Southall , UK, March 31, 2009
Sant Ahuja
Britain on Tuesday introduced a new visa regime for Indian and
other students of non-European Union countries to prevent fraud
and to provide for more stringent immigration checks.
Home secretary Jacqui Smith said the new arrangements as part
of Tier 4 of the points based system will make the visa process
simpler, more objective and more transparent for applicants and
prevent abuse of the immigration system.
From Tuesday, all British education providers (schools, colleges,
universities) who recruit international students need to be registered
with the UK Border Agency.
More than 2,100 universities, independent schools and colleges
have applied to be licensed sponsors. The institutions are responsible
for ensuring that international students comply with the conditions
of their visas while they are in the UK.
Before a student makes a visa application, he needs to ensure
that he has an unconditional offer of a study place from a licensed
education provider.
The student also needs to show that he has sufficient funds to
cover course fees and living costs during his studies. The student
will be issued with a visa for study at a particular institution,
and for the full duration of his course if degree level or above.
(RB-31/03)
