Changes to the UK Visitor Visa and Student Visa routes
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) recently made changes to the immigration rules for UK visitor visas and student visas. This article will highlight some of the new immigration rules and explain how applicants will be affected.
Study in the UK as a visitor
Currently people in the UK on visitor visas can only study for up to 30 days. From 1st December 2020 visitors will be allowed to study in the UK for up to six months. The cost of a standard visit visa is only £95- which is great value and a competitive price compared to other European countries. This is a great opportunity to study summer or winter course courses offered by universities all over the UK.
It will be easier to study on a visitor visa compared to a student visa, because visitor visa applicants are not required to have a place on a course before they arrive. However, applicants must still show they have enough money to cover their costs during their visit and their place of study must be an accredited institution.
New short-term student visa
From 1st December 2020, UKVI are introducing a new short-term student visa route which is for people aged 16 years old and above to study an English Language Course in the UK. The course duration must be between 6 to 11 months. The Immigration Rules only allow the visa holder to study an English Language Course, no other subject can be studied under this route.
For a successful application for a short-term student visa, you must demonstrate a genuine intention to study the short course that you have enrolled for. There are various ways you can meet this requirement:
- By demonstrating how the proposed course is in line with your previous studies;
- By demonstrating how the proposed course furthers your career;
- Your academic background
It is very important to demonstrate sufficiency of funds for travel, payment of fees and accommodation. The requirement of genuine intention can be challenging to establish to convince the visa officer, as such, the assistance of a good lawyer immigration lawyer is important.
The short-term student visa is a simple visa giving you a wonderful chance to visit the UK, which can further your career and also open future options for long-term study. However, this simple visa does require some good legwork to avoid refusals. Here are your top 3 reasons for refusal:
# Missing or Incorrect Documents:
Across board, missing documents is the most common reason for visa refusals is missing or incorrect documents. All documents must be original and in English and non-English documents like your academic transcripts etc., must be translated by a certified translator.
# Financial Requirements:
You should show that you have sufficient funds to pay the course fees, any extra study material, your accommodation and other living expenses. Failing to show adequate financial resources is a very common reason for visa refusal.
# The Genuine Student Test:
The genuine intention to study is the lynchpin of the short study visa application. Demonstrating that you have a genuine intention of study can be achieved through a collation of various kinds of evidence. It might be the case that you may be invited for a genuine student interview where the interviewing immigration officer will decide if you are seeking entry as a genuine student or otherwise.
With a careful collation of correct and requisite documents, you can secure a short-term student visa and take the opportunity to tour and study in the UK.
If you need a UK immigration lawyer and need assistance with any aspect of UK immigration law whether from inside the UK or from overseas, contact Aschfords Law in Harrow, London. We also provide legal advice and assistance in respect of Family Law, Wills & Probate, Litigation, Landlord & Tenant. Please contact us today on +44 (0) 7582932830 or visit our website on www.aschfordslaw.com