The UK has always been a top pick for international students who are looking to further carry on their higher studies.In that case, student visas are important for making this happen.But here's the thing - these visa rules keep changing.So, if you're thinking about studying in the UK or you're already there, you need to know about these changes.They can make a big difference in how your application goes and how well you follow the rules while you're there.Therefore, let's dive into what's new with UK student visa requirements and what you really need to know.
Key Changes to UK Student Visa Requirements
The UK has just rolled out a new points-based system for immigration.It's a big deal for international students.They're trying to attract talented people from all over while keeping the track amount of immigration numbers.One of the coolest new things is the Graduate route.This makes studying in the UK even more appealing, especially if you want to get some work experience after you graduate.
Financial Requirements
How much you need to show as a support for yourself during your studies has been changed.It depends on where you're studying and for how long.They've also changed what counts as proof of funds.Therefore, make sure to check the official UK government website for the latest information so you don't miss anything.
English Language Proficiency
To get a UK student visa, you still need to prove that you can effectively speak English.The list of English tests they accept hasn't changed much, but the scores you need might have.As we cannot mention a specific score, double-check what scores you need for your specific course and school, as it can be different for each.
Course Level and Institution Requirements
The UK is now focusing more on higher education courses.This means some lower-level courses might not qualify for student visas anymore.Also, make sure your school is on the approved list.Which means, you need an offer from a school with a valid sponsor license to be eligible for a student visa.
Duration of Stay
The UK government has made some big changes on how long you can study on different types of courses.These changes gives out international students more options and flexibility during their time in the UK.For undergraduate degrees, you can now study for up to five years instead of four.This is great if you want to complete a longer program or add a year of industry experience.On the other hand, if you're doing a Master's degree, you have the opportunity to stay for up to three years.This is helpful for longer programs or if your studies involve a lot of research.Also, PhD students can potentially stay for up to eight years, depending on what their research project needs.One of the best new things is the Graduate route.This lets you to stay in the UK for two years after you finish your degree (or three years if you did a PhD) to get some work experience.It's a great way to boost your job prospects and explore career options in the UK.The nice thing about the Graduate route is that you don't need an employer to sponsor you.You can work in different jobs or even start your own business.Therefore, this extra time in the UK can help you to move towards other long-term work visas or even settle in the UK forever.
Updates on the Application Process
The UK has also made some major improvements on how you can apply for a visa.They have made some changes to the online application system to make it much more easier to use.Which means, it has clearer instructions that lets you track your progress, and you can save your application and come back to it later.This makes the whole process less stressful.One of the biggest changes is how they collect biometric information (those include your fingerprints and photos).Before, everyone had to go to a visa application center in person.Now, many people can use a smartphone app called "UK Immigration: ID Check" to do this from home.By using this app, you can scan your passport and take a photo of yourself.Right now, this app works for many EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, and some non-EU people with biometric passports.However, if you still need to go to a visa application centre, they've made that easier too.There are more appointment times available and you don't have to wait as long as you did.The UK has also started offering priority and super-priority services in many countries.This means you can pay extra to get your application processed much more faster.Which can be really helpful if you're in a hurry or if you got your acceptance offer late.They've also gotten better at keeping in touch during the application process.You'll get easy to follow updates about how your application is processing right now, and there's a new online chat system where you can ask visa related questions if you need any help.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Pay attention to key dates for these new visa requirements.There are application deadlines, starting dates for new policies, and special arrangements for students who are already in the UK.Knowing these dates will help you to plan your application or make any changes that you need to do to your current visa.
Resources and Support
Figuring out all these changes can be tricky, but there's help that you can get.The UK government website has the most up-to-date info on visa requirements.Many universities or colleges also offer support services for international students, including visa issues.Which is pretty amazing if you think about it.Contact TEVS a leading UK student visa consultants in Sri Lanka for more information.
