Phase 3 of Tier 4 of the points-based system will go live on 5 October, with the start of a voluntary trial period for the sponsorship magagement system.
During the trial period, Tier 4 sponsors will be able to continue using visa letters while gradually adopting the use of the sponsorship management system to issue confirmations of acceptance for studies. Confirmations of acceptance for studies will become mandatory in February 2010.
Between 5 October 2009 and February 2010, sponsors will be able to issue confirmations of acceptance for studies, visa letters or a combination of both to prospective students who are applying to them from within the United Kingdom. Prospective students applying from outside the United Kingdom will still have to apply with a visa letter until February 2010.
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