There is a new visa system being introduced in Britain that affects all non-European migrants. Because of its complexity and its gradual introduction only a broad outline is given here.

For further information please visit the UK Border Agency (UKBA) website which details the new Points Based System. From 31st March 2009 the UK Government has introduced a points based visa system consisting of 5 Tiers of migrants.

These are:

Tier 1 Highly skilled individuals

Tier 2 Skilled workers with a job offer

Tier 3 Low skilled workers filling temporary labour shortages

Tier 4 Students

Tier 5 Youth mobility and temporary worker

Tier 4 Students All colleges wishing to accept Non-European Students must be licensed by UKBA to sponsor and accept these students. To become a sponsoring institution the colleges have been thoroughly inspected to ensure good standards of teaching provision, resources and student welfare. Tobias has received their license.

Student applicants will be assessed from 3 main areas:

• Eligibility: It will be the college’s duty to assess eligibility of the student's academic ability, English standard and any other necessary skills or experience in order to satisfactorily complete the course.

• Identity: UKBA will check this through passports, biometrics and ID cards.

• Suitability: UKBA will use their database to check student’s records.

Finally, there are minimum financial (money) resources that the student must have. The minimum requirement that the student holds is the Course fees (for first year) + £600 per month of the course up to a maximum of 9 months = Course fees (first year) + £5400. Evidence of sponsorship/financial support can be taken into account.

UKBA will require bank statements as evidence. To get a visa student applicants require 40 points. Students receive points for the following: 30 points are awarded for a valid visa letter from a sponsoring college confirming the student has an unconditional place. 10 points where the student provides evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves.

For students requesting visa extensions arrangements are in place. If you need further general information please contact the office. We are unable to give advice on specific visa questions.