The following measures are in place with immediate effect:

• Non-EU applicants will need to prove they have an almost-GCSE standard of English, rather than the beginner level currently required.
• To ensure applicants are coming to the UK to focus on study rather than work, students on courses below degree level will be restricted to 10 hours paid work a week instead of the current 20.
• Students on courses that last less than six months will not be permitted to bring dependants into the country, and dependants of students on below degree-level courses will not be permitted to work.
• Visas for courses that include work placements will now only be granted if the institution is on the Highly Trusted Sponsors List, a new register for educational establishments.

The increased restrictions on student visas are part of the British governments response to concerns about students coming to the UK and failing to leave at the agreed time, as well as others abusing the system and taking university places away from genuine international students.

The UK is one of the most highly-sought destinations for international students, who are thought to be worth between £5m and £8m to the UK economy.

For more information on UK visas visit the UK Border Agency and read the latest UK edition from i-studentadvisor.