Interns and Students

14th August 2009

Tier 5 - Government Authorised Exchange/Interns

The UKBA has stated that the Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange arrangements have proved an effective and useful way for non-governmental bodies and charities to create internship type schemes. However the UKBA note that businesses need a slightly more flexible route for interns. As such, the UKBA are exploring the creation of an employer led route for interns. This would sit alongside the existing Tier 5 policies and accommodate graduate interns recruited by businesses. We are unable to confirm when this new route to the UK for interns is likely to come in to practice but we understand that the UKBA do recognise the importance of the issue.

Tier 4 - Guidance

The UKBA has announced a number of changes to the Points Based System specifically relating to Tier 4 - Students and has revised the guidance accordingly

  • Tier 4 - Extension to the period of time that a "study abroad" migrant may undertake part of their overseas degree course in the United Kingdom. This is now permitted for up to 50% of the total length of the course
  • Tier 4 - Clarification on what a visa letter can cover where the course of study leads to a professional qualification. A separate visa letter must be used for each stage of the course which leads to a recognised qualification in its own right.
  • Tier 4 - Work placements. Confirmation that where there is a statutory requirement, a work placement can exceed 50% of the total length of the course
  • Tier 4 - Visa Letter for General students & Child students. Requirement for the sponsor to give the course end date or their best estimate of that date

Tier 4 - Sponsor Management System

The SMS will go live for Tier 4 at the beginning of October on a trial basis, when Tier 4 Sponsors will have the choice of either assigning a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) or issuing a visa letter to students who will be applying for leave in-country. All out of country applications must be supported by a visa letter until February 2010. From February 2010, all Tier 4 Sponsors must assign a CAS to all migrants (both in and out of country) and visa letters will no longer be acceptable.

Educational institutions can request additional Level 1 Users on the SMS now and the UKBA encourage Educational institutions to do so. There is no limit on to the number of Level 1 users an educational institution can have.