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All
In the service of our community, I must inform those Dabananians, and their friends, who are in the United Kingdom (UK) on student visas about the radical changes which came into force 31 March 2009 corncerning extension of stay in this category of UK 'resident'.
A main applicant, and any dependant, must each complete, and submit, a separate application form ranging in length from 47, to 55 pages. A dependant is no longer includable on the application of a main applicant, although the completed applications may be sent together, on the same occassions, at much reduced rates. For example, a main applicant may send a dependant application at the same time as he is making an application for just an additional £50, or separately at a later date for a massive £465. Depending on the particular mode of sending, either of the foregoing would be in addition to the main applicant's separate fee of £357.
The changes have drastic financial ramifications, and those affected must apprise themselves of the relevant changes as articulated in pertinent Rules, and policy guidelines, including the intricacies of the new application forms. Special attention must be given to the issue of whether a college is an accredited 'sponsor', i.e., whether it has Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) authorisation to facilitate transactions for further leave to remain in the UK for internetional students. If you purport to extend your stay in the UK through an unlincenced college, your application will be refused.
Similarly, a privately sponsored student must try to understand the intricacies regarding financial sponsorship as drastic changes were effected in this area too. Until such time that judicial oversight is able to clarify inevitable disputes on the point, it should be noted that other than those from Government, or other "official sponsorship", the only other financial statement acceptable to the BIA are those bearing the name of the main applicant, or in the case of adult dependants, their personal names. Most of the litigation would center on this point. The following underlined material is extracted form the BIA website:
Financial sponsorship means you are given money to cover your course fees and living costs. If your financial sponsor is only covering some of your course fees or living costs, you must show that you have the rest of the money needed.
You should provide a letter of confirmation from your official financial sponsor. This may be Her Majesty's government, your home government, the British Council or any international organisation, company or university.
The letter must be on official letter-headed paper or stationery of the organisation of the official financial sponsor and have the official stamp of that organisation on it.
The letter should show:
- your name;
- the name and contact details of your official financial sponsor;
- the date of the letter;
- the length of your sponsorship; and
- the amount of money you have or a statement that your official financial sponsor will cover all of your fees and living costs.
As this is merely a pointer to the minefield that is the new student system, please read the policies in their entirity on www.bia.gov.uk
To avoid failure in extending your visa, please remember to give yourself ample time for preparation if you have private arrangements for financing your education in the UK.
LJDarbo |