Tuesday, 4 August 2015

Immigration News: August 2015


Education


Immigration Rule Changes: Tier 4

The government has announced changes to the Immigration Rules affecting Tier 4 of the points-based system.

The main changes are as follows:
  • From August, new students at publicly funded colleges will not be allowed to work, bringing them in line with those at private colleges.
  • From August, university students will be allowed to study a new course at the same level where there is a link to their previous course or where the university confirms that this supports their career aspirations. There will be credibility interviews and sanctions against any universities who abuse this rule.
  • College students will not be allowed to extend their Tier 4 visas in the UK, unless they are studying at an 'embedded college', one which has a formal, direct link to a university that is recognised by the Home Office. From November, they will need to leave and apply for a new visa from outside the UK if they wish to study another course.
  • College students will not be able to switch visas to Tier 2 or 5 in the UK, and will be required to apply from outside the UK (from November).
  • The time limit for study at further education level will be reduced from 3 years to 2 years (from November).
  • Tier 4 dependants will not be allowed to take low or unskilled jobs but they will be able to take part-time or full-time skilled work (from the autumn).
The Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules can be read here. Further information about the changes can also be viewed here.




Approved English Language tests (Studying in the UK)

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have updated their list of approved English language tests to show that applicants have the required level of English for their visa.

The revised list can be viewed here.




Working in the UK


Tier 2 cap: Skilled visa applications

The cap introduced on Tier 2 visas by the Home Office was reached for the first time in June, resulting in 1,329 visa applications being rejected. The Home Affairs Committee has subsequently launched an inquiry into the impact of the cap over concerns to how this affects the UK economy.

Further information about the inquiry can be viewed here.





Approved English Language tests (Working in the UK)

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have updated their list of approved English language tests to show that applicants have the required level of English for their visa.

The revised list can be viewed here.





Recent trends in EU nationals born inside and outside the EU

The Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford has published a commentary of the recent trends in EU nationals born inside and outside the EU.

This analysis indicates that EU citizens living in the UK are more likely to be working in high-skilled jobs if they were born outside of the EU.

The full report can be downloaded here.





Restricted certificate allocations (July 2015)

The restricted certificates allocation for July 2015 published by UKVI can be viewed here. The figures show that all valid applications for restricted CoS which score the minimum 45 points were granted with carry-overs from the previous month(s).




General Immigration Matters


Approved English Language tests (Other)

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have updated their list of approved English language tests to show that applicants have the required level of English for their visa.

The revised list can be viewed here.




Applications to extend stay in the UK: form FLR(O)

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have published a revised form and guidance for those applying to extend visa to stay in the UK ('leave to remain') and to obtain a biometric residence permit. This form and guidance should be used on or after 10 July 2015.

The form FLR(O) and guidance can be downloaded here.




Application to reconsider a decision for a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode

UKVI have published a revised application form (Form RROA) to request the reconsideration of a decision to refuse a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode in the United Kingdom.

The updated form can be viewed here.

Fees for citizenship applications

UKVI have updated their information about fees for citizenship and right of abode applications.

The updated fees document can be viewed here.




Veristat Services



Audits and Inspections


Veristat has been providing audits/inspections of compliance for Tier 2/5 and Tier 4 for the past 6 years. In the education sector, we have worked with schools, colleges and over 20 universities; we have also worked with numerous employers, including well-known brands, on Tier 2/5 and "right to work" requirements. We are now also operating in association with John Vine, formerly the first Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration.

Our audit/inspection service is fully flexible and can be tailored to individual requirements. And our approach is based on sound practical experience of the reality of the UKVI system.

- For education providers our service ranges from a "lite" health-check to a comprehensive review of Tier 4 activities, identifying compliance - or otherwise - with UKVI requirements, as well as any omissions or areas which can be improved. Alternatively, it can comprise inspection of a specific issue, such as visa refusals, or relationships with partner institutions.
- For employers, we offer inspections of Tier 2 compliance in whatever level of detail is required, as well as on-site inspections (which can be announced or unannounced to simulate a UKVI visit) of compliance with "right to work" checks and requirements.

Our audit/inspection service is fully flexible and can be tailored to individual requirements. And our approach is based on sound practical experience of the reality of the UKVI system.

On completion, we provide a comprehensive, evidence-based report together with an assessment of how well the institution or business is prepared to withstand scrutiny by UK Visas and Immigration. We will support the introduction of change if required and offer a 'spot check' follow up service at a later date to reassure management that recommendations have been implemented.

Contact us today to talk over any issues or concerns you have, confidentially and without obligation.
T: 0844 335 1619
E: don@veristat.co.uk
W: www.veristat.co.uk


Training for employers


We are increasingly being asked to provide training on Right to Work and/or Tier 2 sponsor duties. These are normally half day courses conducted on your premises for a standard charge of under £600 regardless of the number of people attending so that the charge per person will generally be less than £100 without them having to spend the day away from the office.

We also offer an online review of employer right to work checks with a self-assessment.

If you think your organisation would benefit from training in any of these areas, please contact us for a no commitment discussion of your requirements at enquiries@veristat.co.uk


LinkedIn 'HR Immigration' Group


We have set up a 'HR Immigration' group on LinkedIn, which aims to provide a networking space for UK employers and HR/recruitment professionals to share and discuss news and best practice about current UK immigration issues.

To join this group please go to http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=6537658

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