You have probably heard that we have made changes to the rules for those wishing to study in the UK. The changes are designed to ensure that those coming as students do so primarily to study and not to work, are suitably qualified to do so, and protected from the activities of some fraudulent colleges.
We continue to welcome all Indian students who wish to study at UK education institutions and meet the new criteria. The new visa rules are in place to support them.
The reforms have been introduced gradually in 2011 and 2012. The last set of changes was introduced on April 6. This included a change to the arrangements under which many international students may remain in the UK and work after their studies.
We understand that for many Indian students being able to work in the UK after they graduate is central to their ability to finance their studies there. And we want talented Indians working in our country.
So, whilst we no longer have the Tier 1 poststudy work visa, we continue to have arrangements under Tier 2 of the points based system whereby students who graduate from a UK university will be able to take up graduate level jobs in the UK with registered companies paying a minimum of £20,000 a year, and work for three years, with the possibility to extend this for a further three years. These jobs do not form part of the annual limit on Tier 2 visas, nor are they subject to the usual resident labour market test. For further information about applying for a visa under Tier 2, please refer to the current published guidance on the UK Border Agency's website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visasimmigration /working/tier2/general In addition, we have introduced a brand new visa for graduate entrepreneurs. This will allow students who have world class innovative ideas to stay in the UK and develop their business. There are up to 1,000 places this year. Further details are available at: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visasimmigration /working/tier1/graduate-entrepreneur Finally, as a degree level student at a university, your ability to work during your studies remains unchanged. You may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time in the holidays. Please take time to read the Tier 4 guidance carefully so that you understand what is required when you come to make your student visa application. Do not rely on rumours. Please apply for your visa in good time, fill out the application forms fully and honestly - you now need to do this online at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk and submit the correct documents. If you do this, the visa process should be straightforward.
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