WIREDGOV

Today (17 September 2009) the UK Border Agency has confirmed that phase 3 of Tier 4 of the points-based system for immigration is set to go live on the 5 October 2009.

Phase 3 is the voluntary trialling period of the sponsorship management system for Tier 4 sponsors. This trial period allows sponsors to continue using visa letters whilst gradually adopting the use of the sponsorship management system to issue confirmations of acceptance for studies prior to them becoming mandatory in February 2010.

Between 5 October 2009 and February 2010, sponsors will be able to issue confirmations of acceptance for studies, visa Letters, or a combination of both to would-be students applying from within the United Kingdom. Would-be students applying from outside of the United Kingdom will be required to continue to apply with a visa letter until February 2010.

For further details on the implementation of Tier 4, you can download the Tier 4 implementation plan from the right side of this page.