Education
Immigration Statistics, July to September 2013 (Education)
The Home Office (UKBA) has published its latest Immigration statistics covering the period July to September 2013.
The key points in relation to studying in the UK were as follows:
- Study-related visas rose by 3% in the year to September 2013 (+6,052 to 216,895 including dependants).
- There was a 7% increase in sponsored study applications (main applicants) for the universities but falls for other sectors.
- Non-EU long-term immigration for study fell by 10% to 133,000 for the year ending June 2013, compared with the previous 12 months.
- There was a 6,052 increase in study-related visas issued (excluding student visitors), which included higher numbers for Chinese (+4,685, +8%) and Malaysian (+2,120, +27%) nationals. However, there were falls for other nationalities, including Pakistani (-8,165, -60%) and Indian (-4,343, -24%).
- There was also a 15% increase in student visitor visas issued (to 76,672) for the year ending September 2013.
- There was a 7% increase in study-related grants of extension in the year ending September 2013 (99,061) compared with the year ending September 2012 (92,997).
The data tables for 'Immigration Statistics, July to September 2013' can be viewed here.
The full report can be read here.
Net Migration Increases - Office for National Statistics (Education)
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published its latest Migration Statistics Quarterly Report.
These latest figures show that net migration rose to 182,000 in the year to June 2013, up from 167,000 in the previous 12 months.
The key points in relation to studying in the UK were as follows:
- 176,000 people arrived for the purpose of study in the year ending September 2013.
- 216,895 visas were issued for the purpose of study (excluding student visitors) in the year ending September 2013 - a rise of 3% compared with the previous year.
- The number of sponsored student visa applications remained at a similar level (211,100) in the year ending September 2013.
- There was a 7% increase for the university sector (UK-based Higher Education Institutions) and falls of 31%, 8% and 2% respectively for the further education sector (tertiary, further education or other colleges), English language schools and independent schools in the total for the year compared to the previous year.
- Fewer New Commonwealth citizens migrated to the UK for formal study during this same period - now similar to estimates in 2005/6.
The full report can be downloaded here.
Changes to Approved English language tests (Education)
The Home Office (UKBA) has made some amendments to the list of approved English language tests for applications made under Tier 4 of the points-based system.
The contact details for test providers have been updated and amendments made to clarify the acceptable test levels for tests provided by Trinity College.
The scores that are required have not been changed.
You can download the updated list here.
The key points in relation to studying in the UK were as follows:
- Study-related visas rose by 3% in the year to September 2013 (+6,052 to 216,895 including dependants).
- There was a 7% increase in sponsored study applications (main applicants) for the universities but falls for other sectors.
- Non-EU long-term immigration for study fell by 10% to 133,000 for the year ending June 2013, compared with the previous 12 months.
- There was a 6,052 increase in study-related visas issued (excluding student visitors), which included higher numbers for Chinese (+4,685, +8%) and Malaysian (+2,120, +27%) nationals. However, there were falls for other nationalities, including Pakistani (-8,165, -60%) and Indian (-4,343, -24%).
- There was also a 15% increase in student visitor visas issued (to 76,672) for the year ending September 2013.
- There was a 7% increase in study-related grants of extension in the year ending September 2013 (99,061) compared with the year ending September 2012 (92,997).
The data tables for 'Immigration Statistics, July to September 2013' can be viewed here.
The full report can be read here.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published its latest Migration Statistics Quarterly Report.
These latest figures show that net migration rose to 182,000 in the year to June 2013, up from 167,000 in the previous 12 months.
The key points in relation to studying in the UK were as follows:
- 176,000 people arrived for the purpose of study in the year ending September 2013.
- 216,895 visas were issued for the purpose of study (excluding student visitors) in the year ending September 2013 - a rise of 3% compared with the previous year.
- The number of sponsored student visa applications remained at a similar level (211,100) in the year ending September 2013.
- There was a 7% increase for the university sector (UK-based Higher Education Institutions) and falls of 31%, 8% and 2% respectively for the further education sector (tertiary, further education or other colleges), English language schools and independent schools in the total for the year compared to the previous year.
- Fewer New Commonwealth citizens migrated to the UK for formal study during this same period - now similar to estimates in 2005/6.
The full report can be downloaded here.
Changes to Approved English language tests (Education)
The Home Office (UKBA) has made some amendments to the list of approved English language tests for applications made under Tier 4 of the points-based system.
The contact details for test providers have been updated and amendments made to clarify the acceptable test levels for tests provided by Trinity College.
The scores that are required have not been changed.
You can download the updated list here.
IPPR's report on International Students
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has published a report on why the UK should commit to increasing international student numbers.
IPPR's report on International Students
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has published a report on why the UK should commit to increasing international student numbers.
The report outlines the Coalition government's approach to policy on international students and provides an overview of recent data and trends. It also draws together research illustrating the impact of international students and policy on the national economy, local areas and institutions in different parts of the education sector.
The key recommendations include:
- Abandonment of the net migration target
- Investment in gathering improved longitudinal data about student's pathways through the immigration system
- More selected and targeted screening of prospective international students
- Greater support for education institutions that are licensed to sponsor them
- Introduction of a modest levy on international students for NHS coverage, equivalent to the typical cost of private medical insurance for a student (around £100-£200 per year) but offsetting this charge with corresponding advantages, including increased working rights during or after study.
- Intelligence-led independent review of the growing student visitor visa route to monitor any unusual patterns.
You can download the full report here.
The report outlines the Coalition government's approach to policy on international students and provides an overview of recent data and trends. It also draws together research illustrating the impact of international students and policy on the national economy, local areas and institutions in different parts of the education sector.
The key recommendations include:
- Abandonment of the net migration target
- Investment in gathering improved longitudinal data about student's pathways through the immigration system
- More selected and targeted screening of prospective international students
- Greater support for education institutions that are licensed to sponsor them
- Introduction of a modest levy on international students for NHS coverage, equivalent to the typical cost of private medical insurance for a student (around £100-£200 per year) but offsetting this charge with corresponding advantages, including increased working rights during or after study.
- Intelligence-led independent review of the growing student visitor visa route to monitor any unusual patterns.
You can download the full report here.
Working in the UK
Immigration Statistics, July to September 2013 (Working in the UK)
The Home Office (UKBA) has published its latest Immigration statistics covering the period July to September 2013.
The key points in relation to working in the UK were as follows:
- There was a 5% increase in work-related visas issued (152,139) in the year ending September 2013 but a 7% decrease in permissions to stay permanently (60,653) compared with the previous year.
- There were 12% fewer non-EU long-term immigrants for work (42,000 estimated from the International Passenger Survey) in the year ending June 2013. Work-related visas issued also fell by 2% over the same period.
- A 5% increase in work-related visas issued in the year ending September 2013 was largely due to increases for skilled workers. These increases were partially offset by fewer visas issued for high value workers (Tier 1) which fell by 7,179 (-37%), largely due to the closure of the Tier 1 General and Tier 1 Post-Study categories to new applicants.
- A 9% decrease (-12,525) in work-related extensions in the year ending September 2013 included a fall in Tier 1 Post-Study extensions and increases for Tier 1 General and Tier 2 Skilled Workers, the latter reflecting shorter visas granted for such workers from 2008.
- There was a 14% increase in Tier 4 skilled worker sponsored visa applications (main applicants) increasing to 46,132. The majority were in the Information and Communication (19,410), Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities (8,267) and Financial and Insurance ACtivities (5,785) sectors.
- Approvals under the Sector Based Scheme for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals fell by 10% (to 465) and approvals under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme fell by 5% (to 19,451). These figures exclude those who are self-employed.
- In the first 3 months since the accession of Croatia on 1 July 2013, 117 applications were received from Croatians for certificates as evidence of their right to work in the UK.
The data tables for 'Immigration Statistics, July to September 2013' can be viewed here.
The full report can be read here.
The key points in relation to working in the UK were as follows:
- There was a 5% increase in work-related visas issued (152,139) in the year ending September 2013 but a 7% decrease in permissions to stay permanently (60,653) compared with the previous year.
- There were 12% fewer non-EU long-term immigrants for work (42,000 estimated from the International Passenger Survey) in the year ending June 2013. Work-related visas issued also fell by 2% over the same period.
- A 5% increase in work-related visas issued in the year ending September 2013 was largely due to increases for skilled workers. These increases were partially offset by fewer visas issued for high value workers (Tier 1) which fell by 7,179 (-37%), largely due to the closure of the Tier 1 General and Tier 1 Post-Study categories to new applicants.
- A 9% decrease (-12,525) in work-related extensions in the year ending September 2013 included a fall in Tier 1 Post-Study extensions and increases for Tier 1 General and Tier 2 Skilled Workers, the latter reflecting shorter visas granted for such workers from 2008.
- There was a 14% increase in Tier 4 skilled worker sponsored visa applications (main applicants) increasing to 46,132. The majority were in the Information and Communication (19,410), Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities (8,267) and Financial and Insurance ACtivities (5,785) sectors.
- Approvals under the Sector Based Scheme for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals fell by 10% (to 465) and approvals under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme fell by 5% (to 19,451). These figures exclude those who are self-employed.
- In the first 3 months since the accession of Croatia on 1 July 2013, 117 applications were received from Croatians for certificates as evidence of their right to work in the UK.
The data tables for 'Immigration Statistics, July to September 2013' can be viewed here.
The full report can be read here.
Net Migration Increases - Office for National Statistics (Working in the UK)
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published its latest Migration Statistics Quarterly Report.
These latest figures show that net migration rose to 182,000 in the year to June 2013, up from 167,000 in the previous 12 months.
The key points in relation to working in the UK were as follows:
- 202,000 people arrived for work in the year ending June 2013
- In the year ending September 2013, there was a 5% increase (to 152,139) in the number of visas issued for the purpose of work.
- Work is the most common reason for immigration, overtaking formal study for the first time since 2009.
- There was a statistically significant increase in EU15 citizens arriving for work-related reasons.
The full report can be downloaded here.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published its latest Migration Statistics Quarterly Report.
These latest figures show that net migration rose to 182,000 in the year to June 2013, up from 167,000 in the previous 12 months.
The key points in relation to working in the UK were as follows:
- 202,000 people arrived for work in the year ending June 2013
- In the year ending September 2013, there was a 5% increase (to 152,139) in the number of visas issued for the purpose of work.
- Work is the most common reason for immigration, overtaking formal study for the first time since 2009.
- There was a statistically significant increase in EU15 citizens arriving for work-related reasons.
The full report can be downloaded here.
Changes to Approved English language tests (Working in the UK)
The Home Office (UKBA) has made some amendments to the list of approved English language tests forapplications made under Tier 1 and 2 of the points-based system.
The contact details for test providers have been updated and amendments made to clarify the acceptable test levels for tests provided by Trinity College.
The scores that are required have not been changed.
You can download the updated list here.
Civil penalties issued, 2010 to 2013
The Home Office (UKBA) has published figures in relation to the civil penalties issued to employers for employing illegal workers. The figures show that £19.7m worth of penalties was collected from 2010 to 2013.
The average civil penalty value during the year 2012-2013 was £8,549 with the largest civil penalty collected during this same period being £115,000.
You can read further information about this data here.
The average civil penalty value during the year 2012-2013 was £8,549 with the largest civil penalty collected during this same period being £115,000.
You can read further information about this data here.
General Immigration Matters
The Home Office (UKBA) has published its latest immigration statistics covering the period July to September 2013.
The key points in relation to other categories were as follows:
Family
- There was a 20% decrease for family-related visas issued (-33,747), whilst grants of permissions to stay permanently increased by 26% (to 59,098).
- There was a significant increase of 138% in family-related extensions to stay (to 36,752) - this was largely due to 14,150 extra extensions recorded under the new Family Life (10 year) route that would previously have been recorded as discretionary leave.
Citizenship
- There was an increase of 13% for people granted permission to stay permanently (settlement), rising to 152,185. This increase was mainly due to increases for family (+26%), asylum-related (+74%) and discretionary or other (+11%) grants, partly offset by a decrease in work-related grants (-7%).
The key points in relation to other categories were as follows:
Family
- There was a 20% decrease for family-related visas issued (-33,747), whilst grants of permissions to stay permanently increased by 26% (to 59,098).
- There was a significant increase of 138% in family-related extensions to stay (to 36,752) - this was largely due to 14,150 extra extensions recorded under the new Family Life (10 year) route that would previously have been recorded as discretionary leave.
Citizenship
Changes to Document Requirements
The Home Office (UKBA) has announced that from 28 October 2013, applicants applying for extension of stay, indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship, no longer need to provide an original passport from the British or settled person supporting their application. A photocopy of their passport or travel document can now be provided.
The photocopy must include all pages of the passport, including any blank pages and it will be verified with other government departments in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
The Home Office (UKBA) may request the original document at any time during the application process, and the application will be refused if the person does not comply.
However, the applicant will still need to submit their original passport or travel document as part of their application.
The photocopy must include all pages of the passport, including any blank pages and it will be verified with other government departments in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
The Home Office (UKBA) may request the original document at any time during the application process, and the application will be refused if the person does not comply.
However, the applicant will still need to submit their original passport or travel document as part of their application.
Visitor bond scheme to be scrapped
The BBC reported that they have been told that the visa bond scheme for visitors from some "high risk" countries is to be abandoned.
This scheme to introduce a £3,000 "security bond" for some "high risk" overseas visitors was announced in June and was to be introduced in November 2013.
This scheme to introduce a £3,000 "security bond" for some "high risk" overseas visitors was announced in June and was to be introduced in November 2013.
Advisory service for asylum seekers
The Home Office (UKBA) has announced that grant funding has been awarded to the British Refugee Council and Migrant Helpline to provide advice and guidance to asylum seekers from 1 April 2014.
From this date, the British Refugee Council will operate a Children's Panel (in England) to support unaccompanied children seeking asylum. Migrant Helpline will provide independent advice and guidance about the asylum process to adult asylum seekers and their dependants throughout the UK. The services provided by Migrant Helpline from April 2014 will replace current one-stop and wrap-around arrangements.
From this date, the British Refugee Council will operate a Children's Panel (in England) to support unaccompanied children seeking asylum. Migrant Helpline will provide independent advice and guidance about the asylum process to adult asylum seekers and their dependants throughout the UK. The services provided by Migrant Helpline from April 2014 will replace current one-stop and wrap-around arrangements.
Consultation on fees and charging - Immigration and Visas
The government has announced a consultation to look at charging principles for immigration and visas.
The consultation will look at options for ensuring those who benefit directly from the immigration system and enhanced border control contribute appropriately to its costs.
A copy of the ministerial statement can be viewed here.
The consultation will look at options for ensuring those who benefit directly from the immigration system and enhanced border control contribute appropriately to its costs.
A copy of the ministerial statement can be viewed here.
The consultation document can be viewed here.
Processing of applications for indefinite leave to remain - SET(O)
The latest statistics published by the Home Office (UKBA) for the processing of applications for indefinite leave to remain under SET(O) show that there is currently an average of 143 days between receipt of the application to despatch.
These figures also indicate that 59.07% of SET(O) applications are processed within 4 months or less.
These figures also indicate that 59.07% of SET(O) applications are processed within 4 months or less.
These figures can be viewed here.
Changes to Approved English language tests (Partner/Spouse applications)
The Home Office (UKBA) has made some amendments to the list of approved English language tests for spouse and partner applications.
The contact details for test providers have been updated and amendments made to clarify the acceptable test levels for tests provided by Trinity College.
The scores that are required have not been changed.
You can download the updated list here.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published its latest Migration Statistics Quarterly Report.
These latest figures show that net migration rose to 182,000 in the year to June 2013, up from 167,000 in the previous 12 months.
The key points in relation to other immigration categories were as follows:
- 503,000 people immigrated to the UK in the year ending June 2013, compared to the 517,000 people in the previous year
- Emigration is at its lowest since 2001
- The number of visas issued, excluding visitor and transit visas, was 526,736 in the year ending September 2013 - 4% higher than the previous year.
- In the year ending September 2013, there were 33,747 family-related visas issued - a 20% decrease than in the previous year and the lowest since comparable records began in 2005.
- 1.9 million visitor visas were issued in the year ending September 2013 - a 15% increase than the previous year.
- Increases were seen in visitor visas to Chinese (+80,755), Russian (+37,405), Kuwaiti (+23,507), Indian (+20,749) and Saudi Arabian (+18,030) nationals.
The full report can be downloaded here.
Immigrants to UK 'make net contribution' to public finances
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published its latest Migration Statistics Quarterly Report.
These latest figures show that net migration rose to 182,000 in the year to June 2013, up from 167,000 in the previous 12 months.
The key points in relation to other immigration categories were as follows:
- 503,000 people immigrated to the UK in the year ending June 2013, compared to the 517,000 people in the previous year
- Emigration is at its lowest since 2001
- The number of visas issued, excluding visitor and transit visas, was 526,736 in the year ending September 2013 - 4% higher than the previous year.
- In the year ending September 2013, there were 33,747 family-related visas issued - a 20% decrease than in the previous year and the lowest since comparable records began in 2005.
- 1.9 million visitor visas were issued in the year ending September 2013 - a 15% increase than the previous year.
- Increases were seen in visitor visas to Chinese (+80,755), Russian (+37,405), Kuwaiti (+23,507), Indian (+20,749) and Saudi Arabian (+18,030) nationals.
The full report can be downloaded here.
A study by University College London has found that recent immigrants to the UK made a "substantial" contribution to public finances.
It also found that immigrants who recently came to the UK are less likely to claim benefits and live in social housing than people born in Britain.
The full report can be read here.
A study by University College London has found that recent immigrants to the UK made a "substantial" contribution to public finances.
It also found that immigrants who recently came to the UK are less likely to claim benefits and live in social housing than people born in Britain.
The full report can be read here.
Veristat Services
HTS Health-Check
The Veristat Health Check is a one day objective, external review covering key areas likely to arise during a Home Office visit together with examples of good practice drawn from over 4 years' experience of conducting compliance audits for schools, colleges and universities.
For further information please contact don@veristat.co.uk
Training for employers
We are increasingly being asked to provide training on Right to Work and/or Tier 2 sponsor duties. If you think your organisation would benefit from training in either or both of these areas, please contact us for a no commitment discussion of your requirements at enquiries@veristat.co.uk.
New LinkedIn 'HR Immigration' Group
We have recently set up a new 'HR Immigration' group on LinkedIn, which aims to provide a networking space for UK employers and HR/recruitment professionals to share and discuss news/best practice about current UK immigration issues.
To join this group please go to http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=6537658
HTS Health-Check
The Veristat Health Check is a one day objective, external review covering key areas likely to arise during a Home Office visit together with examples of good practice drawn from over 4 years' experience of conducting compliance audits for schools, colleges and universities.
For further information please contact don@veristat.co.uk
HTS Health-Check
The Veristat Health Check is a one day objective, external review covering key areas likely to arise during a Home Office visit together with examples of good practice drawn from over 4 years' experience of conducting compliance audits for schools, colleges and universities.
For further information please contact don@veristat.co.uk
Training for employers
We are increasingly being asked to provide training on Right to Work and/or Tier 2 sponsor duties. If you think your organisation would benefit from training in either or both of these areas, please contact us for a no commitment discussion of your requirements at enquiries@veristat.co.uk.
New LinkedIn 'HR Immigration' Group
We have recently set up a new 'HR Immigration' group on LinkedIn, which aims to provide a networking space for UK employers and HR/recruitment professionals to share and discuss news/best practice about current UK immigration issues.
New LinkedIn 'HR Immigration' Group
We have recently set up a new 'HR Immigration' group on LinkedIn, which aims to provide a networking space for UK employers and HR/recruitment professionals to share and discuss news/best practice about current UK immigration issues.
To join this group please go to http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=6537658
