New UK student visa rules come into effect

Indian students will need to demonstrate higher English language skills while applying for UK student visas after new requirements into effect this week.

Indian students will need to demonstrate higher English language skills while applying for UK student visas after new requirements intended to curb abuse of the visa system came into effect this week.

The minimum level of English required has been raised while enrolling on courses in the UK to study English. There are exceptions if students are government-sponsored.

Students applying for visas to study a course that is below degree level and is not a foundation degree,the amount of work allowed during term time has been reduced to 10 hours per week (the maximum level used to be 20 hours per week).

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Students applying to study a course that lasts six months or less will no longer be able to bring family members to the UK for the duration of the course.

Family members of students applying to study a course lower than degree level will not be allowed to work.

The Home Office said more changes to the points-based immigration system will be introduced from April.

Britain had suspended issuing student visas in north India,Nepal and Bangladesh after receiving an unusually large number of applications.

The suspension has been lifted from March 1.