After extended lobbying the Home Office is increasing visa flexibility for stays of six months or less

In December, the short-term study visa (STSV) route will close and anyone who wants to study here for six months or less can enter on a standard visitor visa.

During their six months in the UK on this visa, visitors can take as many or as few courses as they want. ELT must be studied in an accredited institution, and non-visa nationals can use airport e-gates to enter the UK.

Jodie Gray, interim chief executive of English UK, says: “This is really positive news for our industry and follows extensive lobbying by English UK and other sector bodies. The Home Office sees this as a concession to support the ELT industry at this challenging time while acknowledging that ELT students often behave like other tourists. We expect this to make the system much simpler for students who get a taste for taking more courses and for the member centres which teach them.”

The extended 11-month STSV for English language students remains unchanged, with the need to obtain entry clearance in advance.

Further details to follow