The British Embassy in Beijing has recently issued a press release that details the UK’s recent decision to relax the country’s process for Chinese looking for a student visa. Students who are accepted into the “UK’s world-leading education institutions” will now enjoy an easier ride to the British island.
Under changes to the UK’s Immigration Rules, due to come into effect tomorrow, 6 July, 2018, UK Visas & Immigration is reducing documentary requirements for Tier 4 student visa applicants from China.
Until now, the Tier 4 student visa application cost £348; students can arrive in the UK up to 1 week before their course begins, if the course lasts 6 months or less, and up to 1 month before, should the course last more than 6 months.
After 6 July, 2018, Chinese students will no longer be required to provide evidence of finances, qualifications or English language ability with their application, nor will they need to apply from within China to be eligible to benefit from the new rule. It should be noted that random full application requests may still be made under the requirements of the Tier 4 visa route. However, generally speaking, most students will no longer need to meet all requirements.
China HM Ambassador, Dame Barbara Woodward, said of the new law, “The simplification of the UK visa application process for Chinese students is great news for thousands of young people starting their courses this autumn and for those considering a UK education in the years to come. International students make a significant contribution to the UK, and as Ambassador I am extremely proud that the quality of our education is continuing to attract the brightest and best from China in increasing numbers each year”.
In March, 2018, the UK issued around 89,000 Tier 4 study visas to Chinese students, a 15 percent increase on the previous 12 months. 99 percent of those who applied were successful.
Under the Tier 4 visa, students can study, work as a student union sabbatical officer, apply from inside or outside the UK, apply to extend their stay and work in most jobs, depending on the level of their course their kind of sponsor . They cannot receive public funds and work in certain jobs, for example, professional sportsperson or sports coach, or study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school).
The new law is not only applicable to Chinese students but also includes applications from a number of other countries, including the United States, Hong Kong and Malaysia.
