The Home Office has announced yet another major change - the number of working hours for overseas students studying below degree level courses will be cut from 20 hours per week to 10.
The changes follow a three month review of student visas and will form part of new immigration rules which will be introduced to take effect from 3 March 2010.
The new regulations will mean that students studying below degree level have a limited ability to work in the UK, and that their dependants will not be allowed to work here at all.
The new measures for students include:
• a good standard of English (equivalent of holding just below a GCSE in a foreign language) will be needed to come to the UK and study to improve English language competency further;
• a good standard of English (again equivalent of holding just below a GCSE in a foreign language) will need to be demonstrated in order to study any other course below degree level;
• restricting the lowest-level courses (A levels and equivalent) to only the most trusted institutions;
• halving the amount of time a student studying below first degree level or on a foundation degree course will be able to work, to just 10 hours during term time;
• a ban on bringing in dependants for anyone studying a course for less than six months;
• a ban on dependants of anyone studying a course lower than foundation or undergraduate degree level from working.
In addition, the new measures will include:
• a ban on foreign students studying below degree level if the course includes a work placement – unless that course is being provided by a university, college or training provider which has the status of ‘highly trusted sponsor’;
• a requirement for students to demonstrate their English language ability by passing an approved secure test – this will apply to all students studying below (foundation) degree level, including those coming to study English language; and
• tougher criteria for defining which course providers count as ‘highly trusted sponsors’ of foreign students. Publicly funded universities and colleges will count as highly trusted, but there are no details on how private training colleges can gain this new status.
The new requirements, which apply only to new students or those renewing their visas after 3rd March, following a review of Tier 4 of the points-based system, announced by the Prime Minister in November 2009.
Full details of the release can be viewed on the Home Office website.
If you have any specific questions or comments, or need advice, you may email me: cbarker@immigrationmatters.co.uk or phone me on 020 8905 1822

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