UK Starts New Student Visa Regulations

Starting last week, the UK government officially put in place the first of the changes to their Tier 4 (student level) Visa. The changes, which were first announced last month, cause a stir among current and potential international students, particularly those attending English Language schools as students would need a speak 'higher level' of English than previously required. Here's a deeper look at the changes already in place, as well as those coming in the future.
      * Students may only work during school terms, and no more than 10 hours per week (half of what was previously allowed). 
      * If you are studying for 6 months or less, you cannot bring dependents to the UK.
      * If you are able to bring dependents, they cannot work unless they qualify as a highly skilled or skilled migrant worker (Tier 1 or 2 Visa).
      * Starting April 6, 2010, if you are not studying a university level course, and are coming from outside of the EU, the institution you attend must be on a list of "highly trusted sponsors'.
       * Starting in the summer of 2010, you must be able to speak English at an intermediate level (which means a TOEFL score of at least 41 on the ibt), and you will need to show a test score to prove your abilities.

#14 | Tuesday, February 23, 2010 | Read Time: 1m 13s

Fast track your citizenship by studying in Canada

As of February 14, 2010, international students graduating from universities in Quebec will be granted a "certificate of selection" that puts them onto the fast track for Canadian citizenship. This is very good news for those you taking your TOEFL with the hopes of immigrating to another country someday.
According to local media sources, on a recent visit to the University of Mumbai provice premier Jean Charest told the packed meeting that "any student who secures a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from any university in Quebec will obtain a certificate of selection to become a citizen of Canada.” According to Mr. Charest, once the certificate had been recieved the federal government would then carry out health and security screenings before awarding citizenship.
This announcement was directed at Indian students, likely hoping to sway some to Canada in light of problems students have experience in both Australia and Britain - two destinations popular with Indian students. However, this offer is not limited to Indians, rather all international students and Canadian hopefuls.