New Student and Child Student routes

New Student and Child Student routes. Image credit: AdobeStock

New Student and Child Student routes

(Partner Content) On 5 October 2020, the new Student and Child Student routes will replace the current Tier 4 (General) and Tier 4 (Child) routes.

New Student and Child Student routes

New Student and Child Student routes. Image credit: AdobeStock

According to the Home Office, the new rules will give effect to their plan to create a global visa system that applies to all individuals (including EEA nationals) equally. With the introduction of this new Student and Child Student route, they also hope to simplify the immigration rules. 

Applicants for the new Student route have to prove a total of 70 points to be successful in their application. One can get 50 points for the Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies, course requirements, approved qualification, level of study, and place of study requirements. You have to fulfil the English language requirement, for 10 points. Finally, you have to meet the financial requirement for 10 points. 

What is the difference between the current Tier 4 and the new Student Route?

  • After 31 December 2020, EEA nationals who have not applied under the EU Settlement Scheme have to apply under this new route to study in the UK. EEA Nationals will thus be treated the same as non-EEA nationals and will have to meet all the requirements of the Student route. 
  •  It will be easier to switch within the study route and switch between routes within the Points Based Immigration System. 
  • The current 8-year limit on studying courses at a postgraduate level will no longer be applicable. Individuals can spend any length of time studying at a postgraduate level. 
  • Students will no longer have to provide evidence of maintenance funds when they have spent longer than a year on their current visa. 
  • Applicants will only have to prove the required level of English language to the Home Office once. 

New Graduate Route for Students 

In line with the aim of the above new student and child student visa routes, the Home Office is also hoping to retain the best students. They hope to achieve this by launching a Graduate route in the British Summer of 2021. This route will allow students who have completed a degree to stay for two years and work at any level and then switching in a suitable work-related immigration route. Students who have completed a degree at Ph.D. will be allowed to stay for three years. 

If you are interested in studying in the UK, please feel free to contact one of our consultants to guide you through the process. We have a dedicated team of consultants specialising in the Student Visa routes. Readers are welcome to contact them at PointsBased@bic-immigration.com 
Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants Ltd has their head office in London and three affiliate offices in South Africa. Please feel free to contact us for assistance with your UK immigration matter by visiting our website at www.bic-immigration.com