Further to an email members in England received on June 30 from the DfE regarding visitor and visa sponsors, we have been advised the DfE will be issuing the update below to schools on Thursday (July 15) to provide further clarity:
Changes to UK entry processes from October 1, 2021, for students attending independent schools on child study visas or participating in exchange visits
We have discussed the matter with Home Office officials. This message therefore updates and clarifies the arrangements set out in our email notice on this subject sent out on June 30. It sets out some important changes to UK entry processes.
From October 1, 2021, European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals will only be able to travel to the UK using a valid passport, unless they have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme by June 30, 2021, or otherwise have protected rights under the Citizens’ Rights Agreements. ID cards will no longer be accepted as a valid travel document, and it will not be possible to enter the UK using one.
At the moment, European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals can enter the UK on their ID cards. With effect from October 1, they will need a passport to enter the UK.
More information is here: https://homeoffice.brandworkz.com/BMS/albums/?album=2535&lightboxAccessID=92796804-9CA7-4926-BC6A358B071E85D5
EEA and Swiss nationals will continue to be able to visit the UK without a visa.
Visitors (regardless of their nationality) can enter the UK for up to six months on a holiday and visit a state-funded or independent school as part of that visit.
During that visit, a course of up to six months can be undertaken at an independent school with a sponsor license.
No study is permitted at state-funded schools and 16-19 academies for those on the visitor route and they cannot sponsor international students on a child study visa. Any exchanges or other visits to a state funded school should not include a course of studies.
Those studying a course lasting longer than six months at an independent school will require a child study visa.
Full British citizens do not need permission to study in the UK, however some holders of British passports do require permission under the UK’s immigration system. Further details are available here: https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality.
Travel update: new destinations added to government travel lists
In England, the Department for Transport has published an update regarding new destinations added to government travel lists. From 4am on Monday, July 19, Bulgaria and Hong Kong will be added to the green list, while Croatia and Taiwan will be added to the green watchlist.
To read a copy of the update in full, please click here.
Amber List rules for entering England – update
Further to the update we issued on Wednesday (July 14) regarding Amber List rules for entering England, please note this situation remains unchanged. We will provide a further update as soon as we receive clear guidance from the DfE.
Categories: BSA News Uncategorised
