Studying in the UK
Re-inspection of the handling of Tier 4 sponsor licence compliance (Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, July 2016)
The Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, David Bolt, has published his report of his findings following the re-inspection of the handling of Tier 4 sponsor licence compliance.
The key findings were as follows:
- File sampling, onsite interviews, the revised guidance and compliance report template are used as intended for all compliance visits, and 'reporting by exception' has ceased as recommended following the previous inspection.
- The examples set out within the guidance include an opening paragraph in the 'overall compliance summary' section of the report stating whether the sponsor is 'fully compliant' or 'non-compliant'. The guidance does not require compliance officers to follow these examples. However, it has been recommended that if the examples are to be used there needs to be a requirement for this in the guidance.
- Management assurance of compliance reports has improved, and UKVI has taken steps to improve the quality of visits by setting managers quality targets, although the re-inspection team found there was some confusion about the required frequency of management observation of visits, which UKVI needs to clarify for managers and compliance officers.
- The current technical solution to storage and retrieval is neither efficient nor effective, with sponsor information saved in six locations with different naming conventions and file pathways for each. UKVI is currently working towards a web-based solution.
- The original inspection found that some compliance officers were HEOs and some EOs, with no clear justification for the difference in grade. At the time of the re-inspection in June 2016, some HEOs were still carrying out compliance visits. However, the planned restructure of the SCN should address this.
Re-inspection of the handling of Tier 4 sponsor licence compliance (Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, July 2016)
The Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, David Bolt, has published his report of his findings following the re-inspection of the handling of Tier 4 sponsor licence compliance.
The key findings were as follows:
The key findings were as follows:
- File sampling, onsite interviews, the revised guidance and compliance report template are used as intended for all compliance visits, and 'reporting by exception' has ceased as recommended following the previous inspection.
- The examples set out within the guidance include an opening paragraph in the 'overall compliance summary' section of the report stating whether the sponsor is 'fully compliant' or 'non-compliant'. The guidance does not require compliance officers to follow these examples. However, it has been recommended that if the examples are to be used there needs to be a requirement for this in the guidance.
- Management assurance of compliance reports has improved, and UKVI has taken steps to improve the quality of visits by setting managers quality targets, although the re-inspection team found there was some confusion about the required frequency of management observation of visits, which UKVI needs to clarify for managers and compliance officers.
- The current technical solution to storage and retrieval is neither efficient nor effective, with sponsor information saved in six locations with different naming conventions and file pathways for each. UKVI is currently working towards a web-based solution.
- The original inspection found that some compliance officers were HEOs and some EOs, with no clear justification for the difference in grade. At the time of the re-inspection in June 2016, some HEOs were still carrying out compliance visits. However, the planned restructure of the SCN should address this.
Post-study work
The UK government has rejected calls for the reintroduction of a post-study work visa system for international students in Scotland.
An inquiry by the Scottish Affairs Committee concluded that removing the visa had made Scotland a less attractive destination to study. However, the UK government has rejected this, saying that other visa options were made available for former students.
Further information can be viewed here.
Post-study work
The UK government has rejected calls for the reintroduction of a post-study work visa system for international students in Scotland.
An inquiry by the Scottish Affairs Committee concluded that removing the visa had made Scotland a less attractive destination to study. However, the UK government has rejected this, saying that other visa options were made available for former students.
Further information can be viewed here.
Post-study work
The UK government has rejected calls for the reintroduction of a post-study work visa system for international students in Scotland.
An inquiry by the Scottish Affairs Committee concluded that removing the visa had made Scotland a less attractive destination to study. However, the UK government has rejected this, saying that other visa options were made available for former students.
Further information can be viewed here.
Further information can be viewed here.
Working in the UK
Restricted Certificate allocations (October 2016)
The restricted certificates allocation for October 2016 published by UKVI can be viewed here.
The figures show that all valid applications for restricted Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) which scored at least 21 points were granted with carry-overs from the previous month(s).
A total of 1,701 CoS were granted in October 2016. There are 2,911 CoS available for allocation in November 2016.
Highly Skilled workers
The BBC reported that the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, indicated whilst giving evidence to MPs on the Treasurey Select Committee, that he could not see why companies should be restricted from recruiting "high level" workers. It was his view that the public wanted restrictions on migrants competing for "entry level jobs", rather than highly skilled workers.
Further information can be viewed here.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37705852
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) - Endorsing bodies
UKVI has updated the list of education institutions that are authorised to approve graduates applying for leave under Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur).
The updated list can be viewed here.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/endorsing-bodies-tier-1-graduate-entrepreneur
Publication of Foreign Workers
The Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, has outlined proposals in her Conservative Party conference speech that companies could be forced to publish the number of foreign workers that they employ.
She also proposed changes that would ensure people coming to the UK for work were filling gaps in the labour market, not taking jobs that settled workers could do.
Further information can be viewed here.
http://www.personneltoday.com/hr/publish-proportion-foreign-workers-government-tells-business/
Working in the UK
Restricted Certificate allocations (October 2016)
The restricted certificates allocation for October 2016 published by UKVI can be viewed here.
The figures show that all valid applications for restricted Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) which scored at least 21 points were granted with carry-overs from the previous month(s).
A total of 1,701 CoS were granted in October 2016. There are 2,911 CoS available for allocation in November 2016.
The figures show that all valid applications for restricted Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) which scored at least 21 points were granted with carry-overs from the previous month(s).
A total of 1,701 CoS were granted in October 2016. There are 2,911 CoS available for allocation in November 2016.
Highly Skilled workers
The BBC reported that the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, indicated whilst giving evidence to MPs on the Treasurey Select Committee, that he could not see why companies should be restricted from recruiting "high level" workers. It was his view that the public wanted restrictions on migrants competing for "entry level jobs", rather than highly skilled workers.
Further information can be viewed here.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37705852
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) - Endorsing bodies
UKVI has updated the list of education institutions that are authorised to approve graduates applying for leave under Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur).
The updated list can be viewed here.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/endorsing-bodies-tier-1-graduate-entrepreneur
Publication of Foreign Workers
The Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, has outlined proposals in her Conservative Party conference speech that companies could be forced to publish the number of foreign workers that they employ.
She also proposed changes that would ensure people coming to the UK for work were filling gaps in the labour market, not taking jobs that settled workers could do.
Further information can be viewed here.
http://www.personneltoday.com/hr/publish-proportion-foreign-workers-government-tells-business/
General Immigration Matters
General Immigration Matters
EU Migration to and from the UK (briefing by the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford)
The Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford has published a briefing on EU Migration to and from the UK.
The key points were as follows:
- The population of EU born in the UK stood at just over 3.5 million in the first quarter of 2016.
- As of the first quarter of 2016, approximately 2.2 million EU born were employed in the UK labour market.
- In 2015, inflows of EU nationals migrating to the UK stood at 269,000, up from 264,000 in 2014. Net migration of EU citizens was estimated at 184,000 in 2015, up from 174,000 in 2014.
- EU inflows accounted for close to 49% of total non-British inflows in 2015.
- Half of all EU nationals coming to the UK in 2015 were nationals of countries that joined the EU in 2004 or later.
- About 73% of EU nationals migrating to the UK came for work related reasons in 2015, followed by those who came for formal study.
- The number of National Insurance Number (NINo) registrations for EU nationals in the second quarter of 2016 was 140,530 in total. Of those, 37% were EU14 nationals; 25% A8 nationals; and 38% were A2 and other Accession nationals.
EU Migration to and from the UK (briefing by the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford)
The Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford has published a briefing on EU Migration to and from the UK.
The key points were as follows:
The key points were as follows:
- The population of EU born in the UK stood at just over 3.5 million in the first quarter of 2016.
- As of the first quarter of 2016, approximately 2.2 million EU born were employed in the UK labour market.
- In 2015, inflows of EU nationals migrating to the UK stood at 269,000, up from 264,000 in 2014. Net migration of EU citizens was estimated at 184,000 in 2015, up from 174,000 in 2014.
- EU inflows accounted for close to 49% of total non-British inflows in 2015.
- Half of all EU nationals coming to the UK in 2015 were nationals of countries that joined the EU in 2004 or later.
- About 73% of EU nationals migrating to the UK came for work related reasons in 2015, followed by those who came for formal study.
- The number of National Insurance Number (NINo) registrations for EU nationals in the second quarter of 2016 was 140,530 in total. Of those, 37% were EU14 nationals; 25% A8 nationals; and 38% were A2 and other Accession nationals.
Applications to register as a British citizen
Applications to register as a British citizen
UKVI has updated the guidance for those applying to register as a British citizen, as a person born before 1 July 2006 to a British father and whose parents were not married.
The updated guidance can be viewed here.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-to-register-as-a-british-citizen-form-ukf
Right of abode - updated guidance
The guidance for applying for a certificate of entitlement proving applicants have a right to live and work in the UK has been updated.
The revised guidance can be viewed here.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-certificate-showing-right-of-abode
Settle in the UK on the basis of long residence
Updated guidance has been published by UKVI on applying to settle in the UK on the basis of long residence.
The updated guidance can be viewed here. This is for use on or after 31 October 2016.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-to-settle-in-uk-form-setlr
Inspection of Border Force operations in Coventry and Langley by the Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration
The Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, David Bolt, has published his report on his inspection of Border Force postal operations in Coventry and Langley.
The inspection identified certain areas for improvement and has made the following recommendations:
- The Home Office should agree with Royal Mail Group a joint action plan to address the negative impact on working relationships of Royal Mail Group's use of agency staff.
- Ensure that the appropriate authorisation is in place for the continued use by Border Force Postal Command of its bulk seizure policy.
- Explore whether an alternative solution exists for storing goods that have been subject to bulk seizure that would reduce the potential health and safety risks associated with current arrangements.
- Ensure that information and data relevant to the efficient and effective running of the Postal Hubs at Coventry and Langley, and to Border Force as a whole, is routinely captured and made available to those who need it.
- Ensure that the flow of intelligence to frontline officers at Coventry and Langley is managed, so that officers receive (in good time) only those assessments and reports that are relevant to their work, and are encouraged to provide regular feedback.
- Work with Police Forces, and other relevant partner agencies, to increase the number of referred detections and seizures that are adopted, investigated and, where appropriate prosecuted.
- Ensure that Data Protection Act 1998 compliant data-sharing agreement with Royal Mail Group is in place (and regularly reviewed) and covers the information shared to assist the sifting of 'postal packets' and Royal Mail Group's handling of such information.
- Review internal communications at Coventry and Langley and ensure that frontline officers are made fully aware of the rationale for particular Border Force priorities and targets, and of the purpose of any initiatives or pilots.
The full report can be viewed here. The Home Office response to this report can be viewed here.
http://icinspector.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Postal-Hubs-March-to-July-2016.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-office-response-to-the-report-an-inspection-of-border-force-operations-at-coventry-and-langley-postal-hubs-march-july-2016
UKVI has updated the guidance for those applying to register as a British citizen, as a person born before 1 July 2006 to a British father and whose parents were not married.
The updated guidance can be viewed here.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-to-register-as-a-british-citizen-form-ukf
Right of abode - updated guidance
The guidance for applying for a certificate of entitlement proving applicants have a right to live and work in the UK has been updated.
The revised guidance can be viewed here.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-certificate-showing-right-of-abode
Settle in the UK on the basis of long residence
Updated guidance has been published by UKVI on applying to settle in the UK on the basis of long residence.
The updated guidance can be viewed here. This is for use on or after 31 October 2016.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-to-settle-in-uk-form-setlr
Inspection of Border Force operations in Coventry and Langley by the Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration
The Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, David Bolt, has published his report on his inspection of Border Force postal operations in Coventry and Langley.
The inspection identified certain areas for improvement and has made the following recommendations:
The full report can be viewed here. The Home Office response to this report can be viewed here.
http://icinspector.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Postal-Hubs-March-to-July-2016.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-office-response-to-the-report-an-inspection-of-border-force-operations-at-coventry-and-langley-postal-hubs-march-july-2016
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-to-register-as-a-british-citizen-form-ukf
Right of abode - updated guidance
The guidance for applying for a certificate of entitlement proving applicants have a right to live and work in the UK has been updated.
The revised guidance can be viewed here.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-certificate-showing-right-of-abode
Settle in the UK on the basis of long residence
Updated guidance has been published by UKVI on applying to settle in the UK on the basis of long residence.
The updated guidance can be viewed here. This is for use on or after 31 October 2016.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-to-settle-in-uk-form-setlr
Inspection of Border Force operations in Coventry and Langley by the Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration
The Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, David Bolt, has published his report on his inspection of Border Force postal operations in Coventry and Langley.
The inspection identified certain areas for improvement and has made the following recommendations:
- The Home Office should agree with Royal Mail Group a joint action plan to address the negative impact on working relationships of Royal Mail Group's use of agency staff.
- Ensure that the appropriate authorisation is in place for the continued use by Border Force Postal Command of its bulk seizure policy.
- Explore whether an alternative solution exists for storing goods that have been subject to bulk seizure that would reduce the potential health and safety risks associated with current arrangements.
- Ensure that information and data relevant to the efficient and effective running of the Postal Hubs at Coventry and Langley, and to Border Force as a whole, is routinely captured and made available to those who need it.
- Ensure that the flow of intelligence to frontline officers at Coventry and Langley is managed, so that officers receive (in good time) only those assessments and reports that are relevant to their work, and are encouraged to provide regular feedback.
- Work with Police Forces, and other relevant partner agencies, to increase the number of referred detections and seizures that are adopted, investigated and, where appropriate prosecuted.
- Ensure that Data Protection Act 1998 compliant data-sharing agreement with Royal Mail Group is in place (and regularly reviewed) and covers the information shared to assist the sifting of 'postal packets' and Royal Mail Group's handling of such information.
- Review internal communications at Coventry and Langley and ensure that frontline officers are made fully aware of the rationale for particular Border Force priorities and targets, and of the purpose of any initiatives or pilots.
The full report can be viewed here. The Home Office response to this report can be viewed here.
http://icinspector.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Postal-Hubs-March-to-July-2016.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-office-response-to-the-report-an-inspection-of-border-force-operations-at-coventry-and-langley-postal-hubs-march-july-2016
Veristat Services
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 £650
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 can also provide bespoke online training packages on request.
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
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 £650
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 can also provide bespoke online training packages on request.
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
We can also provide bespoke online training packages on request.
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
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 for further information about any of our services or to talk
over any issues or concerns you have, confidentially and without
obligation.
T: +44 (0)1344 628521
E: enquiries@veristat.co.uk
W: www.veristat.co.uk
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.
- 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 for further information about any of our services or to talk
over any issues or concerns you have, confidentially and without
obligation.
T: +44 (0)1344 628521
E: enquiries@veristat.co.uk
W: www.veristat.co.uk
T: +44 (0)1344 628521
E: enquiries@veristat.co.uk
W: www.veristat.co.uk
