The British government is introducing a change in the immigration rules to prevent exploitation of genuine overseas students. The British High Commissioner, Mark Lyall Grant commenting on the reasons for the new shift in policy, said, "The increasing number of poor quality schools and colleges in the United Kingdom catering to overseas students damages the excellent reputation of the UK as a world class centre of learning.
This new move is another example of our commitment to protect those genuine students - including more than 10,000 a year from Pakistan - who wish to study in Britain."
According to a press release issued here on Thursday by the British High Commission that from January 1, 2005, all applicants seeking a student visa in order to attend a course of study in the Unite Kingdom must ensure that the establishment at which they propose to study is registered on the Department of Education and Skills Register of Education and Training Providers.
Students who wish to check if their institution is registered can view the register at www.dfes.gov.uk/providersregister
Any student application decided on or after 1st January 2005 for studies at an educational establishment that does not appear on the register will be refused.
The purpose behind this change in the rules is to offer significant protection to prospective students and provide long-term benefits for the maintenance of firm but fair immigration control.
"The British High Commission remains fully committed to encouraging overseas students to further their education in the United Kingdom, more than 10,000 genuine Pakistanis students have gone to the UK this year to study. But in Pakistan as in a number of other countries we experience a high level of fraudulent applications from those who attempt to cheat the system. In 2004 over 66 percent of total student applicants were refused." said the High Commissioner.
Therefore, in addition to ensuring that they only enrol in DFES registered colleges, student applicants should also take notice of the following simple guidelines that will assist the British High Commission to process their application expeditiously:
The ability to speak English is important, particularly for following a course in higher education and student applicants are strongly advised to submit an original certificate for either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
If the student's acceptance at a college is conditional, he or she should make sure that conditions are met and that they have the proof before they apply.
It costs a considerable amount of money to study and live in the United Kingdom. Students must provide documentary proof that they have sufficient capital or sponsorship to cover the expenses for the entire length of the course.
All applications must be accompanied by original documents, not photocopies and any forged or bogus documentation will result in an automatic refusal of a visa.
Applicants should allow three months for the processing of their visa applications to accommodate for a possible interview.
Lastly, students should take the best possible advice when applying for a visa as unscrupulous agents continue to operate in Pakistan and they are more likely to harm rather than help the application.
A list of agents and consultants recommended by the British Council can be found by visiting www.educationuk.org/pk/.
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