Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will take steps to ensure that student visas are not used solely to gain residence in the UK.

To obtain permission on the Student route prospective Students must demonstrate that they have a sufficient level of English, funds to maintain themselves, relevant qualifications, a genuine intention to study and be sponsored by a licensed college or university.

The Student route is a temporary immigration route and does not lead to settlement in the UK. There are no plans to change this. However, students may apply to extend their leave on other routes to remain in the UK provided they meet the requirements.

We continuously review and strengthen visa and compliance requirements on our study routes to ensure they best serve the UK and reflect the public’s priorities.