02 ožu What does the UK’s new immigration system mean for students?
In February 2020, the UK government announced plans for a new immigration system which will start in 2021.
EU/EEA/Swiss students can come to study English in the UK as usual until end of December 2020
Until 31 December 2020, agents can continue to send EU/EEA/Swiss students to study in the UK as usual. These students do not need any kind of visa, they can still travel on ID cards and they can work alongside their studies.
From January 2021, there will be a new immigration system which applies to all nationalities
EU/EEA/Swiss students will be treated as ‘non-visa’ nationals. This means that they will be able to enter the UK as a visitor, or as a student, for stays of up to 6 months without needing a visa.
EU/EEA students who want to study for less than 6 months will NOT need to apply for a visa
They will simply need to book an English language course before they travel, at an institution which is accredited by one the government-recognised accreditation bodies. All English UK members and British Council-accredited English language centres are recognised. When students arrive in the UK, they show their course acceptance letter to receive a study stamp in their passport.
EU/EEA students who want to study English for more than 6 months will need to apply for a visa before coming to the UK
Students over 16 years old can apply online for a visa to study English in the UK for more than 6 months. There are different visa categories depending on course length and institution.
For more information click here.
Source: English UK.