Visa rules frustrating for students coming to UK

Strict new visa regulations are frustrating overseas students and risk damaging the UK's reputation on the world stage, says a study .

Almost six in 10 (58.6 per cent) international students applying for an extension to their visas do not think the application process is quick and efficient.

More than eight in 10 (83.4 per cent) think the cost of a student visa is unreasonable, according to the study by the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

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The report, published yesterday, looked at the experiences of international students applying to extend their visas under the new points-based immigration system.

Since October last year, all international students from outside the European Union have to apply for a new visa if they wish to change where they are studying.

The report says the system has been frustrating for students – with many facing delays to their applications and the return of their identification documents.

The report says almost half those applying for an extension (48.6 per cent) did not find the application form easy to complete.

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Four in 10 (40.2 per cent) said it took two months or longer to get their passport back after submitting an application.

Council chief executive Dominic Scott estimated more than 40,000 students would apply to change their institution of study this summer and the UK risked missing out on international students – and the income they bring – if the process took too long.

"We are heading to a bit of a precipice. The new law that came in last October said it's an offence for a student to move from one institution to another without getting a new visa extension."

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