28 day advance funding for Student visas

The new rules and regulations for the UK Border Agency’s controversial points-based system came into play today, with October 1st representing a major challenge to overseas students in particular.

In India, scores of would-be last minute applicants have tried to file for the UK Student Visa prior to the change in rules which will make the process a great deal more difficult. One of the most contentious new regulations stipulates that any applicants for the Tier 4 Student Visa will have to have sufficient funds in their bank account for at least 4 weeks ahead of any application. This may also apply to parents or carers accounts where they are the financial backer.

Previously, applicants needed only to show evidence of sufficient financial support bon the day of application. The new changes mean that, in line with the official Tier 4 guidelines, applicants will be required to present statements which cover the previous 28 days. The temporary arrangements which had been in place in the lead up to October 1st are now invalid. Since the 31st of March this year, a transitional agreement has been in place to manage the changeover. The 28-day-rule was previously discontinued but the reinstating the rule has been long advertised on the UKBA website.

According to the UKBA, the changes bring the Tier 4 Student Visa into line with the rest of the Tier 4 program.

UKBA offices in Chandrigah were forced to close their doors yesterday as thousands queued up to apply on the last day of September under the transitional rules.