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What's looming for international students? New government consultation outlines latest set of proposals
Last Tuesday the Home Office released a set of policy proposals called ‘The Student Immigration System: A Consultation’, outlining potential restrictions on international students coming to the UK. Overall, the government wants to halve the level of net immigration to the UK by 2015. International students make up the highest proportion of non-EU inflows into the UK, meaning that they are now a key target for restrictions. This consultation also follows a broader series of Home Office measures aimed at ‘minimising abuse’ of the student routes.
Who would be affected by these latest proposals?
The latest Home Office consultation outlines a number of proposals that would both reduce the number of students coming to the UK, and make it more difficult for students to work during and after their studies here. As such, a number of the proposed measures could potentially affect all international students coming to the UK under Tier 4.
In particular, however, the proposed measures would affect those students judged by the government to be at ‘higher risk of abusing’ Tier 4 i.e. those considered to be coming here in order to live and work in the UK rather than to gain a qualification. The proposals will particularly affect those people wanting to study at private further/higher education (FE/HE) institutions, viewed as ‘higher risk’ than students at universities and publicly funded FE/HE institutions. International students applying to study below degree-level courses in the UK – estimated by the home office to be two-fifths of all adult foreign students - will also be particularly affected by the new measures.
What are the measures being proposed?
The consultation outlines a number of proposals relating to international students, including:
-
Limiting the majority of Tier 4 visas to degree level courses
Tier 4 would no longer be open to adults wanting to take below-degree level courses in the UK (e.g. NQF Levels 3, 4 and 5, and SCQF levels 6, 7 and 8), with the exception of courses run by institutions rated as ‘Highly Trusted Sponsors'. The student visitor route would still remain in place for people applying study for 6 months or less in the UK, as would Tier 4 (Child).
-
Making it harder for international students to stay in the UK after their studies
The Tier 1 Post Study Work route – which enables some international students to remain in the UK to work after the end of their studies – would be closed. If students want to stay on for further study they would have to have evidence that the new course is at a higher level than the one they’ve completed. They may also need to leave the UK to apply from overseas.
-
Raising the Tier 4 language requirement from B1 to level B2
All Tier 4 (General) applicants, including those coming to learn English in the UK, would need to demonstrate their language ability at level B2 (demonstrating upper-intermediate competency).
-
Limiting international students’ capacity to work here and bring over dependants
Students would be limited to on-campus employment during the week. Restrictions on dependents would include preventing Tier 4 students studying for under 12 months from bringing dependents to the UK. In addition, Tier 4 dependents (unless they had their own right under Tier 1/Tier 2) would no longer be allowed to work in the UK. Courses with work placements would need to increase the study component of the course, raising the study: work proportion from the current minimum of 50:50 to 66:33 in the future.
-
Easing the application requirements for ‘low-risk’ applicants
Different maintenance and previous qualifications requirements to be introduced for students considered to be ‘lower risk’.
- Tightening accreditation procedures for private education providers
What are the key concerns about these proposals?
Ministers have been hinting at these proposals over the past 6 months, prompting disquiet among the higher education sector, immigration advisors and NGOs. Some broad headings for these concerns include that these proposed restrictions:
- Would unfairly impact on particular groups of international students
The proposed measures are particularly aimed at non-degree-level students, and those at private or publicly funded institutions. This is unfortunate, as would prevent many students from coming to the UK despite their genuine intentions to study here. The consultation does not adequately make the case that students studying courses below degree-level, including professional diplomas, HND and technical qualifications, are significantly likely to break the immigration rules in the UK. In fact we know that around half of foreign degree students actually begin their studies here on below degree-level courses. Instead of preventing the majority of genuine students from taking such courses in the UK, serious steps should be taken to regulate private education institutions and language schools, and clamp down on the exploitation of international students coming for below degree-level courses by under-regulated private institutions. Such steps are inadequately explored in the consultation.
- Would increase the pressure on many international students when in the UK, both during and after their studies.
A number of the measures would make life much more difficult for international students coming to the UK, both during their studies and afterwards. By reducing the capacity of foreign students and their dependents to work in the UK during their time here, the government would limit students' options for funding themselves in the UK; this would have the knock-on effect of increasing the competitiveness of already scarce academic appointments among students, and overall make it more difficult for many students to manage financially. After their course ends, students would find it very difficult to remain in the UK to work or progress their studies here. The closure of the Tier 1 Post Study Work route would have a major impact, and would contradict the 2009 conclusion of the independent Migration Advisory Committee that the Tier 1 Post Study Work route, used by approximately 10% of all international students coming to the UK, be retained. It could also be expected that many students would find it difficult to demonstrate their academic progression for further study.
- May fail to bring about the intended reduction in migrants in the short-term…
Controversy has been building over the government’s aim to reduce net immigration, particularly in relation to the cap on non-EU economic migrants, announced in November. Reports by the Home Affairs Select Committee and Migration Advisory Committee concluded that major cuts to international student numbers would be necessary in order to bring about the reductions the government wants – would these latest proposed measures really slash the numbers necessary to help meet government targets?
- …But would result in international students going elsewhere in the future
Whatever the impact on international student numbers in the short term, the long-term effects of these restrictions could be substantial. By limiting students’ options in the UK, including making it more difficult for people to stay here for further study or work, these measures would be likely to greatly reduce the attractiveness of the UK as a destination for study in comparison to other countries. Estimates of the value of international students to the UK economy range from £8.5bn and £12.5bn. This includes an annual £2.5bn revenue for universities from foreign student fees. The long-term damage to the UK higher education system must be weighed up as a critical factor hanging in the balance.
What do you think?
The Student Immigration System consultation is open to responses until 31st January 2011. We can expect that a wide range of objections will be put forward, including arising out of actions by Universities UK, the National Union of Students, and the UK Council for International Student Affairs, as outlined in Don's previous blog. There are also likely to be many more concerns than those listed above, and we urge everyone who can to make a submission to the home office consultation. Alternatively, please do contact us with your comments or concerns at info@migrantsrights.org.uk, or share them in the comments box below.
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Comments
Hi Ruth
I commented regarding this issue on Don's blog at
http://www.migrantsrights.org.uk/blog/2010/12/threat-international-stude....
I have also submitted my views to the UKBA survey. I'm deeply concerned that these measures are being rushed through without any thought as how it will impact both the International students and the Education sector in the UK in the short term as well as the long term.
The main problem here seems to be that the focus has been on delivering the promise made by the Prime minster to reduce the net migration numbers significantly without fully considering the ramifications of the means by which the Home Office is trying to achieve such arbitrary goal.
As things stands I most certainly think that unfortunately UK is heading towards discouraging many valuable migrants (both economic and students) to come or stay in this country.
The changing system in tier 4 has greatly effected the poor students like me.All students who come to UK or any European country have their big dream about their life.I think the human right speakers have forgot their humanity.They know that how much difficult to get student visa here and how much money we need to spend to come here.The money we spend to come here for study,the budget can be hardly paid by the local people of this country.Lets think for some time how we are paying to study here like one of the poor country's people like me.It is easier to make new system against poor students of the world but its true that big fish eat small fish when gets hungry.Yes,of course,its their country,they have their own right to make their own decision or system but why they are giving visa to international students.Its better instead of making difficulties to students they can stop coming non European people or students.I can give guarantee that 5% out of 100, nobody of students can pay money for study from their home country.All know these things but also why....The human beings that they assume just for Europeans who have right to work in this country but why discrimination there for us because you are talking about human rights.We are just studying and want to work in our spare time but do not want to involve in criminal activities.Please do good for those who have been already in here and stop new visa if this cause downing your economy.
I am strongly against the proposal that the student visa for university degree must be extended outside the UK. I think those who plan to study for university degree must be able to apply from inside the UK. We need highly-skilled migrants. If someone wants to get MA after BA and then maybe PHD, he/she must be able to do it from inside the UK. If someone has several diplomas from university it's highly likely that they will contribute considerably to UK economy. If we force them to leave the country to apply for new course, they will consider to apply to other countries as well, it is also simply very unfriendly. Generally, I support other proposals.
I am completely agreed with the proposal of Tier 4 and rise in fees. 99% non European students are planning to come in the UK through student visa but the intention is to permanently stay here not to study and go back their home country. During study, they applied for visa for their dependents or tried to get marry with British nationals to settle down here. After got a degree they availed Post Study work and tried to get a job on minimum rate which is clearly the attraction of Employer to hire people on low package and eventually they applied to remain in the UK.
The proposal is basically against for all those bogus students who are playing with the law which cannot be bearable. Off course if you are a bogus student then definitely you will be against the proposal. However, the rise in fees is not the discrimination. It is for all students to provide the quality studies so that UK can maintain the high standard of education and discourage the low standard and bogus collages/ universities.
So please be realist to accept the facts and changes. It will not be against of poor students.
Thanks for these comments.
Roozbeh, I enjoyed reading your previous comments on Don's blog and similarly here about the proposed changes for international students. Completely agree that we are heading towards a system which is increasingly unappealing to students who provide the bread and butter funding for our HE/FE institutions...
And, as Alex says, it makes little sense to make it more difficult for people to continue their education when they are already in the UK. Short sighted...
Anonymous (1), the way that increased the costs and requirements for international students will affect people from some countries more than others is not being talked about enough. Completely agree we should be thinking through discriminatory dimension of this policy which stacks the odds against people from poorer countries.
Anonymous (2) I disagree that the latest proposals are a proportionate response to what you describe as high numbers of 'bogus students'. The Home Office's own research from earlier this year shows that around 20% of foreign students surveyed were still in the UK 5 years after they entered, but the report also indicates that these students had legitimate permission to stay on in the UK for work/study etc. I think the government has really failed to make the case that there is such widespread abuse of the student route as to justify the major changes proposed here, and that it risks creating big problems for the UK FE/HE sector into the future needlessly.
Anonymous (2)
You say that 99% of non-EU international students come with the intention of settling. Claptrap. The UKBA's own recent commissioned study on 'The Migrant Journey' shows that the figure for those who obtain permanent settlement after 5 years of residence is 3%. Check it yourself at
Home Office Research Report
If you want a summary of recent findings on the migration paths of this group of international students check out
http://www.migrantsrights.org.uk/news/2010/ippr-key-facts-around-half-foreign-degree-students-start-their-studies-uk-sub-degree-level
For all my dear readers that i mentioned 99% non EU student planning to come with that intention. I am correct because UKBA was talking about for all those who proofed as bogus but not talking about who came here and settled through different routes. May be you will not agree with me but collect data of the all non EU student who came here at least last 5 years and see how many have returned their countries and how many are still in the UK then you can get the answer.
This proposal is strict and some time these action should be taken for the betterment of the country. I am agreed with that proposal and student should leave the UK after achieved their degrees.
Again i have the words that my words may hurt bogus students but not genuine....
Anonymous old chap, you really are a sweety, but we just can't allow you to make up statistics as you go along!
We know what percentages of international students come and go over the years because the UKBA was kind enough to track the record of all those who were admitted on student visas in the year 2004. After 5 years 20% remained in the country, mostly because they had been issued with extensions of their student permits, and some had gone on to get leave to remain as workers under Tiers 1 and 2 of the Points Based Scheme.
This of course means that 80% returned abroad within these first 5 years. Do the maths yourself - it is very simple. Of the 20% who remained, just 3% went on to get a settled status - not 99% as you foolishly claim.
So, whatever your beef with international students, please don't play silly beggers with the stats - OK?
Dear DON, i have a right of freedom to comment and i am not enforcing anyone to agree with me. If you do not like my comment do not read. i am not interesting to take your dictation so please keep your thoughts and advice with yourself. Mind your own business as you are not the authority person to correct anyone and especially me.
I came to study here in UK thinking, that it will be a big boost to my career and thought of doing one Costly Post Graduate Course through Tier 4, a s i knew that i could work here in UK for next 2 years, and then gain back whatever money i have spend for education. Then i can go back to my country for good with good education...But if, they are going to bring an end towards the Tier 1 post study visa, that means the UK Government has simply cheated thousand of students who have came to this country for education and work. If i have to go back to my country, then I will have to work for more than 4 years to get back my fees that is paid in my university which simply ruins my life, dreams and plans...This if comes in effect, should be applicable to only new comers under tier-4..if it is applicable to those poor students who are already in UK, and cant apply for their Visa extension until Next May 2011 (that is the time when we get our PG certificate from University), that means this UK govt has simply Ruined and shattered the lives of plenty of Youth from different countries,..This is indeed a big disgrace for the whole country..
We also want to change our Tier 4 Visa into Tier 1 before the rule changes in APRIL 2011, But we will finish our studies and receive our PG certificate (which is a per-requisite for Tier-1 conversion) only on MAY 2011. No words to explain how me and other students feel, who came here genuinely for studies and to regain the money on studies by hard working....
These are very good points Midun. Are you thinking of putting them into the consultation process the government has started on these proposals? I think there would be value in an international student (or perhaps a group of you?) submitting a statement explaining what the nature of the benefits of the Post Studies Work scheme has been in the past and why this would be a loss in the future. I'm sure we (ie MRN) would be happy to discuss how this might be done if you are interested in the idea.
Hi Don,
i seriously want to put mine and my fellow students opinion to the government before they come up with any of such decision where in a majority of students will be trapped. This will in-turn affect the credibility of UK government, and will completely affect the education sector that depends very much on international students.I dont know what is the procedure to put across our concern to the government. if you can provide me the details, i will circulate the same among my class mates through emails or messages. I think we all have the freedom against discrimination and right to speak and justice wherever we are. The UK government should accept the responsibility of those who have believed them and came to their country for education before taking any cruel step. If you can guide us in this regard, that will be a great help...
Thanks for this Midun. Can I suggest you send me an email at d.flynn@migrantsrights.org.uk and we can discuss the mechanics for putting together a submission from your student group.
I think if this takes place, this would drastically decrease the number of international students coming to UK to study and then it'll affect this country's economy.How about those teachers and local people on benefits? They should withdraw this proposal if they want a stable economy.
Hello.
Actually the proposal that the government is going to propose is seems to be not fair. government must have to think of students out of Europe. the thing is about having less facilities in some colleges out of Europe. i really concerned about those measurements that you have explained and allowed for international students. if those who have completed their HND (Higher National Diploma) and then after applying to a University for Final Year (hons Degrees) and up to PhD then what would be the respond that will it be affected for them?
Thank you Sir...
(Sri Lankan)
All these things are just rubbish. I am saying this because all these things were to be planned before to give visa to the poor students. Now your economic crisis is solved so you are going to implement all these rubbish policies. I heard most students were arrested and treat like a guilty person. I want to request UK officers not to waste time in searching students with pens coz they are not the criminal but search those crime person with knife,guns. We did nothing crime just think twice
I would say ,
Non euro undergrad studies must be in universites only ,,,
any pg courses or progression routes could be through licensed colleges to reduce the huge
uni fees..
IT DOESNT MAKE ANY SENSE TO LET STUDENTS GO BACK HOME FOR VISA EXTENSION. THIS WILL LEAD COUNTRY INTO DANGER. it could be crime,fraud, bogus applications,plan to run other part of europe...etcetc... many many consequences..
NO COUNTRY IN THIS WORLD PROPOSE SUCH THOUGHTS and is inhumane act.and racist/discrimination behaviour...leading for civil war.
There is noright to stop for education for any man /women until die.but could be for jobs///
making the people unnecesary spend instead of fee payment.
Fee generate £ billions..to uk economy..
Recession means not grabbing money illegally from students... uk gradudate are wanted in usa where consultancies put them for job/// as a precise skill they achieved in past...
what do u think they want to do a donkey job for the whole life..its a crap thinking.if
uk want to be a complete kingdom, wiht monarchy and barbarism, then these laws can come ino effect..
usa people come to uk to complete degree in a year instead 2, and go back...U IMAGINE
Its not englsih people /std are wise//come to competition and see who wins in bbc. any subject... open challenge...Because of skin color they put on high level rest on low level...
I think that It is understandable for the British government to try to reduce immgration. UK is a small island. it can not let people in uncontrollably. Unmanaged and uncontrolled immigration will put a lot of pressure on public servies.
Furthermore, a lot of people have been abusing the system for far too long, but the new proposals the UKBA have come up with are simply not workable and enforceable.
It only makes life much more difficult for genuine international students. in theory, the existing system is effective enough to deal with bogus colleges and students, but UKBA hasn't paid enough attention on how to enforce the existing system.
International students have been making huge contribution to British economy. The HE industry is very competitive across the world. I don't think that it is very wise to discourage international students from coming to UK by proposing these new policies. It would be a massive loss to British economy as a whole.
The British government should go back to the drawing board and rethink their immigration policies again.
I from what i have seen over the past 5 years or so is a high increase of overseas students from poorer countries enter uk on student visas.they chose student visas becos it allows them to stay in uk for at least 3 years where they work and pay their fees . its a way of staying in country long enough until a they get a work permit and then they end up settling here.some dont succeed but majority of them do,they must succeed they have no choice because uk is also now like a home to them. the new proposals will only let those who can afford to pay come and study , and tighten up the current loophole in the system. but the new proposals will not stop all false applications completely but will be better than the legislation currently in place.
I AGREE WITH THE NEW LEGISLATION PROPOSED .ALL OVERSEAS STUDENTS CAN STUDY IN THE UK , ALL THAT MAY CHANGE IS THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE WORKING AFTER THEIR STUDIES FOR 2 YEARS. SO MOST OF THE INCOME WILL COME FROM OVERSEAS INTO UK ,INSTEAD OF BEING RAISED FROM UK INTO UK. SO ONLY STUDENTS WHO CAN AFFORD TO PAY SHOULD STUDY IN UK.
Dear Anonymous Guys/gals
Changing the rules are fine, but wot do you have to say about those who have already came into this country believing the rules and government...cheated, betrayed????????????
wot if the same happens to u or some one in your family, if u guys went 2 some other country for your higher studies, after spending huge money for your education, stay and day today life..
if this government want to make any change to the rules, it should be a brand new decision and affect only toz who come to this country, post decision is made..when a government makes decisons, everyone expects some standards...But tis was way too immatured, and shier partiality shown, which wil make sure that no students will ever turn up to this country for their higher studies..only exception will be the highly rich guys, who will come here, for show off boozing and spending thier parents money...and not for studies....
I think the new rules are reasonably fair and let's face it - in the time of recession and record unemployment UK cannot afford to let same numbers in as before.
Not to mention that soon UK students will have to pay nearly the same tuition fees as foreigners - which will make international students much less attractive for UK educational establishments and rather undesirable for UK government.
Oh, and about the statistics - the number of fraudulent Tier 4 application increased dramatically in the last two years when people (and "immigration advisers" in particular) learned about the loophole in the system. My friends who works as a recruiter in London says that in 2010 there was a major increase in the amount of people who look for a job while on student visas, many of them looking for a full time jobs and not studying at all.
I agree with International Student that the UK economy simply needs foreign students -estimates about their 'cash value' range from £8.5bn to £12.5bn per year. That's a lot of money to throw into jeopardy at a time when university funding is more threatened than ever. The wider business case for having HE/FE system which attracts students from across the world also needs to be considered - foreign students drive the development of skills and research in the UK and give a boost to its international reputation.
Mighun, I agree that rule changes on students should not be applied retrospectively to those in the country - e.g. if the post study route closes, would it really be fair to apply that to current students who may have come with the legitimate expectation that they'd be able to apply for work here after their studies? We can expect lawyers to have a field day if the government tried to do so.
And to the latest Anonymous - you claim there has been a dramatic increase in fraudulent Tier 4 applications in the past 2 years. The home office research at least (referenced above) would provide a completely inadequate basis for making that statement. If you know of more reliable stats then please do share them.
IT IS FAIR TO STOP THE POST STUDY OF 2 YEARS IMMEDIATELY ,THERE SHOULD BE NO REASON TO ALLOW THE STUDENTS TO WORK IN UK NOW AS UK NATIONALS NEED JOBS AND THESE TIMES ARE VERY DIFFICULT FOR THEM, SO FOREIGN STUDENTS WHO ARE
IN TIER 4 NOW MUST ONLY COMPLETE STUDIES AND BECAUSE MANY HAVE ENTERED INTO UK THIS ROUTE AND ARE TRYING TO GET JOBS AND CONTINUE STUDIES IN ORDER TO TRY AND SETTLE HERE. I AM LIVING IN A SMALL CITY AND IN MY KNOWLEDGE MANY TIER 4 STUDENTS ARE DESPERATLY SEEKING JOBS TO FUND THEIR MAINTENANCE AND FEES.THEY WANT TO STAY IN UK FOR MANY YEARS TO GET JOB WORK PERMIT WHICH LEADS TO NATIONALITY ,THEY ARE DESPERATELY LOOKING FOR MARRIAGE WITH ANYBODY WHO CAN HELP THEM GET NATIONALITY FOR UK . I STRONGLY BELIEVE THE NEW PROPOSALS MUST TAKE PLACE STRAIGHT AWAY TO PREVENT THESE PEOPLE FROM SETTLING.THEIR ARE SOME GENUINE TIER 4 STUDENTS BUT MOST WILL TRY THE EASY ROUTE CURRENTLY IN PLACE TO STAY IN UK.UK NATIONALS HAVE TO PAY HIGHER FEES SO THEY WILL CONTRIBUTE INSTEAD TO UNIVERSITIES. I KNOW MANY PEOPLE IN TIER 4 WANTING TO WORK AND STAY HERE ,SOME ARE GETTING DESPERATE HAVE NOT MUCH MONEY SO TRYING TO GET BRITISH NATIONAL FOR MARRIAGE. SOME ARE LIVING OFF ANY FAMILY THEY KNOW AND ABUSING THEIR HOSPITALITY BY LIVING OFF THEM FREE AND NOT LEAVING BY GETTING SYMPATHY THAT THEY ARE IN FINANCIAL TROUBLE AND CANNOT FUND MAINTENANCE. THEY CANT GET JOBS TO PAY FOR THEIR EXPENSES IN UK.THIS CURRENT SYSTEM WAS GOOD FOR MAYBE THE PAST BUT NOT TODAY
@ Anonymous
Firstly, there is no need to SHOUT!
Secondly, regarding your argument. Let's turn that on the head. SO, there is a lot of people who want to contribute to the society. They come to get better education to improve their chances, and yes sometimes they decide to stay (and here are the real statistics - not that "I know a guy" nonsense) of the 186,500 international students admitted in 2004, only 3% (5,568) went on to permanent settlement in the UK. (ippr facts)
That's at least how I see it.
The Home Office data referenced earlier is about student arrivals from 2004 - from the era long before introduction of PBS and current immigration rules. It is nearly irrelevant now.
@ Anonymous: Have you ever in the earth tried to understand why UK government introduced a 2 years work permit for students who they know will finish thier studies within 1 year???? UK govt doesnt have that kind of empathy towards international students, but they did so only to attract foriegn students to come 2 this country. The motive might be either to get the 3 times money from the international or to acquire good Human resource talent from all over the world or a mix of Both.. Now even after a country has made a mistake in that decision, there is some means and methods in which the mistake should be corrected. If international students came here and attempted to work here then, just try to understand that there is huge benefits which was on offer for UK citizens which is the reason why govt took such a decision. Now if they suddenly want 2 correct it, it will affect the lives of those who have trusted a government and a country. UK wil have a Rotten image, Mr.ANonymous..Try 2 understand that part and no body will ever turn up 2 tis country, evn if economy strts boomin again or wot...a trust gone is a trust gone..even if it is a brand or a country..Its the era of Globalization, and international students have the right to be treated as clients, who cant be cheated only because the Brand or govt understood that there is some vulnurebality in thier strategy!!! Hope You have the intellect to assimilate the info.
there is a loophole in the system for international students currently. i know of a few students who have worked and studied different levels of courses and used 2 years post studies work then got work permits with family help by working in their small business or for another employer with the work permits given on not highly skilled jobs after ten years they achieved their nationalities/indefinite leave. they are in this country now settled they failed in their studies many times to get visa extensions to stay in uk they managed easily to abuse the system as the solicitors know the loopholes and everybody else who knows these people are arriving as students trying to do the same to stay in uk. it is harder to get jobs but they wont fail in abusing this current system and achieving their goals . bogus students are usually from poorer backgrounds looking for better life in uk.
All the time, any strict rule come up only because of the unethical, illegal and the people who missued to fulfill their own needs. UK govt made very simple roules for PSW, Tier4 and 1 to attract foreign student to boom up th economy as well as to provide the world class education. these systems also permitted to student to work on weekends and full time after completion their studies to earn money. it was not only usefull for UK as it was really attractive for foreigners to study, work and then get the nationality but it was MISSUED by bogus students their intention to play this rule and definitley if someone is playing the rule of the country then country has the right to do something to stop these abuses. the current proposal is not an immediate and sudden action basically it is based on the research, analysis and consultation. yes it may affect on some poor student but it is all because of the missued of the rule which cannot be acceptaable at any cost. daily, we have seen on home officenews that lots of bogus students are arrested what is that? so in the current situation, govt proposed a very good policy and i agreed with this proposal 100%.
Best wishes Genuine students and graduates and Goodbye to all bogus students.
Thanks for this post Anonymous - it is the key to understanding the errant reasoning in all your other comments on this item.
We can now see that you think the PSW scheme is a channel which allows international students to work part-time whilst they are studying. Silly old you! You are confusing it with a completely separate arrangement which does allow these students the opportunity to undertake part-time work of up to 10 hours a week during term time. That scheme does not count towards any longer-term employment or settlement rights.
Check the UKBA website at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier1/poststudy/ to see what the PSW scheme actually is. You'll see that it allows some categories of post-graduate level students to work in the UK for up to 2 years after completing their studies. Those who wish to remain beyond these two years can, but they must then qualify either under the mainstream Tier 1 category or obtain a licensed sponsor to employ them under Tier 2 arrangements. No fandangling of the system, no abuse involved - a clear straightforward channel allowing progress towards long-term employment and settlement. And it is this, perfectly reasonable and rational approach, which the coaliton government is proposing to scrap.
Dear Don,
I am surprised that why you critisized my comments? Dear i did not tell that PSW can allow student to work during studies please read carefully. PSW is an attraction for students that they can work up to 2 years after the completion of studies.
previously that was very simple to switch another tier like tier 1 after the 2 years of PSW but now and after the implementation of coming proposal, only high capable can apply through PBS.
IT ALL ABOUT MY OPINION...........
They can postulate whatever policy they want but should be careful as international students are a very important part of this economy.it will be ackward to be coming too hard on them like this.they should be given some opportunies for work?! the fact some students have abused this does not mean we should not enact laws without thinking at all about it's side effects.they would need to reconsider.one thing you must know is this:once international students abandon their dream of studying here,UK is done for.As other countries will get the benefit.the Uk is fast loosing it's respect with international students.
The International Students Association UK has launched a petition opposing the changes to the immigration rules which are currently the subject of a government consulation.
The petition argues that the proposed rule changes are unfair to international students and contrary to the interests of the UK economy.
To find out more, go to our News section - http://www.migrantsrights.org.uk/news/2011/international-student-associa...
According to an article in the Times Higher Education, the government’s consultation on changes to the student visa system could be unlawful. Penningtons a law firm warns that misleading data have been provided to support the government’s plans to overhaul the system.
http://www.migrantsrights.org.uk/news/2011/consultation-visas-may-be-unl...
If this new rules are applied, then I WILL SPEND MY WHOLE LIFE ENSURING THAT NO ONE WILL COME FROM MY COUNTRY (INDIA) TO UK FOR STUDIES AND GET CHEATED....I WILL USE ALL THE INFORMATION WEBSITES AND BLOGS TO LET MY FELLOW CITIZENS KNOW THAT THERE IS NO SURETY ABOUT THE WAY STUDENTS WILL BE TREATED IN THIS COUNTRY. BECAUSE, WE BELIEVED THE RULES OF THIS COUNTRY & GOVERNMENT AND CAME TO THIS COUNTRY AND IF ANOTHER GOVERNMENT COMES UP AND CHANGES THE WHOLE EXISTING LAWS MAKING THE LIFE OF EXISTING STUDENTS LIKE JOKERS, AND SPOILED..IS THIS THE RIGHT WAY OF UK TREATING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ONLY BECAUSE A FEW OF STUDENTS HAS ABUSED THE SYSTEM?????????
FEEELSS PATHETICC AFTER SPENDING 9000 POUND FOR 1 YEAR'S MASTER'S EDUCATION........
The fuss and biggest problem that the UK universities makes are
1) They advertise that their University is really good and attract all the international students in order to get the revenue from the foreign countries.
2) The Universities do have the agencies in the foreign countries as their marketing people and attracts all the foreign students saying that they have this they have that but at the end when you come and see in reality its shit for what the foreign students are paying.
3) Now stopping the Tier 1 Visa
The fees for the International students which I would say its a daylight robbery. Even the agencies at foreign countries they don't realise that they are playing with the career of the students but interested in getting commissions from the the UK universities. I do have met lots of students from foreign countries who can't even speak English properly has been admitted in the UK Universities for the sake of their income to the University. I was wondering about this case and investigated how could they pass IELTS and found out that the Universities they do have their own English exams which leads to the admission of the student for that particular course and that has been given to everyone without any proper test. Through this I request UK Universities and agencies in the foreign countries not to spoil the career of the student by making false advertisements and sell your education to them at a cost which you really know that its not worth for. Coming to the Tier 1 Visa I would rather put my opinion to the UK Government not to stop it for the existing students who already doing their Bachelor's or Master's that will cause a serious impact on the careers of the students by making them to give up their ambition because of their financial problems.
Hi Midhun,
I would like to join you in doing a campaign in order to save our fellow Citizens. I am really worried very poor intelligent students who came with their dreams and ambitions. I don't want to let this happen for the prospective students.
I don't think this has anything to do with human rights, rather, it has a lot to do with the British economy. Every student who comes to study in the UK is not from a poor country and every person who wants to work in the UK does not do so with the intention of bringing over their dependents or staying permanently.
I know a lot of Americans who are totally willing to pay the international student fees at UK schools because they're still cheaper than US universities and degrees take a year less to earn. Those students would finish their diploma's and/or degrees, perhaps work in the country for a year or two and then go back to the US. Those years they would be paying into the social system with their tax dollars but taking nothing/little from it. Additionally, the higher fees payed by international students benefits the British students who are studying at the universities with them. You can be sure that they're not in it for the citizenship because a US citizen by birth can never become a citizen of another country without first relinquishing their American citizenship.
In the long run, I think this proposed law has a number of flaws. The economy isn't going to be down forever and skilled migrants will look to other EU countries for study - many of which are far cheaper and have much more flexible laws in terms of post graduate work. This will be to the detriment of the United Kingdom.
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