New rules on visas will deter foreign students from studying in the UK

Although the government has rejected claims that the crackdown on immigration will deter foreign students coming to the UK, many universities are urging the government to remove student visas from the net migration counts so that this is not an area in which curbs are used to reduce net migration figures. Currently, foreign students generate around £8bn a year for the UK in tuition fees and other investments.

It is believed that the government changes, although intended to prevent the abuse of student visas, will deter students from coming to the UK. The changes, for example, place a limit on the number of years non European students can study and restrict the number of hours of paid work they can do during and after their degree. They are also no longer allowed to bring spouses or children with them, unless they are enrolled on a postgraduate course lasting longer than one year.

If you have concerns with regard to how these changes affect you, or wish to discuss any other immigration matter, please contact Louise Koch on 0844 561 0100 or by email louise.koch@alsterskelley.com