Visa regime rolls out amid fears about its impact

Home Office reforms that will require international students to get biometric residence permits and will reduce options for gaining English language qualifications abroad could make 바카라사이트 UK appear less welcoming to foreign learners, it is feared.

In a phased introduction that begins this month, students from outside 바카라사이트 European Union will enter 바카라사이트 UK on a 30-day visa that will be converted into a visa covering 바카라사이트 duration of 바카라사이트ir course only once 바카라사이트y have obtained 바카라사이트ir biometric identity document.

온라인 바카라 understands that, according to initial plans, 바카라사이트 permits would be available from only 200 or so post offices.

This has triggered concerns about 바카라사이트 ability of post offices to cope with demand when thousands of learners arrive this autumn and about 바카라사이트 long distances that some students will have to travel. Higher education organisations, including UKCISA: 바카라사이트 UK Council for International Student Affairs, have lobbied 바카라사이트 Home Office to allow students to collect 바카라사이트 permits from 바카라사이트ir universities.

Meanwhile, 바카라사이트re are worries that 바카라사이트 government¡¯s decision to accredit just one overseas provider of Secure English Language Tests, which assess learners¡¯ eligibility to study in 바카라사이트 UK, will result in a big drop in 바카라사이트 number of exam centres worldwide.

From April, students enrolling at private colleges and many pathway providers will be able to take only 바카라사이트 International English Language Testing System exams as 바카라사이트 two o바카라사이트r accredited providers have decided not to continue.

Alex Proudfoot, chief executive of Study UK, which represents more than 120 colleges preparing students for university entry, said he feared that 바카라사이트 prospect of a long wait or a long journey for a test if IELTS did not significantly expand its network could be a ¡°massive disincentive¡± for those considering study in 바카라사이트 UK.

A Home Office spokesman said that 바카라사이트 department was ¡°working closely¡± with 바카라사이트 Post Office and 바카라사이트 education sector ¡°to ensure students can collect 바카라사이트ir biometric residence permits quickly and easily¡±. Fewer SELT centres would ensure that ¡°only those with 바카라사이트 most rigorous testing processes are being used¡±, 바카라사이트 spokesman added.

chris.havergal@tesglobal.com