The Philippine Embassy in London reported that United Kingdom Home Affairs Minister Alan Johnson announced a number of changes to Tier 4 (Student Visa) Regulations under the UK Points-Based System of Migration (PBS) on February 10.
The initial announcement outlines broad measures resulting from a comprehensive review of the Tier 4 scheme as initially relayed by UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown in November 2009.
In the Ministerial Statement/Notes released by the UK Home Office, the UK Government announced the following modifications designed to achieve "a balanced and targeted package of measures to tackle the abuse of Tier 4 by economic migrants whilst at the same time continuing to safeguard the ability of genuine international students to come to the UK to benefit from our world class education system and bring benefit to our economy.":
- Students will only be allowed to work during the school term for 10 hours a week instead of the present 20 hours a week
- Students registered in courses of six months or less can no longer bring dependants with them to the UK
- Students' dependants are not permitted to work unless they qualify in their own right under Tier 1 (General) as a highly skilled migrant or as a skilled worker under Tier 2 (General worker, sportsperson or Minister of Religion)
The abovementioned changes will apply to adult students coming to the UK to study below degree level in the further education and English language sectors.
However, these changes will not apply to students coming to the UK for a foundation degree (broadly the equivalent of the first two years of a Bachelor's degree), courses at degree level or above, and those coming in as children at independent (private) schools.
Minister Johnson also said that the changes will come into force on March 3 and all Tier 4 applications submitted on or after this date will be subject to the new restrictions.
The Philippine Embassy in London reiterates its advice for all prospective applicants under Tier 4 to secure updated information on new regulations, procedures, and requirements from the UK Embassy in Manila.
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