Home Office Vows to Dramatically Cut the Number of Tier 4 Student Visa Applications

It has been widely publicised that one of the Conservative Government’s key manifesto pledges is to significantly reduce the UK’s net migration figure to less than 100,000. Following a recent announcement, it has become apparent that one of the ways in which the Home Office intends on doing so is by significantly slashing the number of Tier 4 Student Visa applications that are granted. This is seen to be a highly controversial move by the UK Government which could also have a detrimental impact on UK business.

An Overview of the Recent Changes to Tier 4 Student Visa Applications

The UK has made stringent changes to the Tier 4 Student Visa route which came into effect on 6 April 2017. Some of the key amendments which were listed in the Statement of Changes include:

  • The definition of the working week has been revised to mean a 7 day period from Monday to Sunday, therefore during term time, Tier 4 Students will be able to work 20 hours per week during that 7 day period;
  • Loan funds for maintenance are to be paid directly to the educational institution; and
  • Rules have changed regarding overstaying – International students must return to their national country after they have completed their degree, even though getting a job in the UK could boost UK business and economy.

These changes have been viewed as tactics by the UK Government to deter overseas students from applying to UK universities which in turn will reduce the UK’s net migration figure. This crackdown has been said to be unfair for international students who wish to study in the UK.

Should Tier 4 Students be considered as Part of the UK’s Net Migration?

Tier 4 Students are not a burden on the State as they must demonstrate that they are self-sufficient and not entitled to Student Finance, which supports the argument as to why they should not be counted in the UK’s net migration figure. This standpoint has been publicly supported by the UK’s Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

Furthermore, recent figures have indicated that international students provide 170,000 UK jobs and contribute almost £11 billion to the UK’s economy. Therefore, as long as Tier 4 Student Visa Applicants meet all of the necessary requirements, cutting the number of Tier 4 Student visas that are granted will not only have an effect on the individual, but also a damaging effect on UK business and the UK job market.

However, a statement given by a Home Office spokesperson has accentuated that:

“The British people have sent a clear message that they want more control of immigration and we are committed to getting net migration down to sustainable levels in the tens of thousands”.

The Home Office consequently considers all UK visas to contribute to the UK’s net migration figure so will therefore continue to reduce the numbers of Tier 4 Student visas issued in order to meet the UK Government’s targets. Thus it is advised that you seek legal representation, such as our team of specialist immigration lawyers, in order to prepare and submit a Tier 4 Student Visa application.

Using Legal Representation to Make a Tier 4 Student Visa Application

Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit a Tier 4 Student Visa application.

Caseworkers at the 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 application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.

This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.

Successful Tier 4 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 immigration status and the merit of your visa and immigration application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your immigration and 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.

Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.

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