The visa application centres in Mumbai (North and South) and Pune will be closed on 13 October 2009. This is due to Maharashtra state elections. The visa application centres will open for business as usual on 14 October 2009. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

From 1 October 2009, for all points-based system Tier 4 applications made outside the UK, the amounts required to meet the maintenance criteria must be held in your personal or your parent(s)/ legal guardian(s) bank account for a minimum period of 28 days prior to making your visa application. The end of the 28 day period must not be more than 1 month before the date of your application, for which you must show bank statements/other evidence. The transitional arrangements that were in place allowing funds to be held on the date of application only will no longer apply to applications made outside the UK, on or after 1 October 2009.

A new temporary concession comes into effect from 28 August 2009. It is for those applicants under the age of 18 who wish to take part in an exchange scheme or educational visit which has been approved by a state-maintained school. Applicants wishing to apply online for this concession should select the ‘General visitor’ option and complete the VAF 1A form. For more information on the student exchange concession please visit the UK Border Agency Visa Services website.

Student tier 4 visa applicants should ensure their chosen institution is on the tier 4 Sponsor Register when they submit their visa application. Applications made to attend institutions that have been suspended from the register will not be considered whilst the institution is under review. If you have a visa letter that you got before your approved education provider’s licence was suspended, and you have already been granted permission to enter the United Kingdom, but you have not yet travelled, you are advised not to travel until your educational institution’s status has been resolved. You are advised to check the sponsor's register before you travel in case your sponsor’s status has changed. Please see the Sponsor Register on the UK Border Agency website

The revised guidance to points-based system Tier 4 includes modified rules on student’s maintenance requirements. From 21 August 2009 all students will be allowed to use a bank account in their parent’s name as evidence that they meet the maintenance requirement. A full list of the changes is available on the UK Border Agency website.