Student

The Student route is a points-based route available to people aged 16 or over who intend to study in the UK. The Immigration Rules and guidance relating to students are some of the most complex in the UK immigration system.

Only the following types of course can be offered to a Student applicant:

  1. full-time course at degree level or above leading to an approved qualification

  2. full-time course below degree level leading to an approved qualification, involving a minimum of 15 hours a week of organised daytime study (8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday)

  3. full-time pre-sessional course involving a minimum of 15 hours of classroom-based daytime study

  4. part-time course leading to an approved qualification above degree level sponsored by a higher education provider with a

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Latest Immigration News

UKICE blog asserts that Reform UK’s ILR abolition proposal faces public opposition

UK in a Changing Europe (UKICE) has published a blog by Rob Ford, Senior Fellow, UKICE and Professor of Politics,  University of Manchester arguing that Reform UK’s proposal to abolish indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and require migrants to reapply for visas every five years runs contrary to public opinion and risks a public outcry.  The blog explains that ILR is generally obtained after years of work or family sponsorship, at which point migrants gain the same rights to welfare benefits as UK citizens rights, and it is these rights Reform UK seeks to restrict. The blog asserts that Reform UK’s proposed exclusion of migrants from ILR and welfare benefits would be an unpopular policy. In support of this, Ford points to NatCen panel data from early 2024 which found that 84% of respondents supported giving tax-paying migrants equal welfare access within five years, with 65% favouring an even shorter three-year period and only 3% supporting permanent exclusion. The blog also highlights a survey by British Social Attitudes which compares 2013 and 2024 views on qualification periods for welfare access. The survey results show an increase in support of a qualification period of five years or less for migrants from 82% in 2013 to 84% in 2024.  The data provided, Ford argues, shows that despite over a decade of campaigning for a stricter migration policy, public opinion on access to welfare benefits for settled migrants remains consistent. Ford notes that while no polling exists on revoking rights already granted, Reform UK’s proposal to end ILR and revoke the welfare and security rights of settled migrants would likely be even more unpopular. Ford concludes that public opinion consistently values migrants’ economic contributions and supports fair access once settlement conditions are met.

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