Changes in UK Visa regime

United Kingdom, January 27: A few changes have been introduced in the UK student visa regime that will come into effect from the month of February, 2010.

• Bank statement---
The first thing that needs consideration is the bank statements required to be shown by the students applying for UK visa. Earlier, the applicants for a UK student visa just had to show bank statements stating the amount of money required for maintenance costs while studying in the UK. However, from 1st February, 2010 onwards, the applicants for UK study visa will be required to show that the money required for maintenance has been in their bank account for a period not less than 28 days before the date of submitting the application for such visa. 

• Sponsorship---
As compared to the earlier times when an applicant needed to have a financial sponsor (third party), now, the applicant for a UK visa will need a sponsorship either from a government of the home country or the UK government, the British Council or any international company, an international organization, university, independent school, or your legal guardian or your parent (subject to confirmation of the relationship). 

• Child student---
Those in the age group between 4 years to 17 years from countries other than the European Economic Area will be eligible to apply for entering the UK for a total period of up to six months either on an educational or an exchange visit to an independent fee-paying school, an independent non fee-paying school, a state maintained school or a non-maintained special school from 1st January, 2010 onwards. 

However, for all applicants belonging to countries whose citizens need a visa to enter into the UK, the requirement of visa will be there. 

• Possession of Visa letter
All students making applications for extension of their visa will not be required to possess a physical Visa Letter. 

From 22nd February, 2010 onwards, they will require to have a unique reference number, also known as CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Study), to be submitted along with their applications. Such unique reference number will be issued by the prospective institute providing sponsorship to the students. 

However, for those applying before 22nd February, 2010 can apply under Tier 4 by using their visa letter although their study may begin after 22nd February, 2010.