Important Updates
Important Updates
June 2, 2025 | Democratic Republic of the CongoDemocratic Republic of Congo: Tax Compliance Rule Expanded for Sponsoring Companies
June 3, 2025 | Slovak RepublicSlovakia: Business Residence Permit Restrictions and Rule Changes
June 3, 2025 | Slovak RepublicSlovakia: Labour Office Registration to Move to Mandatory Online Submission
June 3, 2025 | United Kingdom, IndiaUnited Kingdom/India: Free Trade Agreement and Social Security Agreement Forthcoming
June 3, 2025 | VietnamVietnam: Upcoming Deadline for Semi-Annual Report on Foreign Nationals
June 2, 2025 | Democratic Republic of the CongoDemocratic Republic of Congo: Tax Compliance Rule Expanded for Sponsoring Companies
June 3, 2025 | Slovak RepublicSlovakia: Business Residence Permit Restrictions and Rule Changes
June 3, 2025 | Slovak RepublicSlovakia: Labour Office Registration to Move to Mandatory Online Submission
June 3, 2025 | United Kingdom, IndiaUnited Kingdom/India: Free Trade Agreement and Social Security Agreement Forthcoming
June 3, 2025 | VietnamVietnam: Upcoming Deadline for Semi-Annual Report on Foreign Nationals
June 2, 2025 | Democratic Republic of the CongoDemocratic Republic of Congo: Tax Compliance Rule Expanded for Sponsoring Companies
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcastsVideos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapFragomen Consulting EuropeAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Further Guidance on Student Visa Changes

January 17, 2018

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

The UK Home Office has updated its guidance documents, providing further clarification on recent changes in immigration rules affecting the Tier 4 visa category for foreign students. Key changes include:

  • An allowance for part-time study to be undertaken under the Tier 4 visa category;
  • A restriction on the requirement for students to prove sufficient funds to study in the United Kingdom; and
  • Reduced documentary requirements for students who have studied abroad or who require an extension to be able to work as part of their studies.

The situation

The UK Home Office has updated its Guidance documents, providing further clarification on the recent changes in immigration rules affecting the Tier 4 (Student) visa category. Key changes, effective for all applications made on or after January 11, 2018, are listed below.

  • Part-time courses now available
    • New rule. Students are now allowed to study part-time courses with Tier 4 sponsors that are considered Higher Education Institutions (per the Tier 4 sponsor register).
    • Prior rule. Foreign students were previously only able to study full-time courses under Tier 4.
    • Impact. This change offers further options to foreign students studying in the United Kingdom, however anyone obtaining a Tier 4 visa to study part-time in the United Kingdom cannot:
      • extend their leave in the United Kingdom;
      • switch immigration categories from within the United Kingdom;
      • bring family members into the United Kingdom as a dependant under their visa; or
      • undertake any form of work (paid or unpaid and including work placements).
  • Restriction on proof of funds
    • New rule. Students must arrange sufficient funds to support their stay before filing a Tier 4 visa application. Funds made available after the application has been filed will not be taken into account.
    • Prior rule. The previous versions of the guidance were unclear on whether funds dated after the submission of the visa application could be considered.
    • Impact. The change removes the margin of discretion and makes the Tier 4 visa application process more uniform and predictable. 
    • Background. As before, the applicant must prove that funds of at least GBP 1,265 per month (studying in London), or GBP 1,015 per month (studying outside London), up to a maximum of nine months, are available for a consecutive 28-day period, with the closing balance being dated within 31 days prior to the visa application submission date.
  • Reduced documentation requirements for students studying abroad.
    • New rule. Foreign students who have studied outside the United Kingdom as part of a study abroad programme or who have applied for further work placement as part of their studies and require an extension no longer have to prove academic progression when applying to continue their studies in the United Kingdom. Instead, the educational institution must provide a simple declaration in the sponsorship certificate.
    • Prior rule. Eligible students were required to demonstrate that the course for which they applied was of a higher Regulated Qualifications Framework level than their previous course, meaning that the student was progressing through the academic levels.
    • Impact. This reduces the documentation burden on eligible foreign students and allows students to continue their studies in the United Kingdom following the completion of their study abroad programme.
  • Relaxed rules to regain sponsor status. Tier 4 sponsors can potentially lose their accreditation status due to issues such as an insufficient education standard or administrative error. As a result of losing their educational oversight, a sponsor’s status can be downgraded to Legacy status. Previously, overseas institutions had to wait for two years before they could apply to have their sponsorship status reinstated. Now, overseas educational institutions whose sponsor status was downgraded to Legacy can apply to have their sponsor status reinstated immediately after remedying the issue(s).
    • Impact. The change allows overseas education institutions to regain sponsorship status faster.

 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

 

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Awards

Global Mobility Lawyer Recognises Fragomen's Wout van Doren and Tanya Loughran as Tomorrow's Leaders

Global Mobility Lawyer recognises Senior Immigration Manager Wout van Doren and Manager Tanya Loughran as Tomorrow's Leaders.

Learn more

Media mentions

Khaleej Times: 30,000 jobs, AI growth: What Disneyland Abu Dhabi means for the UAE

Partner Shayan Sultan discusses how Disneyland Abu Dhabi could impact hiring, Emiratisation and immigration planning in the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

Space-Comm: The Rapid Expansion of the Space Sector, Expected to Reach a Value of $1.8 Trillion by 2035, Marks the Beginning of a New Era in Space Exploration and Innovation

Partner Charlotte Wills and Director Kelly Hardman co-hosted the Space Law Legal Symposium with DLA Piper, highlighting immigration’s role in space sector growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg: Harvard Dragged Deeper Into Trump's 'America First' Visa Fight

Partner Daniel Pierce highlighted the challenges US universities face under new visa restrictions.

Learn more

Blog post

Unlocking Talent: Why Hiring Graduates on Immigration Permissions Is a Strategic Business Move

Senior Immigration Programme Consultant Salem Barakat shares how hiring graduates on immigration permissions is a strategic business move that unlocks talent and drives innovation.

Learn more

Blog post

A1 Certificate Fraud: Key Takeaways from the 2025 ECJ Decision

Director Wim Cocquyt and Senior Immigration Consultant Marina Ocariz discuss key takeaways from the 2025 ECJ decision on A1 certificate fraud.

Learn more

Media mentions

Dubai Eye: Managing Partner, Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI Workforce and Talent Mobility

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI talent shortage and how immigration policies are helping attract talent to the region.

Learn more

Blog post

La Naturalisation française par Décret : Des règles strictes et une exigence accrue de conformité

Senior Immigration Manager Géraldine Renaudière discusses France's tightening of the naturalization-by-decree process by enforcing stricter language, legal and financial requirements.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Irish Times: ‘Without People to Build Homes, It Won’t Happen’: Construction Workers Decry Shortage of Tradespeople

Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights Ireland’s respected work permit system and suggests a sector-specific permit to attract more non-EEA construction workers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Yorkshire Post: Yorkshire Businesses Should Prepare for Sweeping Immigration Rule Changes

Practice Leader Kathleen O’Donnell highlights how proposed UK immigration reforms could impact businesses in Yorkshire.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: The Death of the Digital Nomad

Partner Charlotte Wills notes that while full-time, long-term remote work might become less common, many professionals continue to work from abroad through more structured, short-term arrangements.

Learn more

Video

How to Stay in France After Graduation: Immigration Options for International Students

In this video, Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio walks you through everything you need to know about staying in France after graduation. Whether you’re looking to work, start a business or transition to a new immigration status, this guide covers key immigration pathways for international students.

Learn more

Awards

Global Mobility Lawyer Recognises Fragomen's Wout van Doren and Tanya Loughran as Tomorrow's Leaders

Global Mobility Lawyer recognises Senior Immigration Manager Wout van Doren and Manager Tanya Loughran as Tomorrow's Leaders.

Learn more

Media mentions

Khaleej Times: 30,000 jobs, AI growth: What Disneyland Abu Dhabi means for the UAE

Partner Shayan Sultan discusses how Disneyland Abu Dhabi could impact hiring, Emiratisation and immigration planning in the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

Space-Comm: The Rapid Expansion of the Space Sector, Expected to Reach a Value of $1.8 Trillion by 2035, Marks the Beginning of a New Era in Space Exploration and Innovation

Partner Charlotte Wills and Director Kelly Hardman co-hosted the Space Law Legal Symposium with DLA Piper, highlighting immigration’s role in space sector growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg: Harvard Dragged Deeper Into Trump's 'America First' Visa Fight

Partner Daniel Pierce highlighted the challenges US universities face under new visa restrictions.

Learn more

Blog post

Unlocking Talent: Why Hiring Graduates on Immigration Permissions Is a Strategic Business Move

Senior Immigration Programme Consultant Salem Barakat shares how hiring graduates on immigration permissions is a strategic business move that unlocks talent and drives innovation.

Learn more

Blog post

A1 Certificate Fraud: Key Takeaways from the 2025 ECJ Decision

Director Wim Cocquyt and Senior Immigration Consultant Marina Ocariz discuss key takeaways from the 2025 ECJ decision on A1 certificate fraud.

Learn more

Media mentions

Dubai Eye: Managing Partner, Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI Workforce and Talent Mobility

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI talent shortage and how immigration policies are helping attract talent to the region.

Learn more

Blog post

La Naturalisation française par Décret : Des règles strictes et une exigence accrue de conformité

Senior Immigration Manager Géraldine Renaudière discusses France's tightening of the naturalization-by-decree process by enforcing stricter language, legal and financial requirements.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Irish Times: ‘Without People to Build Homes, It Won’t Happen’: Construction Workers Decry Shortage of Tradespeople

Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights Ireland’s respected work permit system and suggests a sector-specific permit to attract more non-EEA construction workers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Yorkshire Post: Yorkshire Businesses Should Prepare for Sweeping Immigration Rule Changes

Practice Leader Kathleen O’Donnell highlights how proposed UK immigration reforms could impact businesses in Yorkshire.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: The Death of the Digital Nomad

Partner Charlotte Wills notes that while full-time, long-term remote work might become less common, many professionals continue to work from abroad through more structured, short-term arrangements.

Learn more

Video

How to Stay in France After Graduation: Immigration Options for International Students

In this video, Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio walks you through everything you need to know about staying in France after graduation. Whether you’re looking to work, start a business or transition to a new immigration status, this guide covers key immigration pathways for international students.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.