11.2 Million Students Apply for Study-Visas in UK

A new study finds that student visas are accounting for a massive amount of UK immigrants. The figures indicate that three-quarters of visas issued under the UK Points Based System are being handed out to students.

11.2 million individuals over the last eight years were allowed to enter the UK on student visas. Some reports are indicating that these students may stay on in the UK after finishing their studies as it is unclear whether or not anyone checks if they leave the country when their study expires.

The newest report in visa issues indicates that student visas could be one of the largest loopholes in the UK border control measures. A report compiled by Migrationwatch indicates that the student visa system is easily manipulated and that many visa applicants operate under the rouse of studying and then simply work illegally once inside the country.

The report also showed that the majority of visa extension applications belonged to foreign students hoping to extend their stay in the Kingdom in order to study further. Migrationwatch's findings show that the student visa system could easily be one of the biggest abuses of the immigration measures which thousands entering the country under the guise of studying inside the UK.

The Points Based System, which was integrated into UK immigration policy in 2008, separates the visa status of skilled workers, holiday workers, and students into five, "tiered" categories. Students, which fall under Tier 4, are required to obtain a sponsorship from an accredited university or learning institution in the country.

Students, under the terms of the visa, are usually allowed to work for a period of 20 hours each week during study times and 40 hours during school holidays. Preliminary visas are usually given for a period of one year. Students are also given the option to extend their visa upon graduation to work in the UK.