From today, international students looking to study in the UK will be able to apply for their visa through Tier 4 of the new streamlined Points Based System. The UKBA has published new application forms to be used for applications made on or after the 31 March 2009.

On 23 March, the UKBA published the Tier 4 (student) application forms, to be used for applications made on or after 31 March 2009.

Breaking News

The Home Office has just announced that the introduction of the new Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) Register has been delayed from 12th October 2009 to July 2010 and registration for the Scheme for the first wave of applicants will not become mandatory until November 2010.

The UK Government announced on 10th March that the go-live date for the student tier of its new points-based system for migration will be 31st March. From this date, students looking to study in the UK can apply for their visa through the new points-based system which will streamline the Student visa application process.

Thank you to the majority of the membership who have completed their online 2009 Annual Declarations and centre profiles. Unfortunately, however, some returns still remain outstanding. If you are the nominated representative for your centre and have not yet completed your declaration, prompt return would be appreciated. 

Click through to the main page to find a link to a story that appeared in Ireland's Evening Herald Newspaper (www.herald.ie) on 10th March 2009 entitled "Language students put off Ireland by rogue schools" by Claire Murphy.

We are offering members the opportunity to display their brochures on the English UK stand at GETEX 2009 in Dubai.

The next inward mission will be run for agents from the Asia Pacific region, in association with English UK North. It will take place between the 11^th and 15^th May 2009. 

English UK has had something to celebrate this month - and so has one of its newest members.

The world's largest language teaching association became even bigger, signing up its 400th school, English for Everyone in Aberdeen.

English UK today announced that it has achieved its 2009 target of exceeding 400 members, with membership today standing at 402.