Following the recent Supreme Court judgment in the case of Quila and Bibi v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2011] UKSC 45, the UK Border Agency has today announced new policy guidance for marriage visas, reinstating the minimum age to 18.
The Quila and Bibi case successfully challenged the requirement under paragraph 277 of the Immigration Rules for both foreign spouses and their sponsors in the UK to meet a minimum age of 21 before the foreign spouse could be granted a visa to enter or remain as a spouse or partner.
Paragraph 277 (along with other paragraphs of the Immigration Rules) was amended on 27 November 2008 to raise the minimum age from 18 to 21.
The UK Border Agency said:
‘The Supreme Court has ruled that, whilst they recognised that the Secretary of State was pursuing a legitimate and rational aim of seeking to address forced marriage, the change to the rule (increasing the minimum marriage visa age from 18 to 21) disproportionately interfered with the Article 8 rights of those who were in genuine marriages.’
The guidance affects applicants whose ‘applications for entry clearance or leave as a fiancé(e), proposed civil partner, spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner were refused under paragraphs 277, 289AA, or 295AA of the Immigration Rules solely because they or their sponsor were aged between 18 and 20 and whose application was refused on that basis between 27 November 2008 and October 2011’.
This includes applications made inside or outside the UK. The guidance sets out how refused applicants can apply for a review of the original decision to refuse a visa which the agency say ‘might now result in a visa being issued’.
Changes to the Immigration Rules have been laid in Parliament today to reinstate a minimum age of 18 for a spouse, civil partner, fiancé(e), proposed civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner and for their sponsor in order to qualify for entry clearance, leave to enter, leave to remain or a variation of leave on that basis. These rules will come into effect on 28 November 2011.
The new policy guidance explains how applicants affected by the judgment can request a review of an earlier refusal due to the age requirement by 31 May 2012.
Further information on how to request a review can be found under the partners and families section of the UKBA website, Husband, wife or civil partner, Unmarried or same-sex partner, and Fiance(e) or proposed civil partner categories. Source: UB Border Agency.
Speaking on the judgement last month the Immigration Minister Damian Green said:
“This is another very disappointing judgement, which overturns a policy that exists and is judged to be consistent with the ECHR in other European countries.
“The judges themselves agreed increasing the marriage visa age had a legitimate aim.
“We believe this decision will put vulnerable people at risk of being forced into marriage. We will come forward with our response in due course.”
The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI), which represented Amber and Diego Aguilar in their case, estimates the ruling could allow up to 5,000 foreign spouses to settle in the UK every year.
Habib Rahman of the JCWI said:
“This was a law introduced on the hoof, which had no discernible effect on forced marriage, but infringed on the rights of UK citizens to live in the UK with their partners.
“We are delighted to see it consigned to the scrap heap of misguided legislation.”
See also:
UK Border Agency ‘dumped’ missing asylum seeker cases
UK border force head suspended
Court overturns UK Government’s non-EU under 21 spouses ban
JCWI and ILPA update on Zambrano case
EctHR Judgment Bah v UK
UK Border Agency announce further changes to the student visa system
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an appeal against a refusal please email: info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Sunday, 13 November 2011
English UK wants apology from Home Office over 'bogus colleges' claim
English UK, the association for 450 language colleges, seeks apology saying remark implied institutions were fronts for illegal immigration.
The Home Office has been threatened with legal action amid claims it mistakenly implied that 22 colleges were bogus or sub-standard.
English UK, an association representing more than 450 language colleges, said the alleged error could bankrupt the institutions. Its lawyers are demanding senior Home Office officials issue an immediate apology and retraction.
Last week, the Home Office said scores of colleges had lost their right to recruit overseas students because they could not meet the standards of a new inspection regime or had not applied to be on a compulsory register of institutions authorised to enrol overseas students.
Damian Green, the immigration minister, warned that "widespread abuse of the student visa system has gone on for too long". Too many students had come to the UK to find paid work and bring over their family, rather than to study, he said.
English UK said its colleges had not signed up for the register because their courses lasted less than a year. Only institutions that offer courses that last a year or more have to be on the register.
The association said institutions had decided not to voluntarily apply to be on the register because it would have been expensive.
Tony Millns, chief executive of English UK, said the Home Office had "allowed it to be inferred that all the colleges on its list were bogus, fronts for illegal immigration, or of poor educational quality".
"This has been enormously damaging to the reputation of perfectly legitimate and high-quality businesses," he said.
A letter sent by English UK's lawyers to the Home Office states the government published information that was "untrue, defamatory and gravely damaging to [colleges'] goodwill and reputations".
"The potential damage is potentially substantial, irreparable and unquantifiable," it said.
The Home Office wants to curb overseas student numbers to reduce total net migration to Britain by 230,000 between now and 2015. A spokesman for the UK Border Agency said senior officials would not be making an apology or retracting their statement. Ministers had made it clear that colleges not on the register were not necessarily those with poor educational standards, he said.
"Some simply failed to submit an application to demonstrate they meet our new higher standards," he said. "Widespread abuse of the student visa system has gone on for too long which is why we've made changes to ensure only first-class education providers should be given licences to sponsor international students." Source: The Guardian.
Last week Immigration Matters said that the reason that 400 private college owners have not applied for Highly Trusted status is that many have simply decided that ‘enough is enough’ following stringent new Tier 4 visa rules, implemented on 4 July, which basically means that any new international students studying at a private college (as opposed to a government publicly funded institution) can no longer work or sponsor dependants.
Under the new rules, students studying at government colleges and UK universities will be allowed to work and sponsor dependants putting the private sector at what college owners see as an unfair disadvantage.
The combination of new UK Border Agency ‘Highly Trusted Sponsor’ regulations introduced this year and the new Tier 4 student visa rules, has increased costs whilst destroying the market for private education providers – hence the 400 closing their doors or simply opting out of the new Highly Trusted regime.
The new rules do not affect Bulgarians and Romanians coming to the UK on Yellow Card registration permits to work and study on vocational courses such as NVQ or QCF courses in Health and Social Care.
UK Border Agency announce further changes to the student visa system
UK University applications drop 9% as higher fees and student visa crackdown takes effect
Tier 4 blacklisted financial institutions published by UK Border Agency as the heat is turned up on fraudulent student visa applications
HIGHLY TRUSTED PRIVATE COLLEGE STUDENTS DO NOT HAVE THE SAME RIGHT TO WORK AS GOVERNMENT SPONSORED INSTITUTIONS
Post Study Work Visa to be abolished April 2012 as part of student visa clampdown
New Tier 4 sponsor guidance published for Highly Trusted Sponsorship – will your private college qualify?
New Tier 4 student visa rules now in force
MORE CHALLENGES FOR TIER 4 STUDENTS AS ‘3-YEAR RULE’ APPLIED
New Tier 4 sponsor guidance published for Highly Trusted Sponsorship – will your private college qualify?
University of Wales cease validating degrees at colleges and other institutions
For free immigration news updates, please visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk or email: info@immigrationmatters.co.uk
The Home Office has been threatened with legal action amid claims it mistakenly implied that 22 colleges were bogus or sub-standard.
English UK, an association representing more than 450 language colleges, said the alleged error could bankrupt the institutions. Its lawyers are demanding senior Home Office officials issue an immediate apology and retraction.
Last week, the Home Office said scores of colleges had lost their right to recruit overseas students because they could not meet the standards of a new inspection regime or had not applied to be on a compulsory register of institutions authorised to enrol overseas students.
Damian Green, the immigration minister, warned that "widespread abuse of the student visa system has gone on for too long". Too many students had come to the UK to find paid work and bring over their family, rather than to study, he said.
English UK said its colleges had not signed up for the register because their courses lasted less than a year. Only institutions that offer courses that last a year or more have to be on the register.
The association said institutions had decided not to voluntarily apply to be on the register because it would have been expensive.
Tony Millns, chief executive of English UK, said the Home Office had "allowed it to be inferred that all the colleges on its list were bogus, fronts for illegal immigration, or of poor educational quality".
"This has been enormously damaging to the reputation of perfectly legitimate and high-quality businesses," he said.
A letter sent by English UK's lawyers to the Home Office states the government published information that was "untrue, defamatory and gravely damaging to [colleges'] goodwill and reputations".
"The potential damage is potentially substantial, irreparable and unquantifiable," it said.
The Home Office wants to curb overseas student numbers to reduce total net migration to Britain by 230,000 between now and 2015. A spokesman for the UK Border Agency said senior officials would not be making an apology or retracting their statement. Ministers had made it clear that colleges not on the register were not necessarily those with poor educational standards, he said.
"Some simply failed to submit an application to demonstrate they meet our new higher standards," he said. "Widespread abuse of the student visa system has gone on for too long which is why we've made changes to ensure only first-class education providers should be given licences to sponsor international students." Source: The Guardian.
Last week Immigration Matters said that the reason that 400 private college owners have not applied for Highly Trusted status is that many have simply decided that ‘enough is enough’ following stringent new Tier 4 visa rules, implemented on 4 July, which basically means that any new international students studying at a private college (as opposed to a government publicly funded institution) can no longer work or sponsor dependants.
Under the new rules, students studying at government colleges and UK universities will be allowed to work and sponsor dependants putting the private sector at what college owners see as an unfair disadvantage.
The combination of new UK Border Agency ‘Highly Trusted Sponsor’ regulations introduced this year and the new Tier 4 student visa rules, has increased costs whilst destroying the market for private education providers – hence the 400 closing their doors or simply opting out of the new Highly Trusted regime.
The new rules do not affect Bulgarians and Romanians coming to the UK on Yellow Card registration permits to work and study on vocational courses such as NVQ or QCF courses in Health and Social Care.
UK Border Agency announce further changes to the student visa system
UK University applications drop 9% as higher fees and student visa crackdown takes effect
Tier 4 blacklisted financial institutions published by UK Border Agency as the heat is turned up on fraudulent student visa applications
HIGHLY TRUSTED PRIVATE COLLEGE STUDENTS DO NOT HAVE THE SAME RIGHT TO WORK AS GOVERNMENT SPONSORED INSTITUTIONS
Post Study Work Visa to be abolished April 2012 as part of student visa clampdown
New Tier 4 sponsor guidance published for Highly Trusted Sponsorship – will your private college qualify?
New Tier 4 student visa rules now in force
MORE CHALLENGES FOR TIER 4 STUDENTS AS ‘3-YEAR RULE’ APPLIED
New Tier 4 sponsor guidance published for Highly Trusted Sponsorship – will your private college qualify?
University of Wales cease validating degrees at colleges and other institutions
For free immigration news updates, please visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk or email: info@immigrationmatters.co.uk
Student visa crackdown damaging our reputation abroad, Universities UK warns
As the Home Office reveals 11,000 drop in the number of overseas students since tougher measures introduced this year, UK Universities warns that not only is the government’s action damaging Britain’s reputation, but was also responsible for 400 private colleges effectively opting out of the new Tier 4 sponsoring system.
The Universities UK action group has issued a warning about Britain's reputation in education after new figures revealed that the government's curb on overseas students had reduced their numbers by 11,000 and led to more than 450 colleges pulling out of the market, the Guardian reported earlier this month.
The Home Office said more than 400 of the pre-degree colleges ‘lost their right’ to recruit international students because they could not meet the standards of a new inspection regime.
40% of international students start at private colleges before going on to Universities
Universities UK said cutting such courses was damaging Britain's reputation for being "open for business" and undermining the pathway programmes operated by many universities.
It estimates that 40% of international students go through such colleges before going taking a degree at a British university.
Student visa reforms, which included tougher sponsor and English language requirements, came into effect in April.
The Home Office said new inspection standards were designed to ensure that genuine international students received the highest quality education.
About 400 colleges – more than 20% of the sector – had their sponsorship revoked as they did not apply in time and 51 had their licences revoked after the UK Border Agency investigated a spike in applications from south Asia just before the tougher English language tests came into force.
The immigration minister, Damian Green, said:
"Widespread abuse of the student visa system has gone on for too long and the changes we have made are beginning to bite. Too many students have come to the UK with the aim of getting work and bringing over family members."
Nicola Dandridge of Universities UK, said it believed the government's aim of reducing net migration to below 100,000 a year lay behind the curbs.
"Universities UK believes that the number of international students coming into the country should be accounted for separately and not included in the definition of net migration for the purposes of government policy. International students are not economic migrants. They come to the UK to study and then they leave."
She said Britain could not afford to make the same costly mistakes as the US and Australia which both curbed overseas students numbers and then dropped the policy when they realised it had seriously damaged the international competitiveness of their higher education sector. Source: Guardian.
UK University (UKUS), the free student placement service said that the figures confirm what the market already knows. International students are turning away from British Universities and colleges and choosing countries such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
This week English UK, an association representing 450 language colleges, demanded an apology from the Home Office claiming their remarks implied institutions were fronts for illegal immigration.
The Home Office has been threatened with legal action amid claims it mistakenly implied that 22 colleges were bogus or sub-standard.
Earlier this week English UK, an association representing more than 450 language colleges, said the alleged error could bankrupt the institutions. Its lawyers are demanding senior Home Office officials issue an immediate apology and retraction.
The combination of new UK Border Agency ‘Highly Trusted Sponsor’ regulations introduced this year and the new Tier 4 student visa rules, has increased costs whilst destroying the market for private education providers – hence the 400 closing their doors or simply opting out of the new Highly Trusted regime.
The new rules do not affect Bulgarians and Romanians coming to the UK on Yellow Card registration permits to work and study on vocational courses such as NVQ or QCF courses in Health and Social Care.
See also:
UK University applications drop 9% as higher fees and student visa crackdown takes effect
English UK seeks apology from Home Office over ‘bogus colleges’ claim
Pre Tier 4 students in the UK under the Immigration Rules that were in place before 31 March 2009
New Tier 4 student visa rules now in force
MORE CHALLENGES FOR TIER 4 STUDENTS AS ‘3-YEAR RULE’ APPLIED
HIGHLY TRUSTED PRIVATE COLLEGE STUDENTS DO NOT HAVE THE SAME RIGHT TO WORK AS GOVERNMENT SPONSORED INSTITUTIONS
New Tier 4 sponsor guidance published for Highly Trusted Sponsorship – will your private college qualify?
Post Study Work Visa to be abolished April 2012 as part of student visa clampdown
For free immigration news updates, please visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk or email: info@immigrationmatters.co.uk
Looking for a Tier 4 college or University or need advice?
UKUS is a free University and College Admissions and advice service based in London, UK. Students interested in studying abroad can complete the Online UKUS Registration Form for more details.
The Universities UK action group has issued a warning about Britain's reputation in education after new figures revealed that the government's curb on overseas students had reduced their numbers by 11,000 and led to more than 450 colleges pulling out of the market, the Guardian reported earlier this month.
The Home Office said more than 400 of the pre-degree colleges ‘lost their right’ to recruit international students because they could not meet the standards of a new inspection regime.
40% of international students start at private colleges before going on to Universities
Universities UK said cutting such courses was damaging Britain's reputation for being "open for business" and undermining the pathway programmes operated by many universities.
It estimates that 40% of international students go through such colleges before going taking a degree at a British university.
Student visa reforms, which included tougher sponsor and English language requirements, came into effect in April.
The Home Office said new inspection standards were designed to ensure that genuine international students received the highest quality education.
About 400 colleges – more than 20% of the sector – had their sponsorship revoked as they did not apply in time and 51 had their licences revoked after the UK Border Agency investigated a spike in applications from south Asia just before the tougher English language tests came into force.
The immigration minister, Damian Green, said:
"Widespread abuse of the student visa system has gone on for too long and the changes we have made are beginning to bite. Too many students have come to the UK with the aim of getting work and bringing over family members."
Nicola Dandridge of Universities UK, said it believed the government's aim of reducing net migration to below 100,000 a year lay behind the curbs.
"Universities UK believes that the number of international students coming into the country should be accounted for separately and not included in the definition of net migration for the purposes of government policy. International students are not economic migrants. They come to the UK to study and then they leave."
She said Britain could not afford to make the same costly mistakes as the US and Australia which both curbed overseas students numbers and then dropped the policy when they realised it had seriously damaged the international competitiveness of their higher education sector. Source: Guardian.
UK University (UKUS), the free student placement service said that the figures confirm what the market already knows. International students are turning away from British Universities and colleges and choosing countries such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
This week English UK, an association representing 450 language colleges, demanded an apology from the Home Office claiming their remarks implied institutions were fronts for illegal immigration.
The Home Office has been threatened with legal action amid claims it mistakenly implied that 22 colleges were bogus or sub-standard.
Earlier this week English UK, an association representing more than 450 language colleges, said the alleged error could bankrupt the institutions. Its lawyers are demanding senior Home Office officials issue an immediate apology and retraction.
The combination of new UK Border Agency ‘Highly Trusted Sponsor’ regulations introduced this year and the new Tier 4 student visa rules, has increased costs whilst destroying the market for private education providers – hence the 400 closing their doors or simply opting out of the new Highly Trusted regime.
The new rules do not affect Bulgarians and Romanians coming to the UK on Yellow Card registration permits to work and study on vocational courses such as NVQ or QCF courses in Health and Social Care.
See also:
UK University applications drop 9% as higher fees and student visa crackdown takes effect
English UK seeks apology from Home Office over ‘bogus colleges’ claim
Pre Tier 4 students in the UK under the Immigration Rules that were in place before 31 March 2009
New Tier 4 student visa rules now in force
MORE CHALLENGES FOR TIER 4 STUDENTS AS ‘3-YEAR RULE’ APPLIED
HIGHLY TRUSTED PRIVATE COLLEGE STUDENTS DO NOT HAVE THE SAME RIGHT TO WORK AS GOVERNMENT SPONSORED INSTITUTIONS
New Tier 4 sponsor guidance published for Highly Trusted Sponsorship – will your private college qualify?
Post Study Work Visa to be abolished April 2012 as part of student visa clampdown
For free immigration news updates, please visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk or email: info@immigrationmatters.co.uk
Looking for a Tier 4 college or University or need advice?
UKUS is a free University and College Admissions and advice service based in London, UK. Students interested in studying abroad can complete the Online UKUS Registration Form for more details.
Tackle visa abuse, but not at the cost of genuine students say Universities UK
In a blog for the Guardian this week, Nicola Dandridge of Universities UK warns that tough talk on immigration will frighten away the talent our colleges need.
You report on the government's moves to clamp down on student visa abuses by colleges (Visa curb warning, 2 November). The article says Universities UK is issuing "a warning" that cutting such courses is "damaging Britain's reputation" in education.
We'd like to make it clear that abuse of the immigration system has to be dealt with robustly, and we support the government's efforts in this respect. If a college is defrauding and abusing the system, it is quite right that their licences should be withdrawn or they be shut down.
Our concern lies in the way in which these issues are being presented. As you report, the changes are described by immigration minister Damian Green in terms of counteracting "widespread abuse of the student visa system". Yet a number of the measures relate to restrictions of the options available to genuine international students during their time in the UK. Clearly there have to be limits to what an international student can do in this country: whether they can work, who they can bring with them and how long they can stay. But to conflate discussion about the limits of those entitlements with the need to combat fraud and abuse is damaging.
International students are much sought after across the world. They bring valuable cultural, diplomatic and economic benefit with them. They contribute £5bn to UK earnings each year, making a huge difference to local economies. The students come to the country and then leave, without recourse to public funds. Of those who stay, many end up teaching and carrying out world-leading research. In a deeply competitive and global market, inter–national staff make up a large proportion of university staff, without whom many departments would not be viable, or at best would be significantly weakened.
The government's recent measures to clamp down on net migration, and limit the right of genuine students and staff to come into the country to study and work in universities, is playing badly internationally. UK universities are losing top students and staff to other countries whose governments are more welcoming. Students from the Indian subcontinent in particular are choosing to go to other competitor countries, with some UK universities reporting drops of 30% or more.
Contrast our Home Office announcements of clampdowns and measures "beginning to bite" with Australia recently announcing a new government-appointed council to develop "a new long-term strategy for the international education sector". The difference is not lost on international students and staff.
There is a solution here. We must continue to work constructively with the government to eliminate fraud. The record of universities is strong, but there is always more that can be done. However, issues of abuse should not be bundled in with discussions about the circumstances in which legitimate international students can come and study. Source: The Guardian.
Earlier this week English UK, an association representing more than 450 language colleges, said the alleged error could bankrupt the institutions. Its lawyers are demanding senior Home Office officials issue an immediate apology and retraction.
The combination of new UK Border Agency ‘Highly Trusted Sponsor’ regulations introduced this year and the new Tier 4 student visa rules, has increased costs whilst destroying the market for private education providers – hence the 400 closing their doors or simply opting out of the new Highly Trusted regime.
The new student visa rules do not affect Bulgarians and Romanians coming to the UK on Yellow Card registration permits to work and study on vocational courses such as NVQ or QCF courses in Health and Social Care.
See also:
UK University applications drop 9% as higher fees and student visa crackdown takes effect
English UK seeks apology from Home Office over ‘bogus colleges’ claim
UK Border Agency announce further changes to the student visa system
MORE CHALLENGES FOR TIER 4 STUDENTS AS ‘3-YEAR RULE’ APPLIED
New Tier 4 sponsor guidance published for Highly Trusted Sponsorship – will your private college qualify?
HIGHLY TRUSTED PRIVATE COLLEGE STUDENTS DO NOT HAVE THE SAME RIGHT TO WORK AS GOVERNMENT SPONSORED INSTITUTIONS
Post Study Work Visa to be abolished April 2012 as part of student visa clampdown
For free immigration news updates, please visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk or email: info@immigrationmatters.co.uk
Looking for a Tier 4 college or University or need advice?
UKUS is a free University and College Admissions and advice service based in London, UK. Students interested in studying abroad can complete the Online UKUS Registration Form for more details.
You report on the government's moves to clamp down on student visa abuses by colleges (Visa curb warning, 2 November). The article says Universities UK is issuing "a warning" that cutting such courses is "damaging Britain's reputation" in education.
We'd like to make it clear that abuse of the immigration system has to be dealt with robustly, and we support the government's efforts in this respect. If a college is defrauding and abusing the system, it is quite right that their licences should be withdrawn or they be shut down.
Our concern lies in the way in which these issues are being presented. As you report, the changes are described by immigration minister Damian Green in terms of counteracting "widespread abuse of the student visa system". Yet a number of the measures relate to restrictions of the options available to genuine international students during their time in the UK. Clearly there have to be limits to what an international student can do in this country: whether they can work, who they can bring with them and how long they can stay. But to conflate discussion about the limits of those entitlements with the need to combat fraud and abuse is damaging.
International students are much sought after across the world. They bring valuable cultural, diplomatic and economic benefit with them. They contribute £5bn to UK earnings each year, making a huge difference to local economies. The students come to the country and then leave, without recourse to public funds. Of those who stay, many end up teaching and carrying out world-leading research. In a deeply competitive and global market, inter–national staff make up a large proportion of university staff, without whom many departments would not be viable, or at best would be significantly weakened.
The government's recent measures to clamp down on net migration, and limit the right of genuine students and staff to come into the country to study and work in universities, is playing badly internationally. UK universities are losing top students and staff to other countries whose governments are more welcoming. Students from the Indian subcontinent in particular are choosing to go to other competitor countries, with some UK universities reporting drops of 30% or more.
Contrast our Home Office announcements of clampdowns and measures "beginning to bite" with Australia recently announcing a new government-appointed council to develop "a new long-term strategy for the international education sector". The difference is not lost on international students and staff.
There is a solution here. We must continue to work constructively with the government to eliminate fraud. The record of universities is strong, but there is always more that can be done. However, issues of abuse should not be bundled in with discussions about the circumstances in which legitimate international students can come and study. Source: The Guardian.
Earlier this week English UK, an association representing more than 450 language colleges, said the alleged error could bankrupt the institutions. Its lawyers are demanding senior Home Office officials issue an immediate apology and retraction.
The combination of new UK Border Agency ‘Highly Trusted Sponsor’ regulations introduced this year and the new Tier 4 student visa rules, has increased costs whilst destroying the market for private education providers – hence the 400 closing their doors or simply opting out of the new Highly Trusted regime.
The new student visa rules do not affect Bulgarians and Romanians coming to the UK on Yellow Card registration permits to work and study on vocational courses such as NVQ or QCF courses in Health and Social Care.
See also:
UK University applications drop 9% as higher fees and student visa crackdown takes effect
English UK seeks apology from Home Office over ‘bogus colleges’ claim
UK Border Agency announce further changes to the student visa system
MORE CHALLENGES FOR TIER 4 STUDENTS AS ‘3-YEAR RULE’ APPLIED
New Tier 4 sponsor guidance published for Highly Trusted Sponsorship – will your private college qualify?
HIGHLY TRUSTED PRIVATE COLLEGE STUDENTS DO NOT HAVE THE SAME RIGHT TO WORK AS GOVERNMENT SPONSORED INSTITUTIONS
Post Study Work Visa to be abolished April 2012 as part of student visa clampdown
For free immigration news updates, please visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk or email: info@immigrationmatters.co.uk
Looking for a Tier 4 college or University or need advice?
UKUS is a free University and College Admissions and advice service based in London, UK. Students interested in studying abroad can complete the Online UKUS Registration Form for more details.
Saturday, 29 October 2011
Student visa blacklisted overseas banks published by UK Border Agency to prevent fraudulent applications
The UK Border Agency (UKBA) is publishing a blacklist list of financial institutions which, on the basis of experience, they will no longer accept to verify financial statements.
This week the UKBA has announced the creation of a new initial list containing hundreds international banks and financial institutions which will be used when considering points under a Tier 4 student visa application.
The bank blacklist will be used when verifying maintenance funds under Tier 4 of the points-based system. A student visa applicant will receive no points for maintenance if they submit documents showing that the funds are held in a financial institution on the list - and could also face a ban from the UK.
The list includes banned banks from India, Pakistan and the Philippines.
The list forms part of the reforms to the Tier 4 student visa immigration route, which say the UKBA will ensure that they can verify that student visa applicants hold the required maintenance funds to support themselves and pay for their course in the UK.
Thousands of international students have arrived in the UK with little or no money, despite presenting ‘proof’ of funds to entry clearance officers at their local British Embassy.
Many have failed to pay fees on arrival or keep up with monthly payment plans. Some colleges are having to resort to legal action through the county courts to recover debts owed by non-paying students.
Students end up on credit blacklists with County Court Judgements (CCJ) registered against them, which means they will find it extremely difficult to obtain credit, open a bank account or rent a property.
The consequences of court actions, criminal offences or civil action, can be even more serious for migrant workers under Tier 2 or Tier 4 students.
County Court Judgements, or civil actions, must now be declared on new style immigration forms for further leave to remain or visa extensions and may affect your chances of renewing your Tier 4 student visa. A CCJ or Credit Default (e.g. not keeping up with payments on a credit card, loan or mobile phone agreement) will stay on your credit file and history for six years or more and will have to be declared on immigration forms.
The UKBA will give a 30-day notice period from the date when a financial institution is first listed before the new rule takes effect. This will enable applicants to make the necessary financial arrangements, so that they can provide financial documentation which meets the new requirements.
The list will be kept under review, and we will make additions or deletions as appropriate.
The UKBA said it will continue to verify financial information from financial institutions not on the list, on a case-by-case basis, and may refuse applications on the basis of these individual checks.
The following criteria provide an example of the minimum standard for banks in order for us to satisfactorily verify documentation:
The list of 'FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS THAT DO NOT SATISFACTORILY VERIFY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – PHILIPPINES' runs to 36 pages.
Philippine banks included on the blacklist are:
The list of Indian banks runs to 49 pages and includes:
You can find the full list at:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/studying/financial-institutions/
Earlier this month a pilot scheme to help UK banks and credit providers identify fraudulent applications by immigration offenders was launched by the Audit Commission.
The Commission and the UK Border Agency will share ‘real time’ information with financial institutions. Each year the UK Border Agency processes around 3.5 million applications to visit, live, work or study in the UK.
The aim is to prevent those with no right to stay or work in the UK from accessing financial services. In return, financial institutions will provide the Agency with information on where illegal working and employment is taking place, supporting the Agency’s work in tackling immigration crime.
Revised Tier 4 General application form (07/11) now asks for a lot more detailed information covering criminal and civil offences, good character, benefit claims and includes the following statements:
'I understand that if the UK Border Agency has reasonable cause to believe that any document or documents I have submitted with this application are forged, fraudulent or not genuine, and the UK Border Agency has sought to verify the documents using processes specified by it but has not been able to verify them, no points will be awarded for these documents even if the UK Border Agency cannot prove that they are not genuine.
'I understand that my details may in certain circumstances be passed to fraud prevention agencies to prevent fraud and money laundering. I also understand that such agencies may provide the UK Border Agency with information about me.
'The UK Border Agency may request information from other law enforcement agencies, Government departments or Agencies, local authorities, the Police, foreign governments and other bodies for immigration or research purposes to enable them to perform their functions.'
Section E.1 of the form asks:
'Has the student had any criminal convictions in the United Kingdom or any other country (including traffic offences) or any civil judgments made against them (i)?'
In signing the declaration the student agrees to the following:
'I am aware that it is an offence under the Immigration Act 1971, as amended by the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 and the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, to make, to a person acting in execution of any of these Acts, a statement or representation which I know to be false or do not believe to be true, or to obtain or seek to obtain leave to remain in the United Kingdom by means which include deception.
'I understand that information I provide to the UK Border Agency will be treated in confidence but it may be disclosed to other law enforcement agencies, government departments, agencies, local authorities, foreign governments and other bodies for immigration or research purposes, for purposes as stated in The Biometric Registration Regulations, or to enable them to perform their functions.'
The student agrees to post issue enquiries and information discovered being used in court. There is also a short line which warns that 'providing information or documentation that is not correct will normally result in my application being refused and may lead to my prosecution for a criminal offence'.
It should also be remembered that work permits, visas and even 'indefinite' leave to remain (ILR) can be cancelled by the Home Office for various offences. The Home Office has or the Home Secretary has the power to revoke British Citizenship under the 2006 Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act.
Most in-country refusals carry the right of a full appeal before an immigration judge at a tribunal, unlike out of country student visa refusals which are reconsidered under an administrative review.
The student visa crackdown has no effect on Bulgarian and Romanian students who want to work full time in the UK by taking NVQ vocational courses.
Although Bulgarian and Romanian citizens do not enjoy full free movement rights to work in the UK they can obtain Yellow Card permits to work full time as part of a vocational study programme such as NVQ or QCF courses in Health and Social Care.
Bulgarian and Romanian citizens do not enjoy full free movement rights to work in the UK, but can obtain Yellow Card permits to work full time as part of a vocational study programme such as NVQ or QCF courses in Health and Social Care.
See also:
Health care workers needed in UK now
Immigration Rules for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals
What is ‘Comprehensive Sickness Insurance’ and why do Bulgarian and Romanian student yellow card applicants need it to work in the UK?
Crackdown on immigration fraud – banks and UKBA to share information on debtors
Home Office can revoke British Citizenship as well as deny it for civil offences
If you need any immigration advice or are worried about the new immigration rules or need help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Majestic College offer special packages and free advice for EU students. They also have a number of employers looking for staff right now and are willing to employ Bulgarians and Romanians.
Majestic College also has access to funding for Apprenticeships.
For more information call Joanna on 0208 207 1020 or email info@majesticcollege.org
This week the UKBA has announced the creation of a new initial list containing hundreds international banks and financial institutions which will be used when considering points under a Tier 4 student visa application.
The bank blacklist will be used when verifying maintenance funds under Tier 4 of the points-based system. A student visa applicant will receive no points for maintenance if they submit documents showing that the funds are held in a financial institution on the list - and could also face a ban from the UK.
The list includes banned banks from India, Pakistan and the Philippines.
The list forms part of the reforms to the Tier 4 student visa immigration route, which say the UKBA will ensure that they can verify that student visa applicants hold the required maintenance funds to support themselves and pay for their course in the UK.
Thousands of international students have arrived in the UK with little or no money, despite presenting ‘proof’ of funds to entry clearance officers at their local British Embassy.
Many have failed to pay fees on arrival or keep up with monthly payment plans. Some colleges are having to resort to legal action through the county courts to recover debts owed by non-paying students.
Students end up on credit blacklists with County Court Judgements (CCJ) registered against them, which means they will find it extremely difficult to obtain credit, open a bank account or rent a property.
The consequences of court actions, criminal offences or civil action, can be even more serious for migrant workers under Tier 2 or Tier 4 students.
County Court Judgements, or civil actions, must now be declared on new style immigration forms for further leave to remain or visa extensions and may affect your chances of renewing your Tier 4 student visa. A CCJ or Credit Default (e.g. not keeping up with payments on a credit card, loan or mobile phone agreement) will stay on your credit file and history for six years or more and will have to be declared on immigration forms.
The UKBA will give a 30-day notice period from the date when a financial institution is first listed before the new rule takes effect. This will enable applicants to make the necessary financial arrangements, so that they can provide financial documentation which meets the new requirements.
The list will be kept under review, and we will make additions or deletions as appropriate.
The UKBA said it will continue to verify financial information from financial institutions not on the list, on a case-by-case basis, and may refuse applications on the basis of these individual checks.
The following criteria provide an example of the minimum standard for banks in order for us to satisfactorily verify documentation:
- international banks; or
- national banks with a UK private banking presence; or
- regulated national/state banks that provide a core banking service.
The list of 'FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS THAT DO NOT SATISFACTORILY VERIFY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – PHILIPPINES' runs to 36 pages.
Philippine banks included on the blacklist are:
| ABN Amro Bank LKG Tower 6801 Ayala Avenue 1200, Makati City, Manila |
| Al-Amanah Islamic Bank PHIDCO A. Building Veterans Avenue, Zamboanga City |
| Allied Banking Corporation Allied Banking Centre, 6754 Ayala Ave. cor. Legaspi St., Makati City |
| Allied Savings Bank Allied Bank Centre, 6754 Ayala Ave. cor. Legaspi St., Makati City |
| Asia United Bank JN Bldg., Joy Nastalg Centre, 17 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Centre, Pasig City 1605 |
| Australia & New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) 9F Metrobank Card Corp. Centre, 6778 Ayala Avenue, Makati City |
| Banco de Oro Unibank, Inc. BDO Corporate Centre, 7899 Makati Avenue, Makati City |
| Bangkok Bank Public Co Ltd 10th Floor Tower II The Enterprise Centre 6766 Ayala Avenue, Makati City |
| Bank of America, N.A. 27/F Philamlife Tower, 8767 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City 1226 |
| Bank of China (Limited – Manila Branch) 36/F Philamlife Tower, 8767 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City |
| Bank of Commerce San Miguel Properties Centre (SMPC), No. 7 Saint Francis Street, Mandaluyong City 1550 |
| Bank of the Philippine Islands BPI Bldg., Ayala Avenue cor. Paseo de Roxas, Makati City 0720 |
| 1st Macro Bank, Inc. (A Rural Bank) | B. Morcilla & P. Herrera Sts., Pateros City | 24 November 2011 |
| 1st Valley Bank, Inc. (A Rural Bank) | Baroy, Lanao del Norte | 24 November 2011 |
| 5 Speed Rural Bank, Inc. | J. P. Rizal St., Poblacion, Padre Garcia, Batangas | 24 November 2011 |
| A B Capital and Investment Corporation | Unit 1008, 10F Tower I & Exchange Plaza, Ayala Triangle, Ayala Avenue, Makati City | 24 November 2011 |
| Advantage Bank Corp. (A Microfinance-Oriented Rural Bank) | Stop Over Commercial Complex, Mac Arthur Highway (Namkwang Road) corner Gerona-Pura Road, Brgy. Abagon, Gerona, Tarlac | 24 November 2011 |
| Agri-Business Rural Bank, Inc. | Poblacion, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya | 24 November 2011 |
| Agricom Rural Bank (Sta. Maria,Bulacan), Inc. | F. Santiago cor. A. Morales Sts. Poblacion, Sta. Maria, Bulacan | 24 November 2011 |
| Agusan Norte - Butuan City Coop RB | UCCP Bldg., R. Calo St., Butuan City, Agusan del Norte | 24 November 2011 |
| Abhyudaya Co-operative Bank Ltd | 24 November 2011 |
| Ahmedabad Mercantile Co-Op Bank Ltd | 24 November 2011 |
| Amanath Co-operative Bank Ltd | 24 November 2011 |
| Andhra Pradesh Mahesh Co-Op Urban Bank Ltd | 24 November 2011 |
| Bassein Catholic Co-operative Bank Ltd | 24 November 2011 |
| Bharat Co-operative Bank (Mumbai) Ltd | 24 November 2011 |
| Bharati Sahakari Bank Limited | 24 November 2011 |
| Bombay Mercantile Co-operative Bank Limited | 24 November 2011 |
| Charminar Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd | 24 November 2011 |
| Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd | 24 November 2011 |
| Cosmos Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd | 24 November 2011 |
| Dombivli Nagari Sahakari Bank Ltd | 24 November 2011 |
| Goa Urban Co-operative Bank Limited | 24 November 2011 |
| Gopinath Patil Parsik Janata Sahakari Bank Ltd | 24 November 2011 |
| Greater Bombay Co-operative Bank Limited | 24 November 2011 |
| Indian Mercantile Co-operative Bank Ltd | 24 November 2011 |
| Jalgaon Janata Sahakari Bank Ltd | 24 November 2011 |
| Janakalyan Sahakari Bank Ltd | 24 November 2011 |
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/studying/financial-institutions/
Earlier this month a pilot scheme to help UK banks and credit providers identify fraudulent applications by immigration offenders was launched by the Audit Commission.
The Commission and the UK Border Agency will share ‘real time’ information with financial institutions. Each year the UK Border Agency processes around 3.5 million applications to visit, live, work or study in the UK.
The aim is to prevent those with no right to stay or work in the UK from accessing financial services. In return, financial institutions will provide the Agency with information on where illegal working and employment is taking place, supporting the Agency’s work in tackling immigration crime.
Revised Tier 4 General application form (07/11) now asks for a lot more detailed information covering criminal and civil offences, good character, benefit claims and includes the following statements:
'I understand that if the UK Border Agency has reasonable cause to believe that any document or documents I have submitted with this application are forged, fraudulent or not genuine, and the UK Border Agency has sought to verify the documents using processes specified by it but has not been able to verify them, no points will be awarded for these documents even if the UK Border Agency cannot prove that they are not genuine.
'I understand that my details may in certain circumstances be passed to fraud prevention agencies to prevent fraud and money laundering. I also understand that such agencies may provide the UK Border Agency with information about me.
'The UK Border Agency may request information from other law enforcement agencies, Government departments or Agencies, local authorities, the Police, foreign governments and other bodies for immigration or research purposes to enable them to perform their functions.'
Section E.1 of the form asks:
'Has the student had any criminal convictions in the United Kingdom or any other country (including traffic offences) or any civil judgments made against them (i)?'
In signing the declaration the student agrees to the following:
'I am aware that it is an offence under the Immigration Act 1971, as amended by the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 and the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, to make, to a person acting in execution of any of these Acts, a statement or representation which I know to be false or do not believe to be true, or to obtain or seek to obtain leave to remain in the United Kingdom by means which include deception.
'I understand that information I provide to the UK Border Agency will be treated in confidence but it may be disclosed to other law enforcement agencies, government departments, agencies, local authorities, foreign governments and other bodies for immigration or research purposes, for purposes as stated in The Biometric Registration Regulations, or to enable them to perform their functions.'
The student agrees to post issue enquiries and information discovered being used in court. There is also a short line which warns that 'providing information or documentation that is not correct will normally result in my application being refused and may lead to my prosecution for a criminal offence'.
It should also be remembered that work permits, visas and even 'indefinite' leave to remain (ILR) can be cancelled by the Home Office for various offences. The Home Office has or the Home Secretary has the power to revoke British Citizenship under the 2006 Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act.
Most in-country refusals carry the right of a full appeal before an immigration judge at a tribunal, unlike out of country student visa refusals which are reconsidered under an administrative review.
The student visa crackdown has no effect on Bulgarian and Romanian students who want to work full time in the UK by taking NVQ vocational courses.
Although Bulgarian and Romanian citizens do not enjoy full free movement rights to work in the UK they can obtain Yellow Card permits to work full time as part of a vocational study programme such as NVQ or QCF courses in Health and Social Care.
Bulgarian and Romanian citizens do not enjoy full free movement rights to work in the UK, but can obtain Yellow Card permits to work full time as part of a vocational study programme such as NVQ or QCF courses in Health and Social Care.
See also:
Health care workers needed in UK now
Immigration Rules for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals
What is ‘Comprehensive Sickness Insurance’ and why do Bulgarian and Romanian student yellow card applicants need it to work in the UK?
Crackdown on immigration fraud – banks and UKBA to share information on debtors
Home Office can revoke British Citizenship as well as deny it for civil offences
If you need any immigration advice or are worried about the new immigration rules or need help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Majestic College offer special packages and free advice for EU students. They also have a number of employers looking for staff right now and are willing to employ Bulgarians and Romanians.
Majestic College also has access to funding for Apprenticeships.
For more information call Joanna on 0208 207 1020 or email info@majesticcollege.org
Comprehensive Sickness Insurance needed by Bulgarian and Romanian work study yellow card applicants
Since 20 June 2011 the UK Border Agency introduced new guidance which makes it mandatory for Bulgarians and Romanians to take out a 'Comprehensive Sickness Insurance' policy when applying for yellow card registration as a working student. But finding out what is actually meant by 'comprehensive sickness insurance' is proving more difficult than you would expect?
The new requirement was introduced as part of changes to the BR1 Yellow Card form and BR1 Guidance Note (version 06/2011) in June.
Comprehensive sickness insurance is actually a form of private medical cover offering policyholders treatment for serious illnesses in private hospitals normally outside of the NHS.
What is ‘comprehensive’ cover?
There is no standard wording for comprehensive sickness cover in the insurance world and you cannot simply ask for a comprehensive sickness policy.
Insurance companies are reluctant to claim that a particular policy is comprehensive as there are dozens of variations of cover, options, exclusions and plans on offer.
Many students have already been refused yellow card on the grounds that they have not provided ‘evidence’ that they have comprehensive sickness insurance in place.
In some cases the student had not provided original documents or the documentation from the insurance company did not specify the schedule of benefits in the 12 page letters sent to applicants. For example, AXA, does not issue a letter containing a schedule of benefits and told a Romanian student that the UK Border Agency caseworker should ‘refer to the attached booklet’.
Another Romanian student was refused because her top of the range Aviva policy contained a number of ‘exclusions’ or exemptions including ‘pre-existing conditions’ and ‘alcohol abuse’.
Insurance companies not sure what qualifies as comprehensive
Immigration Matters has talked to the UK Border Agency Bulgarian and Romanian helpline as well as several leading insurance companies, including Aviva, AXA and specialist brokers Active Quote, to try and clarify the situation so that Bulgarian and Romanian student know exactly what type of policy will give them the ‘comprehensive’ cover that is required for a yellow card.
The insurance companies are not much help as they claim they are not sure of what qualifies as comprehensive. Some policies offer hospital treatment only and would be considered as budget or low cost alternatives. The more expensive policies will cover the policyholder against a wider range of illnesses including those requiring out-patient treatments.
The UKBA helpdesk, Bulgarian and Romanian section, was not specific but said that comprehensive cover means you are covered against most eventualities including out patient treatment.
In other words a budget policy is probably not going to be sufficient, although many applicants have no doubt managed to obtain a yellow card using such a policy.
The Home Office Guidance for Bulgarian and Romanian section caseworkers (ANNEX A) states:
'Assessing whether an EEA national who claims to be a student or self sufficient person holds Comprehensive Sickness Insurance
A. Acceptable evidence of CSI
Tom Parker from Active Quote added that all health insurance policies have certain standard exclusions – self inflicted injury and pre-existing conditions - no matter how expensive the premiums.
The company, however, announced today that it will no longer be offering sickness policies to Bulgarians and Romanians due to high cancellation rates.
Applicants can go direct to insurers such as Aviva and AXA.
Whilst Bulgarian and Romanian EU member citizens have access to GP’s and NHS hospitals, the guidance notes stress that this does not qualify as comprehensive sickness cover.
‘The following forms of evidence remain unacceptable as evidence of comprehensive sickness insurance:
‘Cash back health schemes such as dental/optical/prescription charges.
‘Reliance on access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
‘This does not constitute comprehensive sickness insurance for the purposes of the Regulations, including for students.’
Immigration Matters is often asked whether or not a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is sufficient proof o sickness cover. The guidance notes state that an EHIC is only acceptable for temporary stay in the UK:
‘For persons temporarily in the UK (e.g. less than one year), a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC is the replacement for the E111 form.
The revised BR1 form has caused some confusion as it does not make it clear that a student will need Comprehensive Sickness Insurance, as the actual question relates to those applying as ‘self sufficient’ EU applicants. However, the guidance does specify that insurance cover is required
No other students, for instance non-EU Tier 4 students, or Tier 2 migrantss have so far been asked to take out Comprehensive Sickness Insurance to work or study in the UK.
See also:
Health care workers needed in UK now
Immigration Rules for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Majestic College offer special packages for EU students. They also have a number of employers looking for staff right now and are willing to employ Bulgarians and Romanians.
For more information call Joanna on 0208 207 1020 or email info@majesticcollege.org
The new requirement was introduced as part of changes to the BR1 Yellow Card form and BR1 Guidance Note (version 06/2011) in June.
Comprehensive sickness insurance is actually a form of private medical cover offering policyholders treatment for serious illnesses in private hospitals normally outside of the NHS.
What is ‘comprehensive’ cover?
There is no standard wording for comprehensive sickness cover in the insurance world and you cannot simply ask for a comprehensive sickness policy.
Insurance companies are reluctant to claim that a particular policy is comprehensive as there are dozens of variations of cover, options, exclusions and plans on offer.
Many students have already been refused yellow card on the grounds that they have not provided ‘evidence’ that they have comprehensive sickness insurance in place.
In some cases the student had not provided original documents or the documentation from the insurance company did not specify the schedule of benefits in the 12 page letters sent to applicants. For example, AXA, does not issue a letter containing a schedule of benefits and told a Romanian student that the UK Border Agency caseworker should ‘refer to the attached booklet’.
Another Romanian student was refused because her top of the range Aviva policy contained a number of ‘exclusions’ or exemptions including ‘pre-existing conditions’ and ‘alcohol abuse’.
Insurance companies not sure what qualifies as comprehensive
Immigration Matters has talked to the UK Border Agency Bulgarian and Romanian helpline as well as several leading insurance companies, including Aviva, AXA and specialist brokers Active Quote, to try and clarify the situation so that Bulgarian and Romanian student know exactly what type of policy will give them the ‘comprehensive’ cover that is required for a yellow card.
The insurance companies are not much help as they claim they are not sure of what qualifies as comprehensive. Some policies offer hospital treatment only and would be considered as budget or low cost alternatives. The more expensive policies will cover the policyholder against a wider range of illnesses including those requiring out-patient treatments.
The UKBA helpdesk, Bulgarian and Romanian section, was not specific but said that comprehensive cover means you are covered against most eventualities including out patient treatment.
In other words a budget policy is probably not going to be sufficient, although many applicants have no doubt managed to obtain a yellow card using such a policy.
The Home Office Guidance for Bulgarian and Romanian section caseworkers (ANNEX A) states:
'Assessing whether an EEA national who claims to be a student or self sufficient person holds Comprehensive Sickness Insurance
A. Acceptable evidence of CSI
- From 20th June 2011 applications from EEA nationals applying for documentation confirming their right to reside in the UK as a student or self-sufficient person must show that they have one of the following forms of evidence in order to demonstrate comprehensive sickness insurance:
- A comprehensive insurance policy document confirming that the applicant has private medical insurance. A proportionate approach should be taken when considering what is ‘comprehensive’. For example, a policy may contain certain exemptions but if the applicant is covered by the policy for medical treatment in the majority of circumstances then this will be sufficient.'
Tom Parker from Active Quote added that all health insurance policies have certain standard exclusions – self inflicted injury and pre-existing conditions - no matter how expensive the premiums.
The company, however, announced today that it will no longer be offering sickness policies to Bulgarians and Romanians due to high cancellation rates.
Applicants can go direct to insurers such as Aviva and AXA.
Whilst Bulgarian and Romanian EU member citizens have access to GP’s and NHS hospitals, the guidance notes stress that this does not qualify as comprehensive sickness cover.
‘The following forms of evidence remain unacceptable as evidence of comprehensive sickness insurance:
‘Cash back health schemes such as dental/optical/prescription charges.
‘Reliance on access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
‘This does not constitute comprehensive sickness insurance for the purposes of the Regulations, including for students.’
Immigration Matters is often asked whether or not a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is sufficient proof o sickness cover. The guidance notes state that an EHIC is only acceptable for temporary stay in the UK:
‘For persons temporarily in the UK (e.g. less than one year), a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC is the replacement for the E111 form.
The revised BR1 form has caused some confusion as it does not make it clear that a student will need Comprehensive Sickness Insurance, as the actual question relates to those applying as ‘self sufficient’ EU applicants. However, the guidance does specify that insurance cover is required
No other students, for instance non-EU Tier 4 students, or Tier 2 migrantss have so far been asked to take out Comprehensive Sickness Insurance to work or study in the UK.
See also:
Health care workers needed in UK now
Immigration Rules for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Majestic College offer special packages for EU students. They also have a number of employers looking for staff right now and are willing to employ Bulgarians and Romanians.
For more information call Joanna on 0208 207 1020 or email info@majesticcollege.org
Thursday, 6 October 2011
UKBA launch new style Tier 4 sponsors guidance
The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has published their Tier 4 Guidance for sponsors of non-EU students on visas in a new format.
The UKBA pointed out that ‘the content of the document is the same as the guidance published on 5 September 2011’.
The new Tier 4 sponsors guidance covers the following areas:
See: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/employersandsponsors/pbsguidance/
These changes do not affect EU migrants such as Bulgarian and Romanian students coming to the UK to study and work on a Yellow Card. They need to find a college on the ‘pre-tier 4′ DIUS register and can still work full time when taking a vocational work based course, such as an NVQ or QCF in health and social care.
See also:
HIGHLY TRUSTED PRIVATE COLLEGE STUDENTS DO NOT HAVE THE SAME RIGHT TO WORK AS GOVERNMENT SPONSORED INSTITUTIONS
New Tier 4 sponsor guidance published for Highly Trusted Sponsorship – will your private college qualify?
Pre Tier 4 students in the UK under the Immigration Rules that were in place before 31 March 2009
New Tier 4 student visa rules now in force
University of Wales cease validating degrees at colleges and other institutions
UK Universities and Colleges report thousands of Tier 4 students to UK Border Agency over visa suspicions
For free immigration news updates, please visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk or email: info@immigrationmatters.co.uk
Looking for a college or University or need advice?
UKUS is a free University and College Admissions and advice service based in London, UK. Students interested in studying abroad can complete the Online UKUS Registration Form for more details.
The UKBA pointed out that ‘the content of the document is the same as the guidance published on 5 September 2011’.
The new Tier 4 sponsors guidance covers the following areas:
- Highly Trusted Sponsorship (HTS), including the date by which Tier 4 sponsors who are not already highly trusted need to apply for HTS by; what will happen to existing Tier 4 sponsors who do not apply for HTS by the deadline or who do apply and fail; and details of transitional arrangements for sponsors who are not already highly trusted.
- educational oversight, confirming the previously announced detail of the new approach, including a reminder of the date by which applications should be made and to which oversight body; and information Tier 4 sponsors who either do not apply by the specified deadline or who apply and fail to obtain it.
See: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/employersandsponsors/pbsguidance/
These changes do not affect EU migrants such as Bulgarian and Romanian students coming to the UK to study and work on a Yellow Card. They need to find a college on the ‘pre-tier 4′ DIUS register and can still work full time when taking a vocational work based course, such as an NVQ or QCF in health and social care.
See also:
HIGHLY TRUSTED PRIVATE COLLEGE STUDENTS DO NOT HAVE THE SAME RIGHT TO WORK AS GOVERNMENT SPONSORED INSTITUTIONS
New Tier 4 sponsor guidance published for Highly Trusted Sponsorship – will your private college qualify?
Pre Tier 4 students in the UK under the Immigration Rules that were in place before 31 March 2009
New Tier 4 student visa rules now in force
University of Wales cease validating degrees at colleges and other institutions
UK Universities and Colleges report thousands of Tier 4 students to UK Border Agency over visa suspicions
For free immigration news updates, please visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk or email: info@immigrationmatters.co.uk
Looking for a college or University or need advice?
UKUS is a free University and College Admissions and advice service based in London, UK. Students interested in studying abroad can complete the Online UKUS Registration Form for more details.
University of Wales stop validating degrees for colleges UK and overseas
The University of Wales will cease validating courses at all other institutions in the UK and abroad following a BBC Wales investigation.
Earlier this year BBC Wales uncovered ‘concerns’ over several centres overseas which ran courses leading to the university's degrees.
The Welsh government said it brought Wales "into disrepute" and a watchdog criticised "significant failings".
New vice-chancellor Prof Medwin Hughes says it will now award degrees only for courses it designs and fully controls.
He said the decision reflected changes in higher education in Wales, including the university's merger with Swansea Metropolitan and Trinity Saint David.
Prof Hughes said the university would cease to be an accrediting body for other universities in Wales, and that it would be closing validated programmes at centres in the UK and overseas.
He said: "We believe the time is right for us to adopt a new academic strategy and only award University of Wales degrees to students on courses designed and fully controlled by the University of Wales.
"We have a duty of care to all students on existing programmes and will honour our current commitments to them."
The vice-chancellor added: "Our own international collaboration will now be based solely on courses designed and fully controlled by the University of Wales, embedded in our faculties and led by our own academic staff.
"We remain committed to a global role and believe it can serve Wales well."
The decision came as a shock to institutions bearing the university's name.
University of Wales Newport vice-chancellor Dr Peter Noyes only learned of the news on Monday afternoon.
He said: "It is with great regret that we were informed by the University of Wales of its plan shortly before they called their press conference.
"It is worth noting that none of the University of Wales' recent problems have been cause by the excellent Welsh universities that it offers awards through and yet today it has announced plans to effectively terminate our relationship without consultation or discussion.
"This is of deep regret to me and it now seems inappropriate for the University of Wales to hold the title that it does."
He added that Newport would consider using its powers to award its own degrees as a way to "reassure our students that this announcement will not affect their studies in any way".
Colleges affected by the introduction of the new University of Wales strategy will be given a notice period of one year before the changes come into effect at the start of the 2012 academic year.
Fresh revelations concerning University of Wales partner colleges will be broadcast in a special BBC Wales investigation on Wednesday 5 October.
In June, Education Minister Leighton Andrews said the University of Wales had brought the nation "into disrepute" over its links with overseas institutions.
A review by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) said it had "confidence" in the university but identified weaknesses in its external validation processes.
A BBC Wales investigation had previously found the university's overseas links included one run by a Malaysian pop star with bogus degrees and a college in Bangkok said to be operating illegally.
The QAA's report found the university had not run proper checks while setting up partnerships with the colleges in question - a process known as validation.
It said the university "missed the opportunity to be circumspect" about Fazley Yaakob, a Malaysian pop star who claimed to have a doctorate in business administration.
Its approval of a fashion college in Thailand was judged "inadequate" and "flawed".
The BBC appear to be gunning for the university and a special edition of Week in Week Out will be on BBC One Wales at 20:30 BST on Wednesday 5 October. Source: BBC
Following raft of student visa changes and restrictions on international students this year, UK universities have been keen to set up overseas campuses and collaborations to 'export' their brand directly into new markets.
Some sections of the media in Britain have criticised the entrepreneurial spirit of British institutions who have set up overseas operations.However, the use of properly controlled course validation by universities is accepted and practiced in the UK and abroad.
Recent Tier 4 student visa changes do not affect EU migrants such as Bulgarian and Romanian students coming to the UK to study and work on a Yellow Card. They need to find a college on the ‘pre-tier 4′ DIUS register and can still work full time when taking a vocational work based course, such as an NVQ or QCF in health and social care.See also:
HIGHLY TRUSTED PRIVATE COLLEGE STUDENTS DO NOT HAVE THE SAME RIGHT TO WORK AS GOVERNMENT SPONSORED INSTITUTIONS
New Tier 4 sponsor guidance published for Highly Trusted Sponsorship – will your private college qualify?
Pre Tier 4 students in the UK under the Immigration Rules that were in place before 31 March 2009
New Tier 4 student visa rules now in force
UK Universities and Colleges report thousands of Tier 4 students to UK Border Agency over visa suspicions
Immigration Rules for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals
Free Movement of EU nationals explained
Comprehensive Sickness Insurance now required for Bulgarian and Romanian study work yellow cards
For free immigration news updates, please visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk or email: info@immigrationmatters.co.uk
Earlier this year BBC Wales uncovered ‘concerns’ over several centres overseas which ran courses leading to the university's degrees.
The Welsh government said it brought Wales "into disrepute" and a watchdog criticised "significant failings".
New vice-chancellor Prof Medwin Hughes says it will now award degrees only for courses it designs and fully controls.
He said the decision reflected changes in higher education in Wales, including the university's merger with Swansea Metropolitan and Trinity Saint David.
Prof Hughes said the university would cease to be an accrediting body for other universities in Wales, and that it would be closing validated programmes at centres in the UK and overseas.
He said: "We believe the time is right for us to adopt a new academic strategy and only award University of Wales degrees to students on courses designed and fully controlled by the University of Wales.
"We have a duty of care to all students on existing programmes and will honour our current commitments to them."
The vice-chancellor added: "Our own international collaboration will now be based solely on courses designed and fully controlled by the University of Wales, embedded in our faculties and led by our own academic staff.
"We remain committed to a global role and believe it can serve Wales well."
The decision came as a shock to institutions bearing the university's name.
University of Wales Newport vice-chancellor Dr Peter Noyes only learned of the news on Monday afternoon.
He said: "It is with great regret that we were informed by the University of Wales of its plan shortly before they called their press conference.
"It is worth noting that none of the University of Wales' recent problems have been cause by the excellent Welsh universities that it offers awards through and yet today it has announced plans to effectively terminate our relationship without consultation or discussion.
"This is of deep regret to me and it now seems inappropriate for the University of Wales to hold the title that it does."
He added that Newport would consider using its powers to award its own degrees as a way to "reassure our students that this announcement will not affect their studies in any way".
Colleges affected by the introduction of the new University of Wales strategy will be given a notice period of one year before the changes come into effect at the start of the 2012 academic year.
Fresh revelations concerning University of Wales partner colleges will be broadcast in a special BBC Wales investigation on Wednesday 5 October.
In June, Education Minister Leighton Andrews said the University of Wales had brought the nation "into disrepute" over its links with overseas institutions.
A review by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) said it had "confidence" in the university but identified weaknesses in its external validation processes.
A BBC Wales investigation had previously found the university's overseas links included one run by a Malaysian pop star with bogus degrees and a college in Bangkok said to be operating illegally.
The QAA's report found the university had not run proper checks while setting up partnerships with the colleges in question - a process known as validation.
It said the university "missed the opportunity to be circumspect" about Fazley Yaakob, a Malaysian pop star who claimed to have a doctorate in business administration.
Its approval of a fashion college in Thailand was judged "inadequate" and "flawed".
The BBC appear to be gunning for the university and a special edition of Week in Week Out will be on BBC One Wales at 20:30 BST on Wednesday 5 October. Source: BBC
Following raft of student visa changes and restrictions on international students this year, UK universities have been keen to set up overseas campuses and collaborations to 'export' their brand directly into new markets.
Some sections of the media in Britain have criticised the entrepreneurial spirit of British institutions who have set up overseas operations.However, the use of properly controlled course validation by universities is accepted and practiced in the UK and abroad.
Recent Tier 4 student visa changes do not affect EU migrants such as Bulgarian and Romanian students coming to the UK to study and work on a Yellow Card. They need to find a college on the ‘pre-tier 4′ DIUS register and can still work full time when taking a vocational work based course, such as an NVQ or QCF in health and social care.See also:
HIGHLY TRUSTED PRIVATE COLLEGE STUDENTS DO NOT HAVE THE SAME RIGHT TO WORK AS GOVERNMENT SPONSORED INSTITUTIONS
New Tier 4 sponsor guidance published for Highly Trusted Sponsorship – will your private college qualify?
Pre Tier 4 students in the UK under the Immigration Rules that were in place before 31 March 2009
New Tier 4 student visa rules now in force
UK Universities and Colleges report thousands of Tier 4 students to UK Border Agency over visa suspicions
Immigration Rules for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals
Free Movement of EU nationals explained
Comprehensive Sickness Insurance now required for Bulgarian and Romanian study work yellow cards
For free immigration news updates, please visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk or email: info@immigrationmatters.co.uk
Monday, 3 October 2011
UK Universities and Colleges report 1500 Tier 4 students a month to UK Border Agency
UK University academics are sending reports on over 1,500 non-EU students a month to immigration officials over suspicions about their student visa status, figures show.
At least 27,121 migrants were reported to the UK Border Agency by UK universities and other foreign student sponsors, such as private colleges, between March 2009 and August 2010, the BBC reports.
The figures were released to the Manifesto Club campaign group under the Freedom of Information Act.
Some 228,000 foreign students came to the UK to study last year.
Three in four of these come from outside the EU.
In its ‘Students Under Watch’ report, the Manifesto Club, which campaigns against regulation, said strict visa controls were forcing academics to spy on students, eroding academic autonomy and damaging relationships between students and staff.
Josie Appleton, the group's director, said: "Academics are not border agents, and they should not be dragooned into spying on their students.
"The UKBA now has rights of entry to any university campus, which is a major threat to academic autonomy. We call for a more proportionate system, which recognises the historic autonomy of the university."
The University and College Union, which represents academics said the relationship between staff and students was incredibly important.
Its General Secretary, Sally Hunt, said: "It is built on trust and must not be jeopardised by fears that lecturers may be spying on students.
"Successive governments have had plans to turn lecturers into spooks overwhelmingly rejected by the academic community."
In July, MPs accused the government of rushing plans to curb student visas, saying they could harm the economy.
The Home Affairs Select Committee said that it was concerned that official figures indicated the restrictions could cost the economy £3.4bn.
Officials estimate the measures will cut net migration by 230,000 by the end of the current parliament.
But immigration minister Damian Green said the changes were introduced after full and extensive consultation.
A UKBA spokesman said: "There has been widespread abuse of the visa system for too long and we have made radical changes in order to make the system more rigorous and accountable.
"We expect education providers who are sponsoring foreign students to make the necessary checks." Source: BBC
The UK Border Agency has recently published proposed criteria to become a Highly Trusted Sponsor under Tier 4, which could be the final ‘nail in the coffin’ for some private colleges.
Dozens of private colleges are shutting their doors every month and telling their students to “find another college”.
Tier 4 students are also utterly confused by further set of rule changes. In the last few weeks I have received an increasing number of calls and emails from panic stricken students reporting that their college had ‘closed down’, usually following their suspension from the Tier 4 Sponsors Register or perhaps following changes to the Tier 4 Immigration Rules on 4 July 2011.
Furthermore, students assume that if they are registered with any ‘Highly Trusted Sponsor’, they will be treated equally. NOT TRUE if the sponsor is a private college. A private college is a private college no matter how ‘highly’ they are trusted, and students applying to those colleges will not be allowed to work or sponsor their dependants.
These changes do not affect EU migrants such as Bulgarian and Romanian students coming to the UK to study and work on a Yellow Card. They need to find a college on the ‘pre-tier 4′ DIUS regsiter and can still work full time when taking a vocational work based course, such as an NVQ or QCF in health and social care.
See also:
HIGHLY TRUSTED PRIVATE COLLEGE STUDENTS DO NOT HAVE THE SAME RIGHT TO WORK AS GOVERNMENT SPONSORED INSTITUTIONS
New Tier 4 sponsor guidance published for Highly Trusted Sponsorship – will your private college qualify?
Pre Tier 4 students in the UK under the Immigration Rules that were in place before 31 March 2009
New Tier 4 student visa rules now in force
Immigration Rules for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals
Free Movement of EU nationals explained
Comprehensive Sickness Insurance now required for Bulgarian and Romanian study work yellow cards
For free immigration news updates, please visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk or email: info@immigrationmatters.co.uk
At least 27,121 migrants were reported to the UK Border Agency by UK universities and other foreign student sponsors, such as private colleges, between March 2009 and August 2010, the BBC reports.
The figures were released to the Manifesto Club campaign group under the Freedom of Information Act.
Some 228,000 foreign students came to the UK to study last year.
Three in four of these come from outside the EU.
In its ‘Students Under Watch’ report, the Manifesto Club, which campaigns against regulation, said strict visa controls were forcing academics to spy on students, eroding academic autonomy and damaging relationships between students and staff.
Josie Appleton, the group's director, said: "Academics are not border agents, and they should not be dragooned into spying on their students.
"The UKBA now has rights of entry to any university campus, which is a major threat to academic autonomy. We call for a more proportionate system, which recognises the historic autonomy of the university."
The University and College Union, which represents academics said the relationship between staff and students was incredibly important.
Its General Secretary, Sally Hunt, said: "It is built on trust and must not be jeopardised by fears that lecturers may be spying on students.
"Successive governments have had plans to turn lecturers into spooks overwhelmingly rejected by the academic community."
In July, MPs accused the government of rushing plans to curb student visas, saying they could harm the economy.
The Home Affairs Select Committee said that it was concerned that official figures indicated the restrictions could cost the economy £3.4bn.
Officials estimate the measures will cut net migration by 230,000 by the end of the current parliament.
But immigration minister Damian Green said the changes were introduced after full and extensive consultation.
A UKBA spokesman said: "There has been widespread abuse of the visa system for too long and we have made radical changes in order to make the system more rigorous and accountable.
"We expect education providers who are sponsoring foreign students to make the necessary checks." Source: BBC
The UK Border Agency has recently published proposed criteria to become a Highly Trusted Sponsor under Tier 4, which could be the final ‘nail in the coffin’ for some private colleges.
Dozens of private colleges are shutting their doors every month and telling their students to “find another college”.
Tier 4 students are also utterly confused by further set of rule changes. In the last few weeks I have received an increasing number of calls and emails from panic stricken students reporting that their college had ‘closed down’, usually following their suspension from the Tier 4 Sponsors Register or perhaps following changes to the Tier 4 Immigration Rules on 4 July 2011.
Furthermore, students assume that if they are registered with any ‘Highly Trusted Sponsor’, they will be treated equally. NOT TRUE if the sponsor is a private college. A private college is a private college no matter how ‘highly’ they are trusted, and students applying to those colleges will not be allowed to work or sponsor their dependants.
These changes do not affect EU migrants such as Bulgarian and Romanian students coming to the UK to study and work on a Yellow Card. They need to find a college on the ‘pre-tier 4′ DIUS regsiter and can still work full time when taking a vocational work based course, such as an NVQ or QCF in health and social care.
See also:
HIGHLY TRUSTED PRIVATE COLLEGE STUDENTS DO NOT HAVE THE SAME RIGHT TO WORK AS GOVERNMENT SPONSORED INSTITUTIONS
New Tier 4 sponsor guidance published for Highly Trusted Sponsorship – will your private college qualify?
Pre Tier 4 students in the UK under the Immigration Rules that were in place before 31 March 2009
New Tier 4 student visa rules now in force
Immigration Rules for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals
Free Movement of EU nationals explained
Comprehensive Sickness Insurance now required for Bulgarian and Romanian study work yellow cards
For free immigration news updates, please visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk or email: info@immigrationmatters.co.uk
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
HIGHLY TRUSTED PRIVATE COLLEGES DO NOT ALLOW STUDENTS SAME RIGHT TO WORK AS GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS
Cynthia Barker, Immigration Adviser at Bison UK writes...
The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has recently published proposed criteria to become a Highly Trusted Sponsor under Tier 4, which may be the final 'nail in the coffin' for some private colleges.
Many private colleges are giving up simply shutting their doors and telling their students to "find another college".
Tier 4 students are also utterly confused by further set of rule changes. In the last few weeks I have received an increasing number of calls and emails from panic stricken students reporting that their college had ‘closed down’, usually following their suspension from the Tier 4 Sponsors Register or perhaps following changes to the Tier 4 Immigration Rules on 4 July 2011.
Furthermore, students assume that if they are registered with a 'Highly Trusted' institution, they will be treated equally. NOT TRUE. A private college is a private college no matter how ‘highly’ they are trusted, and students applying to those colleges will not be allowed to work or sponsor their dependants.
To remind you, goalposts were moved again on 4 July so that students applying for visas or extension after this date are:
These changes do not affect EU migrants such as Bulgarian and Romanian students coming to the UK to study and work on a Yellow Card. They need to find a college on the 'pre-tier 4' DIUS regsiter and can still work full time when taking a vocational work based course, such as an NVQ or QCF in health and social care.
For free immigration news updates, please visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk or email: info@immigrationmatters.co.uk
See also:
New Tier 4 sponsor guidance published for Highly Trusted Sponsorship – will your private college qualify?
Pre Tier 4 students in the UK under the Immigration Rules that were in place before 31 March 2009
New Tier 4 student visa rules now in force
Immigration Rules for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals
Free Movement of EU nationals explained
Comprehensive Sickness Insurance now required for Bulgarian and Romanian study work yellow cards
The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has recently published proposed criteria to become a Highly Trusted Sponsor under Tier 4, which may be the final 'nail in the coffin' for some private colleges.
Many private colleges are giving up simply shutting their doors and telling their students to "find another college".
Tier 4 students are also utterly confused by further set of rule changes. In the last few weeks I have received an increasing number of calls and emails from panic stricken students reporting that their college had ‘closed down’, usually following their suspension from the Tier 4 Sponsors Register or perhaps following changes to the Tier 4 Immigration Rules on 4 July 2011.
Furthermore, students assume that if they are registered with a 'Highly Trusted' institution, they will be treated equally. NOT TRUE. A private college is a private college no matter how ‘highly’ they are trusted, and students applying to those colleges will not be allowed to work or sponsor their dependants.
To remind you, goalposts were moved again on 4 July so that students applying for visas or extension after this date are:
- only allowed to work if they are sponsored by government universities or higher education institutions (HEIs) and publicly funded further education colleges to work part-time during term time and full-time during vacations;
- only allowed to sponsor dependants if they are studying at or sponsored by HEIs on postgraduate courses lasting 12 months or longer, and of government-sponsored students on courses lasting longer than 6 months;
- only able to obtain a CAS if the institution has confirmed that their course represent genuine academic progression from any previous courses studied by the student in the UK – see also the 3 year rule and reference requirements which are preventing many students from renewing their visas.
These changes do not affect EU migrants such as Bulgarian and Romanian students coming to the UK to study and work on a Yellow Card. They need to find a college on the 'pre-tier 4' DIUS regsiter and can still work full time when taking a vocational work based course, such as an NVQ or QCF in health and social care.
For free immigration news updates, please visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk or email: info@immigrationmatters.co.uk
See also:
New Tier 4 sponsor guidance published for Highly Trusted Sponsorship – will your private college qualify?
Pre Tier 4 students in the UK under the Immigration Rules that were in place before 31 March 2009
New Tier 4 student visa rules now in force
Immigration Rules for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals
Free Movement of EU nationals explained
Comprehensive Sickness Insurance now required for Bulgarian and Romanian study work yellow cards
Friday, 23 September 2011
NVQ AND QCF VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
NVQ’s or National Vocational Qualifications are work-related, competence-based qualifications introduced to train people in the workplace. They reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively, and show that a candidate is competent in the area of work the NVQ represents.
Millions of ‘learners’ or students (resident and international learners on student visas) in the UK have taken NVQ courses covering a wide diversity of subjects ranging from Health and Social Care, Customer Service, Administration, IT and Hospitality and Catering.
Vocational qualifications in the UK have recently been revamped by the introduction of QCF or Qualifications and Credit Framework model, which gradually replaced NVQ’s during a transition period giving learners time to complete their course.
There are thousands of learners still finishing NVQ’s, which will still be a valid qualification, however, to make matters even more confusing, the qualification framework levels have also been changed. For instance, an NVQ level 4 management level qualification is equivalent to a QCF level 5.
Advantages and disadvantages of QCF and NVQ
The QCF, like an NVQ, is a system for recognising skills and qualifications in a vocational setting. It does this by awarding credit for qualifications and units (small steps of learning), with each unit holding a credit value. This value specifies the number of credits gained by learners who complete that unit.
The advantage and flexibility of the QCF system allows learners to gain qualifications at their own pace along routes that suit them best. Unlike an NVQ the QCF’s credit based system means that a student who fails to complete the entire award, certificate or diploma can gain recognised credits for their work rather than walking away empty handed.
The main drawback for the QCF will be employer recognition and acceptance. NVQ’s are a well known ‘brand’ understood by industry as the standard for vocational, as opposed to academic, learning. Critics have argued that the qualifications could have been updated without dropping the established ‘NVQ’ label.
NVQ’s and QCF qualifications are based on 'national occupational standards' laid down by the Government bodies and the Sector Skills Councils. These standards describe what competent people in a particular occupation are expected to be able to do. They cover all the main aspects of an occupation, including current best practice, the ability to adapt to future requirements and the knowledge and understanding that make competent performance.
Within reason, NVQ’s and QCF qualifications do not have to be completed in a specified amount of time. They can be taken by full-time employees or by school and college students with a work placement or part-time job that enables them to develop the appropriate skills. There are no age limits and no special entry requirements.
How are QCF’s/NVQ’s achieved?
QCF/NVQ’s are achieved through study, training and on-going assessment. Assessment is normally through on-the-job, work related observation and questioning. Candidates produce evidence to prove they have the competence to meet the standards. Assessors ‘sign-off’ units when the candidates are competent. The assessor tests candidates’ knowledge, understanding and work-based performance to make sure they can demonstrate competence in the workplace.
There are no exams, dissertations or complicated written work needed to gain a vocational qualification.
The UK qualifications regulator QFQUAL describes the new structure as simple yet flexible.
Every unit and qualification has a credit value and a level. One credit represents ten notional hours of learning, showing how much time the average learner would take to complete the unit or qualification. Levels indicate difficulty and vary from entry (1) to level 8. There are three types of qualification:
Comparing QCF with other qualifications
The title of a qualification should indicate its difficulty, how long it will take the average learner to complete, and its general content, using the following information:
To illustrate the level of difficulty of the units and qualifications in the new framework OFQUAL states that that GCSEs (grade A*–C) are at level 2, GCE A levels are at level 3, a Bachelors Degree would be at level 6, a Masters Degree at level 7 and a PhD is a level 8.
Where can you take a QCF?
You can find approved centres all over the country. Colleges and centres must be assessed and approved by an official awarding body such as OCR, EDEXCEL or EDI in order to run QCF courses.
To ensure high standards are maintained, centres must demonstrate to the awarding body that they have competent tutors/assessors and IV’s (Internal Verifier) in place before approval is granted.
Majestic College is an OCR accredited NVQ/QCF Training Centre based in the north London/Herts area which has helped over 400 hundred students gain vocational qualifications in the last couple of years.
Who can take an NVQ/QCF vocational course?
In general anyone can take a vocational course provided they are able to demonstrate competence in a work based environment.
Some units within the QCF structure are purely 'knowledge based' and may be taken without the need for work based assessment.
Bulgarian and Romanian students
NVQ and QCF courses have proved popular with Bulgarian and Romanian citizens, as well as overseas Tier 4 students, seeking to gain a practical work based UK qualification whilst studying and working on a 'yellow card' registration (BR1).
Like other overseas students, many EU students already have academic qualifications in their own country which have not led them into the work place. Taking a vocational course will give them the practical skills to enable them to find a job.
The vocational or work based element of the course allows Bulgarian and Romanian students to work full time whilst studying. Employers usually welcome NVQ/QCF students because their course relates to the work they are doing and training helps drive up standards. Students like vocational courses because they can ‘earn while they learn’.
After 12 months of continuous full time study and work Bulgarians and Romanians can apply for UK residence Blue Card.
For more information on immigration rules for Bulgarian and Romanian citizens visit the UK Border Agency website or see an OISC registered immigration adviser.
Majestic College offer a range of QCF and management courses for resident and overseas students including: NVQ/QCF in Health and Social Care or Customer Service, CMI Level 5 and Level 7 in Leadership and Management, A1, V1 and ESOL English Language. They are currently offering special packages for EU students. For more information call Joanna on 0208 207 1020, email info@majesticcollege.org or visit http://www.majesticcollege.org/
Millions of ‘learners’ or students (resident and international learners on student visas) in the UK have taken NVQ courses covering a wide diversity of subjects ranging from Health and Social Care, Customer Service, Administration, IT and Hospitality and Catering.
Vocational qualifications in the UK have recently been revamped by the introduction of QCF or Qualifications and Credit Framework model, which gradually replaced NVQ’s during a transition period giving learners time to complete their course.
There are thousands of learners still finishing NVQ’s, which will still be a valid qualification, however, to make matters even more confusing, the qualification framework levels have also been changed. For instance, an NVQ level 4 management level qualification is equivalent to a QCF level 5.
Advantages and disadvantages of QCF and NVQ
The QCF, like an NVQ, is a system for recognising skills and qualifications in a vocational setting. It does this by awarding credit for qualifications and units (small steps of learning), with each unit holding a credit value. This value specifies the number of credits gained by learners who complete that unit.
The advantage and flexibility of the QCF system allows learners to gain qualifications at their own pace along routes that suit them best. Unlike an NVQ the QCF’s credit based system means that a student who fails to complete the entire award, certificate or diploma can gain recognised credits for their work rather than walking away empty handed.
The main drawback for the QCF will be employer recognition and acceptance. NVQ’s are a well known ‘brand’ understood by industry as the standard for vocational, as opposed to academic, learning. Critics have argued that the qualifications could have been updated without dropping the established ‘NVQ’ label.
NVQ’s and QCF qualifications are based on 'national occupational standards' laid down by the Government bodies and the Sector Skills Councils. These standards describe what competent people in a particular occupation are expected to be able to do. They cover all the main aspects of an occupation, including current best practice, the ability to adapt to future requirements and the knowledge and understanding that make competent performance.
Within reason, NVQ’s and QCF qualifications do not have to be completed in a specified amount of time. They can be taken by full-time employees or by school and college students with a work placement or part-time job that enables them to develop the appropriate skills. There are no age limits and no special entry requirements.
How are QCF’s/NVQ’s achieved?
QCF/NVQ’s are achieved through study, training and on-going assessment. Assessment is normally through on-the-job, work related observation and questioning. Candidates produce evidence to prove they have the competence to meet the standards. Assessors ‘sign-off’ units when the candidates are competent. The assessor tests candidates’ knowledge, understanding and work-based performance to make sure they can demonstrate competence in the workplace.
There are no exams, dissertations or complicated written work needed to gain a vocational qualification.
The UK qualifications regulator QFQUAL describes the new structure as simple yet flexible.
Every unit and qualification has a credit value and a level. One credit represents ten notional hours of learning, showing how much time the average learner would take to complete the unit or qualification. Levels indicate difficulty and vary from entry (1) to level 8. There are three types of qualification:
- Awards (1 to 12 credits)
- Certificates (13 to 36 credits)
- Diplomas (37 credits or more)
Comparing QCF with other qualifications
The title of a qualification should indicate its difficulty, how long it will take the average learner to complete, and its general content, using the following information:
- Qualification level (from lowest, entry level to level 8 at the top)
- Qualification size (award/certificate/diploma)
- Content of the qualification
To illustrate the level of difficulty of the units and qualifications in the new framework OFQUAL states that that GCSEs (grade A*–C) are at level 2, GCE A levels are at level 3, a Bachelors Degree would be at level 6, a Masters Degree at level 7 and a PhD is a level 8.
Where can you take a QCF?
You can find approved centres all over the country. Colleges and centres must be assessed and approved by an official awarding body such as OCR, EDEXCEL or EDI in order to run QCF courses.
To ensure high standards are maintained, centres must demonstrate to the awarding body that they have competent tutors/assessors and IV’s (Internal Verifier) in place before approval is granted.
Majestic College is an OCR accredited NVQ/QCF Training Centre based in the north London/Herts area which has helped over 400 hundred students gain vocational qualifications in the last couple of years.
Who can take an NVQ/QCF vocational course?
In general anyone can take a vocational course provided they are able to demonstrate competence in a work based environment.
Some units within the QCF structure are purely 'knowledge based' and may be taken without the need for work based assessment.
Bulgarian and Romanian students
NVQ and QCF courses have proved popular with Bulgarian and Romanian citizens, as well as overseas Tier 4 students, seeking to gain a practical work based UK qualification whilst studying and working on a 'yellow card' registration (BR1).
Like other overseas students, many EU students already have academic qualifications in their own country which have not led them into the work place. Taking a vocational course will give them the practical skills to enable them to find a job.
The vocational or work based element of the course allows Bulgarian and Romanian students to work full time whilst studying. Employers usually welcome NVQ/QCF students because their course relates to the work they are doing and training helps drive up standards. Students like vocational courses because they can ‘earn while they learn’.
After 12 months of continuous full time study and work Bulgarians and Romanians can apply for UK residence Blue Card.
For more information on immigration rules for Bulgarian and Romanian citizens visit the UK Border Agency website or see an OISC registered immigration adviser.
Majestic College offer a range of QCF and management courses for resident and overseas students including: NVQ/QCF in Health and Social Care or Customer Service, CMI Level 5 and Level 7 in Leadership and Management, A1, V1 and ESOL English Language. They are currently offering special packages for EU students. For more information call Joanna on 0208 207 1020, email info@majesticcollege.org or visit http://www.majesticcollege.org/
Enhance Your Career Prospects with a Vocational Qualification
At school we are taught a range of subjects to give us an all round education. Whilst this is important for our development, much the knowledge we acquire is, frankly, of little direct value in the work place. What employers need are people with the right skills for the right job.
Vocational qualifications such as NVQ’s (National Vocational Qualifications) and QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework) are work-related, competence-based qualifications introduced to train people in a work based environment. They reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively, and show that a candidate is competent in the area of work the NVQ/QCF represents.
Millions of learners in the UK have taken NVQ courses covering a wide diversity of subjects ranging from Health and Social Care, Customer Service, Administration, IT and Hospitality and Catering.
The NVQ qualification has recently been replaced by the QCF or Qualifications and Credit Framework.
The QCF, like an NVQ, is a system for recognising skills and qualifications. It does this by awarding credit for qualifications and units (small steps of learning), with each unit holding a credit value. This value specifies the number of credits gained by learners who complete that unit.
The advantage and flexibility of the system allows learners to gain qualifications at their own pace along routes that suit them best. Unlike an NVQ the QCF’s credit based system means that a student who fails to complete the entire award, certificate or diploma can gain recognised credits for their work rather than walking away empty handed.
NVQ’s and QCF qualifications are based on 'national occupational standards' laid down by the Government body ENTO. These standards describe what competent people in a particular occupation are expected to be able to do. They cover all the main aspects of an occupation, including current best practice, the ability to adapt to future requirements and the knowledge and understanding that make competent performance.
Within reason, NVQ’s and QCF qualifications do not have to be completed in a specified amount of time. They can be taken by full-time employees or by school and college students with a work placement or part-time job that enables them to develop the appropriate skills. There are no age limits and no special entry requirements.
How are QCF/NVQ’s achieved?
QCF/NVQ’s are achieved through study, training and on-going assessment. Assessment is normally through on-the-job, work related observation and questioning. Candidates produce evidence to prove they have the competence to meet the standards. Assessors ‘sign-off’ units when the candidates are competent. The assessor tests candidates’ knowledge, understanding and work-based performance to make sure they can demonstrate competence in the workplace.
There are no exams, dissertations or complicated written work needed to gain a vocational qualification.
Who can take an NVQ/QCF vocational course?
In general anyone can take a vocational course provided they are able to demonstrate competence in a work based environment.
Some units within the QCF structure are purely 'knowledge based' and may be taken without the need for work based assessment.
Bulgarian and Romanian students - why you should consider a vocational course
NVQ and QCF courses have proved popular with Bulgarian and Romanian citizens seeking to gain a UK qualification whilst studying and working on a 'yellow card' registration (BR1). After 12 months of continuous study and work they can apply for UK residence or Blue Card.
For more information on immigration rules for Bulgarian and Romanian citizens visit the UK Border Agency website or see an OISC registered immigration adviser.
Majestic College is a Borehamwood based OCR accredited NVQ/QCF Training Centre which has helped hundreds of students gain vocational qualifications.
Majestic College offer special packages for UK and EU students. For more information call Joanna on 0208 207 1020 or email info@majesticcollege.org
http://www.majesticcollege.org/
Vocational qualifications such as NVQ’s (National Vocational Qualifications) and QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework) are work-related, competence-based qualifications introduced to train people in a work based environment. They reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively, and show that a candidate is competent in the area of work the NVQ/QCF represents.
Millions of learners in the UK have taken NVQ courses covering a wide diversity of subjects ranging from Health and Social Care, Customer Service, Administration, IT and Hospitality and Catering.
The NVQ qualification has recently been replaced by the QCF or Qualifications and Credit Framework.
The QCF, like an NVQ, is a system for recognising skills and qualifications. It does this by awarding credit for qualifications and units (small steps of learning), with each unit holding a credit value. This value specifies the number of credits gained by learners who complete that unit.
The advantage and flexibility of the system allows learners to gain qualifications at their own pace along routes that suit them best. Unlike an NVQ the QCF’s credit based system means that a student who fails to complete the entire award, certificate or diploma can gain recognised credits for their work rather than walking away empty handed.
NVQ’s and QCF qualifications are based on 'national occupational standards' laid down by the Government body ENTO. These standards describe what competent people in a particular occupation are expected to be able to do. They cover all the main aspects of an occupation, including current best practice, the ability to adapt to future requirements and the knowledge and understanding that make competent performance.
Within reason, NVQ’s and QCF qualifications do not have to be completed in a specified amount of time. They can be taken by full-time employees or by school and college students with a work placement or part-time job that enables them to develop the appropriate skills. There are no age limits and no special entry requirements.
How are QCF/NVQ’s achieved?
QCF/NVQ’s are achieved through study, training and on-going assessment. Assessment is normally through on-the-job, work related observation and questioning. Candidates produce evidence to prove they have the competence to meet the standards. Assessors ‘sign-off’ units when the candidates are competent. The assessor tests candidates’ knowledge, understanding and work-based performance to make sure they can demonstrate competence in the workplace.
There are no exams, dissertations or complicated written work needed to gain a vocational qualification.
Who can take an NVQ/QCF vocational course?
In general anyone can take a vocational course provided they are able to demonstrate competence in a work based environment.
Some units within the QCF structure are purely 'knowledge based' and may be taken without the need for work based assessment.
Bulgarian and Romanian students - why you should consider a vocational course
NVQ and QCF courses have proved popular with Bulgarian and Romanian citizens seeking to gain a UK qualification whilst studying and working on a 'yellow card' registration (BR1). After 12 months of continuous study and work they can apply for UK residence or Blue Card.
For more information on immigration rules for Bulgarian and Romanian citizens visit the UK Border Agency website or see an OISC registered immigration adviser.
Majestic College is a Borehamwood based OCR accredited NVQ/QCF Training Centre which has helped hundreds of students gain vocational qualifications.
Majestic College offer special packages for UK and EU students. For more information call Joanna on 0208 207 1020 or email info@majesticcollege.org
http://www.majesticcollege.org/
Students on Tier 4 visas are not 'migrants'
In a blog Nick Jordan writes. In August this year the Home Secretary Theresa May announced a raft of legislative proposals that would form another front in the Government's campaign to reduce the total number of immigrants entering the UK.
The current administration has pledged itself to reducing migration into Britain, 'from the hundreds of thousands, to the tens of thousands'. It's one of those pledges - catchy and somewhat vague - that are made when there is an election to be won; a promise made with fingers firmly crossed.
In this instance, the Government and its agencies are taking aim at the estimated 340,000 international, non-EU students who come to Britain every year to study at schools and colleges. The stated intention of the Home Office is to reduce the number of student visas issued every year by 70,000-80,000: the equivalent of a 25% fall.
Now, any government worth the name knows that for every single immigrant entering the country there are at least 100,000 members of the voting public expressing serious concerns about immigration levels. And if this statistic seems somehow dubious to you, confected perhaps by the writer in order to make a wider point, then a) you'd be right, I just made it up and b) if you think that's bad, read on to see how poorly the Government uses immigration numbers to frame policies that have an enormous bearing on the both the success of the British economy, and our wider standing in international affairs.
According to a recent report on Student Visas by a Home Affairs Select Committee, 'The international student market, estimated to be worth £40 billion to the UK economy is a significant growth market and the UK is the second most popular destination in the world for international students.' So, in these much-lamented days of recession and austerity, we have an industry bringing a whopping £40 billion into the UK economy. It is, by any account a fantastic commercial success story - and yet the current Government (in line with the previous) seems hell-bent on bringing this industry to its knees, by employing legislation that the Committee report says will have 'a calamitous impact' on business.
Within the industry itself, the situation is widely understood to be farcical. Tony Millns, Chief Executive of industry-body English UK points out the obvious (someone needs to), when he says:
"The Government's economic strategy and its immigration policy are completely at odds with each other in the area of international students. We should be making the most of the fact that our international reputation for quality in education is so high that students want to come here [to study]. Instead, the message which has gone out round the world is that Britain no longer wants students to come here."
As I have suggested, the 'problem' here is immigration, with the Government currently classifying international students who come to study on a visa as 'migrants'. But this is surely ridiculous. Whilst the public are, rightly or otherwise, concerned about immigration levels, do most people honestly think that foreign students visiting Britain on temporary visas, should be classified as immigrants? Even Migration Watch UK, a hard-line organisation dedicated to drastic reductions in immigration levels, has no problem with foreign students coming to study in the UK, as long as they leave again.
But the Government stubbornly refuse to make the distinction between immigrants and student visitors. They are, to all intents and purposes, the same thing. For MP Julian Huppert, who sat on the Select Committee for Student Visas, the situation is absurd:
"Students are clearly not migrants in any real sense, assuming they leave after their studies; if we had exit checks at the borders, we would know who was still here and who wasn't, and have more sensible policies."
And it is here that we come to real nonsense of this situation, indeed of the immigration question as a whole. Huppert says: 'if we had exit checks at the borders'. What he means is simple and terrifyingly absurd: the UK authorities only measure the number of immigrants coming into the country, not the number leaving. This would be similar to measuring the population of a country by taking into account its birth rate, and not its death rate. Is this really the way to 'restore sanity' to the student visa system, as Theresa May claimed? If that isn't a broken system, then it's hard to know what is, and yet it is being used to help inform and frame government policy towards this vital and enormously successful British service industry.
Politicians and their pledges come and go, but the reality and impact of commerce resonates in a very immediate way, affecting real people in real time. As a result of these changes, thousands of jobs will be lost, and millions of pounds lost to UK revenue at a time when jobs are desperately needed and the Exchequer is crying out for revenue. Where is the sense in that? Furthermore, the English language is Britain's great gift to the world. It is the vital language of commerce, diplomacy and human understanding, and it will stand long after the vote-grabbers have been forgotten.
I would contend, that the best place to learn our great language is in Britain, here and now. Sadly, and for the basest of reasons, the British Government which should represent this nation's interests, stands committed to making it as hard as possible for the world to learn the English language. Source: Nick Jordan, Huff Post.
See also:
New Tier 4 sponsor guidance published for Highly Trusted Sponsorship – will your private college qualify?
Pre Tier 4 students in the UK under the Immigration Rules that were in place before 31 March 2009
New Tier 4 student visa rules now in force
For free immigration news updates, please visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk or email: info@immigrationmatters.co.uk
Looking for a college or University or need advice?
UKUS is a free University and College Admissions and advice service based in London, UK. Students interested in studying abroad can complete the Online UKUS Registration Form for more details.
The current administration has pledged itself to reducing migration into Britain, 'from the hundreds of thousands, to the tens of thousands'. It's one of those pledges - catchy and somewhat vague - that are made when there is an election to be won; a promise made with fingers firmly crossed.
In this instance, the Government and its agencies are taking aim at the estimated 340,000 international, non-EU students who come to Britain every year to study at schools and colleges. The stated intention of the Home Office is to reduce the number of student visas issued every year by 70,000-80,000: the equivalent of a 25% fall.
Now, any government worth the name knows that for every single immigrant entering the country there are at least 100,000 members of the voting public expressing serious concerns about immigration levels. And if this statistic seems somehow dubious to you, confected perhaps by the writer in order to make a wider point, then a) you'd be right, I just made it up and b) if you think that's bad, read on to see how poorly the Government uses immigration numbers to frame policies that have an enormous bearing on the both the success of the British economy, and our wider standing in international affairs.
According to a recent report on Student Visas by a Home Affairs Select Committee, 'The international student market, estimated to be worth £40 billion to the UK economy is a significant growth market and the UK is the second most popular destination in the world for international students.' So, in these much-lamented days of recession and austerity, we have an industry bringing a whopping £40 billion into the UK economy. It is, by any account a fantastic commercial success story - and yet the current Government (in line with the previous) seems hell-bent on bringing this industry to its knees, by employing legislation that the Committee report says will have 'a calamitous impact' on business.
Within the industry itself, the situation is widely understood to be farcical. Tony Millns, Chief Executive of industry-body English UK points out the obvious (someone needs to), when he says:
"The Government's economic strategy and its immigration policy are completely at odds with each other in the area of international students. We should be making the most of the fact that our international reputation for quality in education is so high that students want to come here [to study]. Instead, the message which has gone out round the world is that Britain no longer wants students to come here."
As I have suggested, the 'problem' here is immigration, with the Government currently classifying international students who come to study on a visa as 'migrants'. But this is surely ridiculous. Whilst the public are, rightly or otherwise, concerned about immigration levels, do most people honestly think that foreign students visiting Britain on temporary visas, should be classified as immigrants? Even Migration Watch UK, a hard-line organisation dedicated to drastic reductions in immigration levels, has no problem with foreign students coming to study in the UK, as long as they leave again.
But the Government stubbornly refuse to make the distinction between immigrants and student visitors. They are, to all intents and purposes, the same thing. For MP Julian Huppert, who sat on the Select Committee for Student Visas, the situation is absurd:
"Students are clearly not migrants in any real sense, assuming they leave after their studies; if we had exit checks at the borders, we would know who was still here and who wasn't, and have more sensible policies."
And it is here that we come to real nonsense of this situation, indeed of the immigration question as a whole. Huppert says: 'if we had exit checks at the borders'. What he means is simple and terrifyingly absurd: the UK authorities only measure the number of immigrants coming into the country, not the number leaving. This would be similar to measuring the population of a country by taking into account its birth rate, and not its death rate. Is this really the way to 'restore sanity' to the student visa system, as Theresa May claimed? If that isn't a broken system, then it's hard to know what is, and yet it is being used to help inform and frame government policy towards this vital and enormously successful British service industry.
Politicians and their pledges come and go, but the reality and impact of commerce resonates in a very immediate way, affecting real people in real time. As a result of these changes, thousands of jobs will be lost, and millions of pounds lost to UK revenue at a time when jobs are desperately needed and the Exchequer is crying out for revenue. Where is the sense in that? Furthermore, the English language is Britain's great gift to the world. It is the vital language of commerce, diplomacy and human understanding, and it will stand long after the vote-grabbers have been forgotten.
I would contend, that the best place to learn our great language is in Britain, here and now. Sadly, and for the basest of reasons, the British Government which should represent this nation's interests, stands committed to making it as hard as possible for the world to learn the English language. Source: Nick Jordan, Huff Post.
See also:
New Tier 4 sponsor guidance published for Highly Trusted Sponsorship – will your private college qualify?
Pre Tier 4 students in the UK under the Immigration Rules that were in place before 31 March 2009
New Tier 4 student visa rules now in force
For free immigration news updates, please visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk or email: info@immigrationmatters.co.uk
Looking for a college or University or need advice?
UKUS is a free University and College Admissions and advice service based in London, UK. Students interested in studying abroad can complete the Online UKUS Registration Form for more details.
Friday, 9 September 2011
New Tier 4 sponsor guidance for Highly Trusted Sponsors - will your private college survive?
The latest Tier 4 immigration rule changes may be the ‘straw that breaks the camel’s back’ for many private colleges. Having invested millions in buildings and infrastructure, some college owners have already closed their doors - unable to recruit sufficient student numbers following 4 July Tier 4 changes which mean that students studying at their college will not be allowed to work or sponsor their dependants.
The UK Border Agency’s (UKBA) proposed criteria to become a Highly Trusted Sponsor under Tier 4, announced on 19 July, invited comments and feedback from the education sector.
Following that feedback the UKBA has published new Tier 4 sponsorship guidance covering:
The Tier 4 changes are being implemented as part of the government's reforms of the immigration system to ‘tackle abuse and bring net migration down to sustainable levels’.
Immigration changes included reforming the work route, settlement and family migration to the UK.
You can now download the new sponsor guidance from the Guidance for sponsors page.
On 13 June, the UKBA announced in a separate news story that applications for educational oversight would need to be made to the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) and Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) by Friday 9 September 2011. These bodies have since issued additional guidance on the QAA website and the ISI website. Tier 4 sponsors are required to apply to the QAA or ISI by Friday 9 September or they will not be able to sponsor new students.
The Bridge Schools Inspectorate wll inspect faith-based private colleges in England and Wales, and that the School Inspection Service would inspect Steiner and Montessori colleges in England and Wales with providers required to apply by a deadline of 7 October. Education Scotland will inspect privately funded providers in Scotland, with providers required to apply by 11 November.
Any registered independent schools and publicly funded colleges will be covered by their statutory inspections and do not need to apply separately for educational oversight. Source: UK Border Agency.
A UKBA spokesperson said in a statement: “the changes to the student visa system will, create a system where every student coming to the UK attends a legitimate course at a legitimate institution. We are also reforming the work route, and change is being planned for the settlement and family routes.”
Speaking at the Universities UK annual conference this week Business Secretary Vince Cable said:
“The criteria aim to achieve a sensible balance between attracting genuine students and operating a robust immigration system that denies entry to people with an ulterior motive.
“You have my absolute assurance that I will continue to work with the UKBA – and with universities – on removing obstacles to the essential business of global intellectual exchange. International students are important for a university’s basic mission and important for the economy; put crudely, HE is an export industry.”
Industry figures are predicting that the new Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) regime and recent student visa rule changes will put a large number of private colleges out of business.
Colleges which have been suspended from the Tier 4 Sponsors Register will not qualify for HTS.
In recent weeks Immigration Matters has received an alarming number of emails from students reporting that their college had 'closed their doors' and ceased trading following a UKBA suspension.
Students who have paid thousands of pounds to these colleges for a CAS in order to renew their visas are unlikely to see their money again.
The UK Border Agency has implemented significant changes to the Tier 4 student route of the points-based system this year.
On 4 July the government changed the Immigration Rules relating to Tier 4 so they could:
"Students renewing visas at private colleges will no longer be allowed to work as well as sponsor dependants.
"In addition the 3 year rule will block those who take too long to complete a lower level course such as an NVQ.
"These changes, combined with the burden of reapplying under the new Highly Trusted scheme, will be the 'last straw' for many private college owners who have faced an onslaught in the last 18 months."
The 3 year rule will prevent students who take too long to complete lower level courses from renewing their student visas or leave to remain.
Immigration appeal specialists are seeing a surge in enquiries from people who have been refused visas and leave to remain.
The government’s aim is to ‘encourage’ international students to study only at government colleges and universities.
See also:
MORE CHALLENGES FOR TIER 4 STUDENTS AS ‘3-YEAR RULE’ APPLIED
Can family dependants of Tier 4 Students work while studying in the UK?
UK University places filling up faster than last year
Colleges and Universities discount fees to attract more Tier 4 students
Pre Tier 4 students in the UK under the Immigration Rules that were in place before 31 March 2009
New Tier 4 student visa rules now in force
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR, Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Looking for a college or University or need advice?
UKUS is a free University and College Admissions and advice service based in London, UK. Students interested in studying abroad can complete the Online UKUS Registration Form for more details.
The UK Border Agency’s (UKBA) proposed criteria to become a Highly Trusted Sponsor under Tier 4, announced on 19 July, invited comments and feedback from the education sector.
Following that feedback the UKBA has published new Tier 4 sponsorship guidance covering:
- Highly Trusted Sponsorship, including the date by which Tier 4 sponsors who are not already highly trusted need to apply for HTS by; what will happen to existing Tier 4 sponsors who do not apply for HTS by the deadline or who do apply and fail; and details of transitional arrangements for sponsors who are not already highly trusted.
- educational oversight, confirming the previously announced detail of the new approach, including a reminder of the date by which applications should be made and to which oversight body; and information Tier 4 sponsors who either do not apply by the specified deadline or who apply and fail to obtain it.
The Tier 4 changes are being implemented as part of the government's reforms of the immigration system to ‘tackle abuse and bring net migration down to sustainable levels’.
Immigration changes included reforming the work route, settlement and family migration to the UK.
You can now download the new sponsor guidance from the Guidance for sponsors page.
On 13 June, the UKBA announced in a separate news story that applications for educational oversight would need to be made to the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) and Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) by Friday 9 September 2011. These bodies have since issued additional guidance on the QAA website and the ISI website. Tier 4 sponsors are required to apply to the QAA or ISI by Friday 9 September or they will not be able to sponsor new students.
The Bridge Schools Inspectorate wll inspect faith-based private colleges in England and Wales, and that the School Inspection Service would inspect Steiner and Montessori colleges in England and Wales with providers required to apply by a deadline of 7 October. Education Scotland will inspect privately funded providers in Scotland, with providers required to apply by 11 November.
Any registered independent schools and publicly funded colleges will be covered by their statutory inspections and do not need to apply separately for educational oversight. Source: UK Border Agency.
A UKBA spokesperson said in a statement: “the changes to the student visa system will, create a system where every student coming to the UK attends a legitimate course at a legitimate institution. We are also reforming the work route, and change is being planned for the settlement and family routes.”
Speaking at the Universities UK annual conference this week Business Secretary Vince Cable said:
“The criteria aim to achieve a sensible balance between attracting genuine students and operating a robust immigration system that denies entry to people with an ulterior motive.
“You have my absolute assurance that I will continue to work with the UKBA – and with universities – on removing obstacles to the essential business of global intellectual exchange. International students are important for a university’s basic mission and important for the economy; put crudely, HE is an export industry.”
Industry figures are predicting that the new Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) regime and recent student visa rule changes will put a large number of private colleges out of business.
Colleges which have been suspended from the Tier 4 Sponsors Register will not qualify for HTS.
In recent weeks Immigration Matters has received an alarming number of emails from students reporting that their college had 'closed their doors' and ceased trading following a UKBA suspension.
Students who have paid thousands of pounds to these colleges for a CAS in order to renew their visas are unlikely to see their money again.
The UK Border Agency has implemented significant changes to the Tier 4 student route of the points-based system this year.
On 4 July the government changed the Immigration Rules relating to Tier 4 so they could:
- restrict work entitlements, by only allowing students sponsored by higher education institutions (HEIs) and publicly funded further education colleges to work part-time during term time and full-time during vacations;
- restrict sponsorship of dependants to those of students sponsored by HEIs on postgraduate courses lasting 12 months or longer, and of government-sponsored students on courses lasting longer than 6 months;
- require institutions to confirm that courses represent genuine academic progression from any previous courses studied by the student in the UK; and
- create a streamlined application process for low-risk nationals sponsored by Highly Trusted sponsors.
"Students renewing visas at private colleges will no longer be allowed to work as well as sponsor dependants.
"In addition the 3 year rule will block those who take too long to complete a lower level course such as an NVQ.
"These changes, combined with the burden of reapplying under the new Highly Trusted scheme, will be the 'last straw' for many private college owners who have faced an onslaught in the last 18 months."
The 3 year rule will prevent students who take too long to complete lower level courses from renewing their student visas or leave to remain.
Immigration appeal specialists are seeing a surge in enquiries from people who have been refused visas and leave to remain.
The government’s aim is to ‘encourage’ international students to study only at government colleges and universities.
See also:
MORE CHALLENGES FOR TIER 4 STUDENTS AS ‘3-YEAR RULE’ APPLIED
Can family dependants of Tier 4 Students work while studying in the UK?
UK University places filling up faster than last year
Colleges and Universities discount fees to attract more Tier 4 students
Pre Tier 4 students in the UK under the Immigration Rules that were in place before 31 March 2009
New Tier 4 student visa rules now in force
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR, Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Looking for a college or University or need advice?
UKUS is a free University and College Admissions and advice service based in London, UK. Students interested in studying abroad can complete the Online UKUS Registration Form for more details.
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