Points-based system – new versions of application forms and guidance

The UK Border Agency has today published new versions of the application forms and policy guidance under the following categories of the points-based system:

• Tier 1 (General)
• Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
• Tier 1 (Investor)
• Tier 1 (Post-study work)
• Tier 2 – all categories (application form only – no change to policy guidance)
• Tier 5 (Temporary worker) – all sub-categories
• PBS Dependant

These new versions reflect the new requirement for Tier 1 and Tier 5 applicants to obtain biometric residence permits, and other minor changes.

You should use the new forms with immediate effect. However, and in line with paragraph 34 (I) of the Immigration Rules, the UK Border Agency will continue to accept applications made on the previous version of the application forms until (and including) 4 January 2011. The UK Border Agency will consider all applications under the current Immigration Rules, regardless of which version of the application form you send.

Full details of all the changes to the policy guidance are provided in the tables of changes.

Extended student visitor visa

From 10 January 2011, English language students wishing to attend exclusively English language courses will be able to apply for a student visitor visa allowing them to stay for up to 11 months. The extended student visitor visa will only be available to applicants outside the UK.

Students wishing to study other courses in the UK for longer than 6 months will still need to apply under Tier 4 of the points-based system.

If you are a ‘non-visa-national’ who does not normally need a visa to study for up to 6 months, you must apply for the extended visa if you wish to take a longer English language course.

The extended student visitor visa’s other requirements, entitlements and restrictions are the same as those for the current student visitor route. The student visitor route does not allow students to work, take a work placement, bring dependants, extend their stay or switch into other courses at the end of their stay.

The fee for an extended student visitor visa will be the same as for a student visitor visa.