The Home Office has revised all three Tier 4 Sponsor Guidance documents. The updated versions that all Tier 4 sponsors must follow can be found here.
There are a number of changes to all three documents that make up the guidance, initially published on 11 January 2018 when the new Immigration Rules came in to force and subsequently corrected.
Those who are responsible for the licence within the education provider should work their way through each set of guidance and note the changes that may affect their organisation.
Overall the changes are less imposing on sponsors than in previous years and some additions, such as a relaxation to some aspects of the academic progression requirement and the ability of some sponsored students to study part-time courses, are welcome.
In relation to part-time courses, students sponsored under Tier 4 by an HEI may now study a part-time course above degree level study that leads to a UK-recognised qualification at level 7 or above on the RQF or equivalent. The initial guidance issued on 11 January 2018 contained an erroneous requirement that there must be a full-time equivalent course. This has since been removed.
Sponsors should also note that the Tier 4 Policy Guidance for applicants has been updated as have some aspects of the SMS guides which can be found here.
If you have any questions about the new guidance, please contact us.
