All you need to know about UK points-based visa system
The UK has declared points-based visa system. It requires international students to have 70 points to enter the country. It was launched in October, 2020. This system has replaced the Tier 4 visa route which was used to non-EU students and has been implemented earlier than the expected January 2021 date.
How do you as an international student gain 70 points?
You need to satisfy each of the following criteria:
- Hold the offer from an approved sponsor such as a UK university
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Evidence of sufficient funds
The benefits of UK's new system?
This points-based system is said to be more streamlined and robust for both EU and non-EU students, who are willing to apply to study in the UK. You can apply for an international student visa up to six months before your course starts. This is a significant as it has increased from three months that as originally required under the Tier 4 visa route.
You do not require to submit any kind of proof of your academic qualifications with your visa application as was necessary under the Tier 4 visa system.
The UK government has also said that there will be no limit on the number of international students. This change has been implemented to increase the total number of international students entering the UK each year to 600,000 by 2030.
Students who have already provided proof of that they are able to financially support themselves for one year in the UK will not have to resubmit this evidence at a later date. This will reduce the amount of paperwork that you need to submit. In terms of meeting the maintenance requirements, electronic bank statements will be sufficient, and a wider variety of accounts can be used as evidence of your eligibility.
Post study work visa
This new points-based system is best suited to those who want to gain some work experience. Students will be able to complete a degree at a recognized UK institution to remain in the UK to work for two years after graduation (three years for PhD graduates). This post-study work visa is expected to commence in the summer of 2021 and applies to all skill levels.
Now that you understand the new points-based system, you can use our course matcher tool to find a course in the UK and don’t forget to check out our beginner’s guide to studying in the UK.
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