Changes to immigration rules welcomed

Medical students on UK visas will no longer have to prove they have thousands of pounds in the bank to take up their first jobs as doctors. Changes to the immigration rules have been made after the BMA raised concerns with the Government over the impact of an existing clause on medical training for postgraduate doctors. Students applying for an extension to a Tier 4 (general) visa to take up a foundation programme place would previously have had to prove they had nine months’ worth of living expenses in their bank accounts. But they will now have to show evidence of up to two months’ costs after the Government agreed to remove the ‘established presence’ clause. The change applies to visa applications made on or after 6 April this year.   'Stressful time' BMA medical students committee co-chair Harrison Carter, pictured, said: ‘We welcome this change, which will mean students at UK medical schools can continue with their training without needing to show they have thousands of pounds in the bank. ‘Students will now only have to show evidence of two months' worth of living costs instead of nine, which will be a huge burden off their minds at what is an already stressful time as they move into their first doctor jobs. ‘The move, which essentially reverts the position for Tier 4 visa holders back to what it used to be, follows sustained BMA lobbying. 'We are glad our concerns have been heard.’ The Government removed the estab...
Source: BMA News - Category: UK Health Source Type: news