Calling it “a symbol of a broken and abused immigration system,” the United Kingdom announced that it would cut over 25 percent of the number of visas issued to foreign citizens.

As per the changes, a limit will be placed on paid hours foreign students will be allowed to work and English language requirements for applicants will increase. Only graduates who receive an offer for a job that pays over $31,000 a year will be able to stay in the United Kingdom.

There are 285 students currently studying at NYU London and a record-high 307 applicants to the program for next semester.

Despite the change, Chris Nicolussi, senior director of student services in the NYU Office of Global Programs, does not think students enrolling at NYU London will have any difficulty in obtaining visas, as the university already holds approved U.K. sponsorship.

Roger Duclaud-Williams, associate professor of politics at the University of Warwick in England, said the U.K. government’s decision to limit visas is a reaction to students who claim to be studying but are actually aiming to live permanently in the United Kingdom, not with institutions like NYU.

“NYU London does not offer internships or work placement services,” Nicolussi said. “Very few students enrolled at NYU London work or have internships, as the academic program is rigorous and most students wish to use days off from school and weekends to travel.”

However, LSP sophomore Stephanie Maida, who is studying abroad in London and has an internship, is concerned that having fewer work hours will still negatively affect NYU London students.

“If students are limited in their work hours, they won’t be able to experience British culture fully if they can’t support themselves financially,” Maida said.

But Tisch junior Gabriella Moses, who is currently studying in London through the school’s BBC program, thinks this measure is beneficial.

“It may seem like an initial damper on applicants, but in the long run, for better or for worse, a lot of kids spend their semester abroad partying and adventuring,” Moses said. “I know America is a stickler, from what I’ve heard from foreign friends, so maybe the U.K. is stepping up to the plate and dishing out the same dirt the U.S. gives their students.”

NYU staff in London, who are assigned to stay current on policies on issuing and obtaining proper visa for entry, have begun working to ensure that NYU London is in full compliance with new government policies to issue visa documents. The majority of work will be in place before students arrive for fall 2011.