International students at London Metropolitan University affected by the recent ban on visa sponsorship will have up to 3 months to look for a new course as the countdown starts only when the UK Border Agency (UKBA) writes to them on 1st October.

The government, university bodies such as Universities UK and the funding body HEFCE, and the National Union of Students have begun trying to help up to 2,700 international students affected by the UKBA ruling which means London Met is no longer able to sponsor their student visas.

Those affected need to find alternative courses elsewhere and get new visas within 60 days of receiving communication from the UKBA or leave Britain voluntarily. The UKBA clarified that the countdown will only start from the date stated on these letters. This will give a little more time for students to look for alternatives.

The UKBA has posted some guidelines on their website:

‘If you are a genuine student who meets the requirements to study in the UK under Tier 4 of the points-based system, the task force will try to help you to find another licensed education provider to sponsor you before your 60 days expire. If you are successful, you will then be able to continue your studies in the UK with this new education provider. The Tier 4 requirements may have changed since your original application, so you should read them carefully. For example, English language requirements changed in 2011.’

London Metropolitan University was stripped of its license to sponsor international students last week after UKBA found ‘systematic failure’ in the handling of records of international students enrolled at the university. An audit by the UKBA found that more than a quarter of cases sampled had no permission to remain in the UK or there have no proof of satisfactory level of English language.

The recent change also affects students sponsored by London Metropolitan University but that are studying at another education provider that is in partnership with it, mainly students from the London School of Business and Finance. They will also have 60 days from the date in which the UKBA write to them to find a new education provider.

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London Met Student? Call University of East London dedicated hotline for advice and guidance on switching  +44 (0)20 8223 3300     

What to do if your education provider loses its right to sponsor your student visa?

Read a personal account London Met: a student’s view from the Guardian

Find out more about studying in the UK.