A new joint report by the Higher Education Policy Institute and Kaplan International Pathways has highlighted the significant benefits of International Students to the UK economy. The research has showed that the benefits of International Students in the UK are “10 times greater than the cost”, yet the Prime Minister is still adamant for International Students to be included in the UK’s net migration figures, which the Government is intent on significantly reducing to less than 100,000.
What does the new research tell us about the benefits of International Students?
The latest research by the Higher Education Policy Institute and Kaplan International Pathways has conveyed that International Students have contributed more than £20 billion a year to the UK economy, which they found is “10 times greater than the cost”. The ‘cost’ of International Students takes into account health and social security costs, as well as their accommodation whilst in the UK. When discussing the benefits of International Students, Dianne Abbott, the Shadow Home Secretary, added that “as well as receiving all sorts of cultural benefits from International Students, over £300 a year for every UK resident is no small sum”.
In response to these latest figures, a Home Office spokesperson has said that “there is no limit to the number of genuine International Students that can come to the UK to study and we very much value the contribution that they make”. Further, the Home Office has commissioned their own Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to look at the relationship between International Students and the UK’s economic growth, which is due to be published in September 2018, although there are calls for the publication of these findings to be expedited.
What does this mean for International Students looking to study in the UK?
The Prime Minister continues to refuse to remove International Students from the Government’s target to reduce the UK’s net migration to less than 100,000 and many International Student applicants may continue to find themselves subject to Mrs May’s Hostile Environment Policy. Yet despite certain obstacles by way of the stringent visa requirements and Hostile Environment Policy, the UK is still one of the leading places for Tier 4 International Students and according to the Home Office the number of Tier 4 Student Visas has increased by 24% since 2010.
What are the requirements for International Students?
As is the case for all UK visa applications, International Students will have to satisfy the Home Office’s requirements which include:
- Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and have received an unconditional offer and Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) Reference number from an institution that holds a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence;
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they can maintain and accommodate themselves whilst they are in the UK; and
- Applicants must meet the English Language requirement.
The policy guidance and appendix provide more detail about the relevant documents and requirements, however it is advised that International Students contact our specialist Immigration Team who have a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the Immigration Rules and can help prepare the Tier 4 Student Visa application as strongly as possible to ensure that is has the greatest chance of success.
Using Legal Representation for Tier 4 International Student Visa Applications
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on the law and your Tier 4 Student visa applications. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with making a Tier 4 Student visa application. Our solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the UK Home Office Immigration Rules and requirements and meet the UK Immigration Rules for a Tier 4 Student visa application.
Caseworkers at the UK Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your Immigration & Visa application succeeds, our solicitors and barristers will ensure all specified documents must be provided. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Home Office Immigration Rules.
Successful Tier 4 International Student Visa Applications
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your prospects of submitting a Tier 4 Student visa application even reaches the UK Home Office Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of a Tier 4 Student visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
Our offices are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation to discuss a Tier 4 Student visa application.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.