apply for a review of the original decision to refuse a visa which might now result in a visa being issued.

Changes to the Immigration Rules have been laid in Parliament today to reinstate a minimum age of 18 for a spouse, civil partner, fiancé(e), proposed civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner and for their sponsor in order to qualify for entry clearance, leave to enter, leave to remain or a variation of leave on that basis. These rules will come into effect on 28 November 2011.

The new policy guidance explains how applicants affected by the judgment can request a review of an earlier refusal due to the age requirement by 31 May 2012. Further information on how to request a review can be found under the partners and families section, Husband, wife or civil partner,Unmarried or same-sex partner, and Fiance(e) or proposed civil partner categories.

02 November 2011 – (Changes to the student visa system - cutting abuse and raising standard)

Tough new rules and enforcement action to stop abuse of the student visa system mean that over 450 education providers will no longer be able to sponsor new international students.

In total these colleges could have brought more than 11,000 students into the UK to study each year.

New UK Border Agency regulations have significantly raised the standards education providers must meet before they can bring international students to the UK. So far, over 400 colleges have lost their right to recruit international students after they failed to sign up for the new inspection system. As well as cutting abuse, the new standards will help ensure that genuine international students receive the highest quality education.

In addition, a targeted UK Border Agency investigation into more than 100 colleges has led to 51 having their licences to recruit international students revoked. The investigation followed a spike in applications from South Asia just before the English language requirement rules were tightened. More than 4,500 of these applications to study have been refused or withdrawn as a result.

One college advertised classes even though the website said it was shut for maintenance, while another could not even produce a list of students enrolled or a timetable of classes. On inspection, others could not produce any records of student attendance, or evidence of checking student qualifications.

24 October 2011 - (List of financial institutions for Tier 4 is published)

In June 2011, we announced that we would be publishing a list of financial institutions which we consider, on the basis of experience, do not verify financial statements to our satisfaction. Today we are publishing an initial list of financial institutions that fall under this category.

We will use the list when verifying maintenance funds under Tier 4 of the points-based system. An applicant will receive no points for maintenance if they submit documents showing that the funds are held in a financial institution on the list.

The list forms part of the reforms to the student immigration route. The change is to ensure that we can verify that student visa applicants hold the required maintenance funds to support themselves and pay for their course in the UK.

We will give a 30-day notice period from the date when a financial institution is first listed before the new rule takes effect. This will enable applicants to make the necessary financial arrangements, so that they can provide financial documentation which meets the new requirements.

The list will be kept under review, and we will make additions or deletions as appropriate.

We will continue to verify financial information from financial institutions not on the list, on a case-by-case basis. We may refuse applications on the basis of these individual checks.

You can find the list, and details of the criteria UKBA use to assess financial institutions, by following the link at the right side of this page.

20 October 2011 – (Increase in fees for passport courier service in India)

The fees for our passport courier service have been revised. They will come into effect from Thursday 20 October 2011.

The new fees will be Rs. 250/-.

The fees for other services remain the same.

18 October 2011 – (Reduction in jobs available to migrants)

Specialist jobs that are no longer required in the UK will be removed from a government-approved list that helps to ensure the UK only accepts migrant workers that the country needs.

The shortage occupation is part of the Tier 2 immigration route via the Points Based System. Highly skilled migrants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) seeking to work in the UK must apply for visas via this route.

The government today accepted recommendations from the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) that will see the number of jobs covered by the list drop by 40,000, bringing the total down from 230,000 to 190,000. Only a minority of these jobs will be filled by migrant workers.

The MAC recommended the changes where evidence from a range of industries and sectors showed resident workers are available to fill the vacancies.

17 October 2011 - (Follow the UK Border Agency in India on Facebook)

The UK Border Agency has today published a Facebook page for its customers in India.

If you are considering visiting the UK, you are invited to 'like' the page to receive updates which might interest you.

These could include information about current processing times for applications, changes to UK immigration policy and other news.

You can use the page to ask general questions about issues relating to visas and UK immigration and customs requirements.

We are unable to discuss individual cases on Facebook, and will make alternative contact details available for this purpose.

Please give us feedback on this new service to help us ensure that it meets your needs as a customer.

09 August 2011 - Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) is now open. The Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) category of the UK's points-based system is now open for applications.

The new category is for people who are internationally recognised as world-leading or potential world-leading talent in the fields of science and the arts.

Applications under Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) must be made from abroad. You cannot apply if you are already in the UK.

To find out whether and how you can apply for a Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) visa, see the Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) section of UKBA website. 

20 July 2011 - UK opens its doors to exceptionally talented migrants. The government has today announced the way that it will encourage exceptionally talented leaders in the fields of science, humanities, engineering and the arts to come to the UK.

The new Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) category will open on 9 August 2011. This new category will facilitate not only those who have already been recognised but also those with the potential to be recognised as leaders in their respective fields. There is a limit of 1,000 places in the first year of operation. There will be 500 places available between the 9 August and 30 November and a further 500 places available from the 1 December to 31 March 2012. The number of places will be reviewed at the end of March 2012.

Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) will be overseen by world-renowned 'competent bodies', which will advise the UK Border Agency on these 'exceptionally talented' migrants to ensure that they are the brightest and best in their field:

the Royal Society, a fellowship of the world's most eminent scientists, will be able to nominate up to 300 places;

Arts Council England, the national development agency for the arts, will also be able to nominate up to 300 places;

the Royal Academy of Engineering, Britain’s national academy for engineering, will have up to 200 places to nominate; and

the British Academy, the national academy for the humanities and social sciences will be able to nominate up to 200 places.

13 July 2011 - Government launches consultation on family migration. The government has today announced proposals to crack down on sham and forced marriages, as part of a new consultation on better family migration.

The consultation also seeks to ensure that family migrants can integrate into society, and opens up debate on Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights and the circumstances where the public interest in removing someone from the UK should outweigh the right to respect for family life. Immigration minister Damian Green said:

'This consultation is about better family migration - better for migrants, communities, and the UK as a whole. 'We welcome those who want to make a life here with their family, but too often in the past the family route has been abused as a means to bypass our immigration laws.

'That includes too many times when we have seen Article 8 used to place the rights of criminals and illegal migrants above the rights of the British public. That balance must be redressed where there is a clear public interest in removing someone from the UK.

'Our message is clear - we will not tolerate abuses. And if you cannot support your foreign spouse or partner, you cannot expect the taxpayer to do it for you.'

The consultation focuses on stopping abuse, promoting integration and reducing burdens on the taxpayer. Its key proposals include: defining more clearly what constitutes a genuine and continuing marriage, to help identify sham and forced marriages; introducing a new minimum income threshold for sponsors of partners and dependants, to ensure that family migrants are adequately supported as a basis for integration - the independent Migration Advisory Committee has been asked to advise on what the threshold should be;

extending the probationary period before partners can apply for settlement in the UK from 2 years to 5 years, to test that relationships are genuine and to encourage integration into British life;

requiring partners and adult dependants aged under 65 to demonstrate that they can understand everyday English (B1 level on the Common European Framework for Languages) when they apply for settlement;

exploring the case for making 'sham' a lawful impediment to marriage in England and Wales, and for giving the authorities the power to delay a marriage where sham is suspected;

working closely with local authorities to ensure that vulnerable people are not forced into marriage; and

reviewing the full right of appeal for family visitor visas, and inviting views on whether there are circumstances (beyond race discrimination and human rights grounds) in which an appeal right should be retained.

In 2010, 48,900 visas were granted to people on the family route. Of these, 40,500 were granted on the basis of a marriage or civil or other partnership, and 8,400 were granted to other dependants.

At present, anyone who is refused a family visitor visa has the right of appeal. In 2009/10, these appeals - which were often based on new information which should have been submitted with the original application - made up approximately 40 per cent of all immigration appeals and cost around £40 million.

To reduce the financial burden on the taxpayer, and deliver an appropriate system for applicants, the government is reviewing this right of appeal. Appeals based on grounds of race discrimination and the European Convention on Human Rights will continue to be allowed, but the government is inviting views on whether an appeal right should be retained for family visitor visas in other circumstances.

To read the consultation document and take part in the family migration consultation, see the Consultations section of UKBA website.

The consultation was announced by Damian Green this morning in a written ministerial statement, which you can download from the UKBA website.

The consultation is part of the government's major overhaul of the immigration system. It follows the changes that have already been made to the work and study routes, and the ongoing consultation on settlement rights. 

08 July 2011 - Changes to the list of English language tests and providers. On 6 April we published a new list of approved English language test providers for applications made under Tiers 1, 2 and 4 of the points-based system and for spouse or partner applications. Today, we have made some changes to this list.

The updated list includes: new acceptable test certificates for business language testing service (BULATS); clarification that we accept the test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL) ibt test (internet-based test); and new test scores for tests conducted by Pearson.

You can download the revised list from the right side of this page. When you make an application in an immigration category that requires you to demonstrate your English language ability, you must show that you have passed an appropriate test on the list.

04 July 2011 - Changes to student visa rules are now in force.
Significant changes to the Tier 4 student route of the points-based system have come into effect today. We have revised the Immigration Rules relating to Tier 4 in order to:
restrict work entitlements, by only allowing students sponsored by higher education institutions (HEIs) and publicly funded further education colleges to work part-time during term time and full-time during vacations;

restrict sponsorship of dependants to those of students sponsored by HEIs on postgraduate courses lasting 12 months or longer, and of government-sponsored students on courses lasting longer than 6 months;
 

require institutions to confirm that courses represent genuine academic progression from any previous courses studied by the student in the UK; and

create a streamlined application process for low-risk nationals sponsored by Highly Trusted sponsors.

These changes are aimed at delivering a strong migration system which tackles immigration abuse while allowing genuine students to study at genuine colleges.

We have also revised the application forms for Tier 4 (General), Tier 4 (child) and dependants under the points-based system. The new versions of these forms should be used with immediate effect.

The changes to the Immigration Rules were laid in Parliament on 13 June. A previous news story gives full details of all the changes and associated amendments that come into force today.

The latest revisions follow the Home Secretary's statement to Parliamentabout student visas, and the publication of a statement of intent, in March.
 

9 June 2011: UK Government launches consultation on employment related settlement, Tier 5 and overseas domestic workers. The UK Government today launched a consultation on proposals to break the link between temporary employment-related migration and settlement, as well as reforms to Tier 5, and overseas domestic worker routes. For further details please see the UK Border Agency website.

18 May 2011: No change to Immigration requirements for getting married or registering a civil partnership in the UK. On 9 May the UK Government abolished the requirement to obtain a certificate of approval before marrying in the UK. This means that those subject to immigration control no longer need to show that certificate or their entry clearance when they give notice to marry in the UK. whilst notice to marry requirements have changed, Immigration entry requirements for the purpose of marrying or registering a civil partnership in the UK are unchanged by the ending of the certificate of approval scheme. For further details, please visit the UK Border Agency website.

16 May 2011: Reminder to customers about the processing times. Currently processing times for UK visitor visas are longer than usual, though most are within the customer service target of 15 working days.

As a general guide, customers need to allow at least 2 weeks if they have travelled to the UK in the last 5 years. Otherwise customers should allow one month for their visas to be processed. Please see for further information. 

Customers may apply for their visas up to 3 months in advance of their intended travel date. The UK Border Agency is processing applications as quickly as possible and working to reduce the processing times.

12 May 2011: New list of English language providers - Transitional arrangements. On 6 April 2011 the UK Border Agency published a new list of English language test providers. For Tiers 1 and 2 of the Points Based System, tests that have been booked or taken with the existing list of providers can be used in applications as long as they are received by the UK Border Agency on or before 17 May 2011. From 18 May 2011 only tests taken with providers on the new list can be used for Tier 1 and 2 visa applications. For spouse or partner visa applications, you may use a test with an existing provider in an application received on or before the 17 July 2011. From 18 July 2011 all spouse or partner visa applications must be submitted with evidence from a provider on the new list. For further details please visit the UK Border Agency website. 

20 April 2011: Important: New English Language requirements for Tier 4 (General) Student Visas. The following English Language requirements apply to students whose Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is dated from 21 April 2011 onwards: 

If you are applying for a Tier4 (General) visa to study a course below degree level (at NQF level 3-5), including English as a foreign language, foundation or pre-sessional courses, you will require a Secure English Language Test at B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

If you are applying to study at degree level and above you require a minimum English language level at B2 on the CEFR. If your sponsor is a Higher Education Institution (HEI), the sponsor may choose its own method of assessing your English language ability but if your sponsor is another type of institution you will require a Secure English Language Test to prove your B2 language ability. HEI´s are typically universities and other publicly funded further education colleges. Where HEI sponsors consider a student to be gifted, the English language requirement may be waived for that student.

Please visit the UK Border Agency website for further details and information on English language requirements, exemptions and Secure English Language Test providers.

19 April 2011: UK Border Agency Issues New Guide for UK Visa Holders. The UK Border Agency has launched an updated guide - Your Stay in the UK- for travellers to the UK. Your Stay in the UK contains information about the UK visa and what it permits UK visa holders to do whilst they are in the UK. It also has a section containing information on UK regulations around illegal working, banned foods and other restricted goods. It is intended to help travellers to the UK enjoy a trouble free arrival and stay in the UK. The Your Stay in the UK guide can be downloaded from the UK Border Agency website.

19 April 2011: New list of English language providers to be mandatory from 18 May. On 6 April 2011 the UK Border Agency published a new list of English language test providers for points-based system Tiers 1 and 2, and partner visa applications. From 18 May 2011, only tests taken from providers from the new list will be accepted. Transitional arrangements have been put in place for applicants who may have recently taken, or booked, a test with a provider from the old list. For further details please visit the UK Border Agency website. 
 

6 April 2011: Tier 1 and 2 changes come into effect. Today new Tier 1 and 2 rules are introduced. On 23 November 2010 the UK Government announced plans to reform Tiers 1 and 2 of the points-based system. This included introducing a Tier 2 limit, a new exceptional talent category, limited to 1,000 visas in 2011/12, and making changes to the investor and entrepreneur routes. The government subsequently published a statement of intent on Tier 1 and Tier 2, explaining how these plans would be implemented. 
 

5 April 2011: Important: new visa application fees begin tomorrow. The visa application fee increases announced on 28 Feb 2011 will take effect tomorrow (6 April). We will be updating all country fee pages to reflect this. Any payments made after 00:01 (UK time) on 6 April 2011, either online or by using any other acceptable payment method, should be paid using the revised fees given on the country fee page.
 

31 March 2011: Changes to the student visa system- further details published. On 23 March the UK Government announced its proposed changes to the student visa policy. These changes will be introduced over a period of time in order to allow overseas students and the UK education sector time to adjust. The first round of changes will come into effect on 21 April 2011, with further changes taking effect in summer 2011 and in April 2012.  For further information please see the full news report on the UK Border Agency website.

23 March 2011: The UK government announce changes to the student visa system. In December 2010, the UK Government launched a consultation on the improvement of the student immigration system. They announced on the 22 March, major changes to the student visa system based on the results of the consultation. For details of these changes please visit the UK Border Agency.

22 March 2011: New visa rules for Entrepreneurs and Investors. The UK Government recently announced new visa rules for Entrepreneurs and Investors. Under the new rules, those who come to the UK and invest large sums of money will be given the right to settle permanently in the UK faster.  Entrepreneurs will also be able to settle in the UK more quickly if they create ten jobs or a financial turnover of £5 million (GBP) in a three year period. It was also announced on the 16 March, that a new visit visa will be created for prospective entrepreneurs. Further details will be released when this visa is available. The UK Government has also published a statement of intent outlining how the new ‘exceptional talent’ route under Tier 1 of the Points-based system will operate from April this year. For further information and to view the statement of intent please see the full news report on the UK Border Agency website. 

28 February 2011: Important: Visa application fee changes on 6 April 2011. From 6 April 2011 the visa application fees for certain visa categories will increase. These include for long term visits, settlement and some points-based system categories, including Tiers 1, 2 and 4. You should bear this in mind if you want to submit your visa application on or after 6 April 2011. For further information please see the UK Border Agency website.
 

20 January 2011: The UK Border Agency introduces a new Fast Track Visa Service in India. From today, customers who are applying for a UK visitor visa can request a new Fast Track service. For an additional fee of Rs 4320, the UK Border Agency will process the application and return the documents within guaranteed timescales. For further information about this new service, including eligibility criteria, please refer to the Additional services page. 

23 December 2010: The UK Border Agency has today (23 December 2010) stopped accepting visa applications for Tier 1 (General). The UK Border Agency has stopped accepting Tier 1 (General) applications made overseas from 00.01 GMT on 23 December 2010. For further information please visit the UK Border Agency website.

18 December 2010: The online visa application system will be temporarily unavailable on Thursday 23 December. The UK Border Agency online visa application system will be unavailable between 00:01 GMT until 12:00 GMT on Thursday 23 December for maintenance work. You will not be able to apply online, or access your visa application, during this time. If you have booked an appointment using the online visa application system  for the 23 December you will need to print off your appointment confirmation and a copy of your visa application before this date. If you require urgent travel to the UK, for example to attend a funeral or for urgent medical treatment, you should contact your nearest UK Border Agency office. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

15 December 2010: Introduction of online applications for Tier 2 of the Points Based System. From Monday 20 December, UK visa customers who apply for a visa under Tier 2 of the points based system, including dependants, will be required to complete their visa application forms online. There will be dedicated submission desks for online applications at the visa application centres. To make an on line application go to: www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/applyonline/

7 December: The UK government launches consultation on student visas. The UK government today (7 December) launched a public consultation of the student visa route to the UK. For further details on the proposals and information on how to respond to the consultation please visit the UK Border Agency website.

7 December 2010: The limit for Tier 1 (General) visa applications has now been reached for December 2010. No further visas for Tier 1 (General) applications will be issued in December. You can still submit your Tier 1 (General) visa application during this closure period, but if your application qualifies against the rules you will not receive your visa until we begin issuing again. For further information please see the UK Border Agency website.

29 November 2010: The UK Government sets first annual limit for non-European workers. The UK Government announced on the 23 November a package of measures to limit the number of people from outside Europe who can travel to the UK and work. The UK Government will also be consulting shortly on future arrangements for Tier 4 student visas. For further information, please visit the UK Border Agency website.

29 November 2010: Spouses require an English language test from today. From today (29 November), any migrant who wants to enter or remain in the UK as the partner of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK needs to take an English language test with one of our approved test providers. Further guidance and a full list of test providers is available on the UK Border Agency website.

19 November 2010: Non- European spouses will require an English language test from 29 November. From 29 November, non-European migrants who want to enter or remain in the UK as the partner of a British Citizen or a person settled in the UK will need to take an English Language test with one of our approved test providers. Further guidance and a full list of test providers is available on the UK Border Agency website.

19 November 2010: Important: visa application fee changes on 22 November 2010. The visa application fees given on country fee pages will be updated on 22 November 2010. As part of this review, visa application fees for long term visit visas, points-based system Tier 1 and 2, settlement (excluding other dependent relative), and other visas will increase. You should bear this in mind if you want to submit your visa application on or after 22 November 2010. Payments made after 00:01 (UK time) on 22 November, either online or by using any other acceptable payment method,should be paid using fees given on the country fee page.

11 November 2010: Tier 4 appointments at the visa application centres. As from today customers may make a Tier 4 appointment irrespective of their course start date. Please see the "schedule an appointment" page for further information. 

28 October 2010: List of approved providers published for English language testing for partners. The UK government announced plans In June 2010 to introduce compulsory English language tests for all non-European migrants applying to come to the UK to join or marry their settled partner. The UK Border Agency has published a list of approved test providers. For further information on these changes and to view the list of approved providers please see the question and answers document on the UK Border Agency website.

28 October 2010: Secure English language testing comes into effect for student Tier 4 (General) visa applicants. Mandatory secure English language testing came into effect on the 12 August 2010 for student Tier 4 (General) visa applicants wishing to study a course below degree level (excluding foundation degrees). Students applying for these courses will need to demonstrate, through an approved test, that they have the required level of English language competence to apply to study in the UK. The requirement to take a test will not apply to English language courses. For further information please visit the UK Border Agency website.

6 October 2010: Student visa appointment information. Customers who need to book student visa appointments at the visa application centres in India are advised that appointments may now be booked for courses starting on or before 31 December 2010.

29 September 2010: Important visa application fee changes on 1 October 2010. The visa application fees given on this website will be updated on 1 October 2010 as part of a visa fee review. Some visa application fees will change and you should bear this in mind if you want to submit your visa application on or after 1 October. Payments made after 00:01 (UK time) on 1 October, either online or by using any other acceptable payment method, should be paid using fees given on this website.

13 September 2010: Increase in visa application fees from 1 October. On 9 September, the British government announced proposals to increase visa application fees from 1 October 2010. The visa application types include: short term visits including student visitors, points-based system Tier 1 (Post-study work), Tier 4 and student dependants, Tier 5, certificate of entitlement and vignette transfers. For further information, please visit the UK Border Agency website.

26 August 2010: Tier 4 student visas - financial maintenance requirements - important reminder. Tier 4 student visa applicants are reminded that their visa application must fully meet the financial maintenance evidence requirements otherwise it will be refused. Read our guide to financial maintenance requirements for Tier 4 students and visit the UK Border Agency website for more details. 

20 August 2010: VFS call centre number to change. With effect from 23 August 2010 the VFS telephone enquiry number will change to (040) 66305600. Customers may also use the existing number: (080) 40084008 until 31 August 2010. 

19 August 2010: British council online survey. Interested in studying for an international qualification? Join the largest global student survey and you will have a chance to win exciting prizes! Student decision making survey is a global online survey which targets students interested in studying abroad or pursuing a foreign qualification in their home country. The survey captures information such as why students want to study overseas, what they are looking for in an institution, location and course, where they look for information. The survey should take about 15 minutes to complete. It gives international education organisations insights into what their customers are interested so they can provide better services for their customers. Good luck with your future studies and many thanks for taking part in this survey. 

17 August 2010: List of approved providers published for English language testing for partners. The UK government announced plans In June 2010 to introduce compulsory English language tests for all non-European migrants applying to come to the UK to join or marry their settled partner. Today the UK Border Agency has published a list of approved test providers. For further information on these changes and to view the list of approved providers please see the question and answers document on the UK Border Agency website. 

12 August 2010: Secure English Language Tests and further lifting of Tier 4 suspension: From today, the UK Border Agency is lifting the the remaining suspensions in North India, Nepal and Bangladesh on Tier 4 student visa applications, with the exception of English language courses.
In addition, from today all Tier 4 General (adult) students who are using a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued from this date must be assessed to English language level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference by passing a UK Border Agency-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) before applying for a Tier 4 visa. The exceptions to this requirement are:
- Students from a majority English language speaking country
- Government sponsored students 
- Students studying a Foundation Degree, Scottish HND or any course at NQF level 6 and above or SCQF
   level 10 and   above.

10 February 2010: New rules for student points-based system applications. Students who require a Tier 4 points-based system visa to study in the UK will be required to meet stricter criteria. The new regulations will ensure that students studying below degree level will have limited ability to work in the UK, and their dependants will not be able to work at all. There will also be a requirement on students to demonstrate their English language ability. For more information on the new rules, please see the full news report on the UK Border Agency website. 

10 February 2010: Visa application fees for 2010-11. The visa application fees for 2010-11, set by the British Government, were completed today. The visa application fees are shown in pounds sterling but are paid for in local currency. The new fees will come into effect on 6 April and they attract the same equivalent cost where ever you apply in the world. Please see the UK Border Agency website for more information on the 2010-11 visa application fees.

30 January 2010: New arrangements for Tier 4 student visa appointments at the visa application centres: from Monday 1 February, customers must schedule an appointment before attending visa application centres in India to submit a Tier 4 student visa application. These new arrangements apply to all visa application centres except centres in North India in which there is a temporary suspension on Tier 4 student visa applications. Please note that applicants currently require a valid visa letter and their course must start on or before 15 March 2010 in order to make an appointment. The appointment must be requested by email and cannot be made by attending the visa application centre. Please see schedule an appointment for detailed guidance on how to make an appointment and the information that needs to be provided.

27 January 2010: Changes to student visa applications from next month: From 22 February 2010 all students who apply to study in the UK under Tier 4 of the points-based system must possess a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from their sponsor. You will not be able to apply under Tier 4 using a visa letter from that date, even if the visa letter was issued before 22 February 2010. Until 21 February 2010, you can continue to apply under Tier 4 using a visa letter, even if your course of study will start after 22 February 2010. Please see the UK Border Agency website about studying in the UK for more information.