Student visa, UK. New Changes. 22/02/2010.
Those students who want to continue their education under Tier 4 in the UK are requested to follow the new instructions which are going to be implemented from 22/02/2010 onwards. They are very strict and can delay your UK student visa processing.
The new implement may require the student to have IELTS 6.5 score Or Sri Lanka Students must have GCE O/Level English Credit pass or above.
Here is the official announcement made by The British High Commission in Sri Lanka recently.
Important Change to Tier 4 Student Visa Rules (19/02/2010)
From 22 February 2010 all students who apply to study in the UK under Tier 4 of the points-based system must possess a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from their sponsor. The CAS will replace the Visa Letter for overseas Tier 4 applications on 22 February 2010. The CAS is a virtual document, not an actual certificate, and it contains a unique 14 digit electronic reference number. From 22 February, Visa Letters will no longer be accepted in support of a Tier 4 visa application. Sponsors will provide students with a unique CAS reference number to quote in their visa application.
The CAS contains information about the course of study for which it has been issued and the student's personal details. Like the Visa Letter, the CAS will become invalid if not used to make a visa application within 6 months of issue. Holding a valid CAS does not guarantee that a student’s application will be successful. Students must meet the requirements of Tier 4 and the Immigration Rules. You may hold several CASs issued by different sponsors, but can only use one to apply for a Tier 4 visa.
Under these changes-
- Until 21 February 2010, you can continue to apply under Tier 4 using a visa letter, even if your course of study starts after 22 February 2010.
- From 22 February 2010 you will not be able to apply under Tier 4 using a visa letter, even if the visa letter was issued before 22 February 2010.
Source: The British High Commission in Sri Lanka