Tier 4 Visa Update 2020/21
The UK government has introduced new immigration rules to replace the existing rules governing student visa applications. From 5th October 2020 at 9am (BST), the new Student and Child Student routes will come into force to replace the existing Tier 4 of the Points based system.
The new routes are being introduced as part of the post Brexit shake up of the UK immigration system. They to simplify the visa application process and give flexibility in terms of documentary supporting evidence.
Importantly, from 1st January, 2021, they will also apply to applicants from European Economic Area (EEA) countries who wish to study in the UK .
The new routes will replace the existing Tier 4 (General) and Tier 4 (Child) visa categories. Existing Tier 4 visas issued before the new rules are introduced will remain valid.
The main changes are outlined below:
In-country visa switching extended
The eligibility to switch into the new Student routes has been extended to include certain existing UK long term visa holders, i.e. those already in the UK under long-term immigration routes will be able to switch into the new Student route without leaving the country. Previously, migrants had to already be in Tier 4 or Tier 2 categories in order to be eligible to apply for leave to remain in the UK.
Removal of postgraduate course study time limit
The UK government will remove the eight year limit on studying courses at postgraduate level. Student visa holders studying in postgraduate course may remain in their study and extend their visas without the restriction.
English language requirement simplified
Student and Child Student visa applicants who have passed their GCSE or A level in English may rely on this result to prove their English language ability, without the need to take any additional test or assessment. Child Students will no longer be required to have spent six months in the UK to prove their English ability. It is important to note that the GCSE or A level result cannot be used to satisfy English language requirements in other visa categories at this stage.
Malta and Ireland will be recognised as majority speaking English language speaking countries, meaning that applicants who have obtained a degree from a university in these countries may rely on the qualification to show their English language ability.
Maintenance funds simplified
Those applying to switch into or extend stay in the new Student routes will not be required to provide evidence of maintenance funds if they have already supported themselves for a year or more in the UK. They will also be able to rely on electronic bank statements (a change long overdue) and rely on a wider range of accounts.
In addition, all EEA countries and Switzerland will be included in the ‘reduced documentary evidence list’ which will allow applicants from these countries to submit their applications without the need to provide evidence of meeting the financial requirement, unless it is specially requested by the visa official.
Student dependants and Parent of Child Student
Student (previously Tier 4 (General)) visa holders may continue to bring their dependants with them while studying in the UK. Child Student (previously Tier 4 (Child)) visa holders may be accompanied by one of their parents while studying in the UK. The route will be renamed to Parent of a Child Student and the parent will need to apply for a UK visa under this route.