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<p>We have been in correspondence with the Scottish Government concerning the Tier
4 visa pilot. There is no pilot study currently being conducted into post-study work
visas.</p><p>The Tier 4 visa pilot is part of the Home Office’s continued efforts
to ensure that the UK maintains an excellent offer to attract the brightest and best
to study at our world-leading institutions. The pilot is deliberately narrow in scope,
with the institutions selected on the basis of their consistently low level of visa
refusals. Its main aim is to test the benefits of a differentiated approach within
Tier 4, whilst ensuring any changes do not undermine the robust application of immigration
requirements.</p><p>The pilot helps simplify the visa application process for international
students looking to study on a Masters’ course, in the UK, of 13 months or less. Whilst
it will also help to support students who wish to switch into a work route by extending
the leave period following the end of their study to up to six months, it does not
make any changes to the Tier 2 visa route and is not a return to the post-study work
visa route.</p><p>The four selected institutions were consulted regarding its implementation.
Should the pilot be successful, the Home Office will consult key stakeholders about
its possible expansion.</p>
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