New guidance has now been published regarding UK immigration under the Tier 4 student visa route.
The UK Border Agency (UKBA) launched a discussion paper regarding the proposed changes to criteria for Highly Trusted Sponsors this category. Now, the government body has published the confirmed changes after taking on board advice and guidance from organisations within the education sector.
Among the new guidelines is information regarding changes to Tier 4 sponsor ratings, which will be divided into 'A' rating and Highly Trusted in the future. The rating given to an educational institution will depend on how trustworthy they are deemed to be in regards to their management of overseas students.
The latest information will also provide updates on what will happen to existing Tier 4 sponsors who do not apply for the status or who fail their application, as well as details regarding transitional arrangements for sponsors who are not already highly trusted.
Updating the Highly Trusted Sponsor criteria is one part of a general crackdown on UK immigration by the coalition government. It is hoped that the changes will tackle abuse within the immigration system and “bring net migration down to sustainable levels”.
“The changes to the student visa system will create a system where every student coming to the UK attends a legitimate course at a legitimate institution,” the UKBA stated. “We are also reforming the work route, and change is being planned for the settlement and family routes.”