Education
Immigration reforms - International students & net migration
The Home Office has provided a written response to the Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) committee stating that the government's immigration policies are having the right effect in bringing immigration under control. The statement also argues that the UK is continuing to attract bright, talented overseas students to study at our universities.
The statement also reconfirmed that there is no limit on the number of international students that can come to the UK or any limit on the number who can stay and work in the UK at the end of their studies if they get a graduate job.
A review by the Home Office on the Student Visitor route also found that this route was being used as the government intended. This route is intended to attract high value, low risk migrants who contribute positively to economic growth.
Tier 4 Student online application pilot
The Home Office has launched a pilot for its new online application form for Tier 4 students inside the UK.
Applicants who have been asked to take part in the pilot by their sponsors can apply for permission to stay in the UK using the new online form.
Applicants who have not been asked to take part in the pilot should apply using the 'print and send' application form.
The Home Office will be monitoring applications closely before it is opened up to all Tier 4 applicants.
The new online system will allow applicants to:
- Complete a customised interactive form;
- Pay online
- Book an appointment (for premium appointments only); and
- Submit their application online.
Changes to the Immigration Rules - July 2013 (Education)
The Home Office has published several minor changes to the Immigration Rules that will come into effect from 1 July 2013.
The key changes for Tier 4 are as follows:
- Clarification that 'regulated financial institutions' means those regulated to provide personal savings accounts or student loans;
- Additional legal courses are now exempt from the time limit on study for Tier 4 student visas.
Full details of all changes can be read in the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC244), which can be downloaded here.
Changes to the highly trusted sponsor application process
From 10 June 2013 the Home Office will no longer accept paper applications or cheque payments for highly trusted sponsor (HTS) status.
This includes renewal applications from sponsors who already hold HTS status.
From 1 July you should apply online via the sponsorship management system (SMS).
Tier 4 sponsors were notified of this change on 31 May 2013, while sponsors affected by transitional arrangements have been contacted separately.
Working in the UK
New Tier 2 application form - 4 June 2013
A new version of the Tier 2 points-based system application form has been published by the Home Office for use on or after 4 June 2013.
This form is for use by applicants who are already in the UK.
The new Tier 2 application form should be used from 4 June 2013 although the Home Office will continue to accept applications made on the previous version of this form up to and including 25 June 2013.
Changes to the Immigration Rules - July 2013 (Working in the UK)
The Home Office has published several minor changes to the Immigration Rules that will come into effect from 1 July 2013.
The key change concerning migrants working in the UK was as follows:
- A resident labour market test is not needed for applications for a religious worker (Tier 5) extension.
Full details of all changes can be read in the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC244), which can be downloaded here.
General Immigration Matters
Changes to the Immigration Rules - July 2013 (Other)
The Home Office has published several minor changes to the Immigration Rules that will come into effect from 1 July 2013.
Other key changes that have been made are as follows:
- Changes to the documents required for approved English language tests
- Minor changes and clarifications to the family Immigration rules
- Changes to the list of financial institutions in Bangladesh and Ghana from which documents can be verified
- Tuberculosis screening is now required in more countries.
Full details of all changes can be read in the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC244), which can be downloaded here.
Visitor Bond Scheme - high-risk countries
A number of editorial publications have reported that the Home Office will from November be trialling a new bond system for visitors to the UK.
This scheme is being trialled by the Home Office as a way of reducing overstaying.
This will require visitors from certain 'high-risk' countries seeking to come to the UK to post a £3,000 bond, returnable when they leave the UK within the terms of their visa.
The Guardian has also reported that Nick Clegg has now declined to sign off the details of this pilot scheme although he is thought to be in favour in principle of the proposal.
Removal of appeal rights for family visitors
The full right of appeal for applicants seeking entry to the UK as a family visitor has been removed with effect from 25 June 2013.
Section 52 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013 removes the full right of appeal for people who have had an application for a family visit visa refused. The new arrangements apply to anyone who applies to enter the UK as a family visitor on or after 25 June.
From this date there will be no right of appeal against such refusals, unless the appeal is on human rights or race discrimination grounds.
Further information, including revised forms and guidance, can be found on the family visitors page of the Home Office (UKBA) website.
Veristat Services
HTS Health-Check
Following requests from clients, Veristat is pleased to announce a new HTS Health Check service to help education providers prepare for a visit by the Home Office (UKBA) associated with an application to renew HTS.
The Veristat HTS Health Check is an objective, external review covering key areas likely to arise during a UKBA visit together with examples of good practice from over 4 years' experience of conducting compliance audits for schools, colleges and universities.
For further information please contact don@veristat.co.uk
Training
We are increasingly being asked to provide training on Right to Work and Tier 2 sponsor duties. If you think your organisation would benefit from training in either of these areas, please contact us for a no commitment discussion of your requirements at enquiries@veristat.co.uk.
