New Uk Visa Policy

Latest News

25 September 2009: Student Tier 4 applications - maintenance funds must be in bank accounts for at least 28 days. From 1 October 2009, for all points-based system Tier 4 applications made outside the UK, the amounts required to meet the maintenance criteria must be held in your personal or your parent(s)/ legal guardian(s) bank account for a minimum period of 28 days prior to making your visa application. The end of the 28 day period must not be more than 1 month before the date of your application, for which you must show bank statements/other evidence. The transitional arrangements that were in place allowing funds to be held on the date of application only will no longer apply to applications made outside the UK, on or after 1 October 2009.

23 September 2009: Settlement visa applications in Pakistan. Please note that the UK Border Agency is currently meeting its target processing time of 12 weeks for the majority of settlement applications. It is taking the full 12 weeks to process settlement applications so please do not make any enquiries about your application before this 12 week period. Enquiries regarding the processing time of your settlement application will not be replied to unless the 3 month period has passed. We recommend that you take this into account when making your settlement application to avoid any disappointment.

11 September 2009: IT problems: UK Border Agency visa processing in Pakistan. Due to severe IT problems, there is likely to be some disruption to UK Border Agency visa application processing. Unfortunately, the time taken to process applications is likely to increase. Please ensure that you plan ahead and make your application in good time. The UK Border Agency is working to resolve the current IT problems and apologises to customers for any inconvenience caused.

11 September 2009: Student Tier 4 applications - processing times Pakistan. Due to IT problems, there is likely to be some disruption to UK Border Agency visa application processing for student tier 4 applications. Unfortunately, the time taken to process applications is likely to increase. All student (tier 4 points-based system) applications are being prioritised. The UK Border Agency is working to resolve the current IT problems and apologises to customers for any inconvenience caused.

11 September 2009: Submission hours: Please note that submission hours are currently 800-12 Midday, Monday-Friday (until 18 September). After 18 September, hours for submission will revert back to the usual 8:00- 16:00 Monday-Friday.

28 August 2009: Student exchange concession. A new temporary concession comes into effect from 28 August 2009. It is for those applicants under the age of 18 who wish to take part in an exchange scheme or educational visit which has been approved by a state-maintained school. Applicants wishing to apply online for this concession should select the ‘General visitor’ option and complete the VAF 1A form. For more information on the student exchange concession please visit the UK Border Agency Visa Services website.

25 August 2009: Student Tier 4 applicants with International Baccalaureate qualifications. Please see the UK Border Agency website for more information on Tier 4 applications.

25 August 2009: Student tier 4 applicants – Sponsor Register. Student tier 4 visa applicants should ensure their chosen institution is on the tier 4 Sponsor Register when they submit their visa application. Applications made to attend institutions that have been suspended from the register will not be considered whilst the institution is under review. If you have a visa letter that you got before your approved education provider’s licence was suspended, and you have already been granted permission to enter the United Kingdom, but you have not yet travelled, you are advised not to travel until your educational institution’s status has been resolved. You are advised to check the sponsor's register before you travel in case your sponsor’s status has changed. Please see the Sponsor Register on the UK Border Agency website.

12 August 2009: Revised guidance for points-based system Tier 4. The revised guidance to points-based system Tier 4 includes modified rules on student’s maintenance requirements. From 21 August 2009 all students will be allowed to use a bank account in their parent’s name as evidence that they meet the maintenance requirement. A full list of the changes is available on the UK Border Agency website.

23 July 2009: Reminder to points-based system Tier 4 student applicants. We are expecting a 90% increase in student applications from July to October 2009. To ensure a smooth and successful application process, we ask you to provide all the required documentation and supporting evidence as stated in the Tier 4 policy guidance. We also ask you to ensure that the visa letter from your education institution sponsor is accurate and provides all the information required. Please read the Tier 4 policy guidance before submitting your application. Failure to provide the correct documentation will result in refusal of your (Tier 4 student) application.