Please share the below announcement with the international students on your campus. You can also download the UKBA visa guidance here.
Foreign students must have a place at a bona fide university or college and be working towards a qualification that will enhance their future prospects when they return home. In preparation for their arrival students must have a valid passport and the correct Entry Clearance under Tier 4 points-based system as evidence of their nationality and purpose of their time in the UK.
Jonathan Sedgwick, acting Chief Executive UK Border Agency, said:
"The changes we have made to the student visa system will ensure that every student coming to the UK attends a legitimate course at a legitimate institution. Anyone attempting to enter the UK without the proper immigration clearance will be refused entry at the border.”
There are a number of criteria that foreign students need to meet before they are granted a Tier 4 visa, a summary of which is as follows:
all applicants must sign a declaration to provide evidence that the funds needed to meet the maintenance requirement are genuinely available
introducing a tougher English language requirement;
ensuring that students wishing to extend their studies show evidence of academic progression;
limiting students' entitlements to work and their ability to bring in dependants;
improving the accreditation process for education providers, alongside more rigorous inspections.
All students must comply with the conditions attached to their visa.
If you are in any doubt about what your visa allows you to do, you should visit the website below for the most up-to-date information.http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/student-visitors/
Further changes to the Tier 4 of the points-based system are planned for April 2012 and the end of 2012. To keep up-to-date with these changes you can subscribe to the UK Border Agency RSS news feed, or visit the agency’s website. www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/news-and-updates/newsfeeds