London: Britain today announced lifting
of temporary suspension on Tier 4 (General Student) Visa
applications from students in North India, nearly six months
after it stopped issuing visas in three centres in the region.
An official announcement said with immediate effect,
Child Students may apply for Tier 4 visas in North India.
On August 12, the UK Border Agency will further
lift the suspension on the remaining courses below degree,
with the exception of English language courses.
The UK Border Agency will continue to keep the
suspension of English language courses under review.
The temporary suspension of all new Tier 4
applications was implemented on February 1, 2010 in three
application centres in North India - Jalandhar, Chandigarh
and New Delhi.
The suspension was partially lifted on March 2 for
foundation degrees and degree and postgraduate courses.
A foundation degree means a programme of study which
leads to a qualification awarded by a UK higher education
institution with degree awarding powers, which is at a
minimum of level 5 on the revised National Qualifications
Framework.
The UK Border Agency will also introduce on August
12 a secure English language test requirement for Tier 4
(General Student) visas worldwide.
Applicants who are studying courses below degree
level, excluding foundation degrees and English language
courses, need to pass the English language test.
This test must be taken with a UK Border
Agency-approved provider before the applicant applies for a
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the
education sponsor.
Applicants who make Tier 4 (General Student) visa
applications to study the above courses from August 12 and
using a CAS issued from this date will need to pass the new
secure English language test.
PTI
