Tier 4 changes - information for education providers

Wednesday, 3rd March 2010

The UK Border Agency has today implemented further changes to Tier 4 of the points-based system, and has amended the Tier 4 sponsor guidance accordingly.

If you are an education provider with a Tier 4 sponsor licence, you should note the following changes:

§  If a general student wants to study an English language course in the UK, you must check that their standard of English is at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) B1 level. When you assign a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) to the student, you must tell us how you assessed their standard of English. (This requirement does not apply to government-sponsored students or to students on a pre-sessional course to degree-level study.)

§  A good standard of English (at least CEFR B1 level) is also required for any course that a general student wishes to study below degree level, except those on a foundation degree programme. When you assign a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) to the student, you must tell us how you assessed their standard of English.

§  Child students aged 16 or 17, and general students on a course which leads to a qualification below degree level (except for those on a foundation degree programme), will be able to work for a maximum of 10 hours per week during term time. Work placements that meet the Tier 4 criteria are not included in this 10-hour maximum.

§  General students who are studying a course of study that lasts six months or less cannot bring their dependants to the UK, unless the dependant qualifies for permission to stay in their own right under another category.

§If a general student is studying a course below degree level and is not on a foundation degree programme, their dependants will not be able to work while they are in the UK (unless they qualify to work in their own right under another category of the points-based system).

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