The British government has streamlined visa applications for students from countries whose nationals pose a low immigration risk to the United Kingdom.

South Korea has been identified as one of the countries that will benefit from this streamlined process, which will be put in place starting this summer.

“International students not only make a vital contribution to the U.K. economy but they also help make our education system one of the best in the world,” said U.K. Border Agency Regional Director for Asia Pacific, James Sharp.

Korean visa applicants will generally not be expected to provide documentary evidence of maintenance and qualifications at the time of application.

The simplified application process will reduce the administrative burden for prospective students.

The substantive requirements will remain the same, including the 28-day rule for maintenance funds, and students must be able to provide the appropriate documents if subsequently requested.

“We recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach is not appropriate which is why we have simplified the application process for South Korean students, making it quicker and easier for them to apply to study in the U.K.,” Sharp said.

The first round of changes to the Tier 4 system will come into effect on April 21, with further changes, including the new streamlined process, taking effect this summer and final changes in April 2012.

For further information, visit www.britain.or.kr.

The other Asian countries on the list are Brunei, Japan, Singapore and the administrative region of Hong Kong.

(yoav@heraldcorp.com)