Wednesday, 1 February 2012

Immigration Notes: February 2012


Tier 4


Tier 4 Education Oversight

The UKBA has published information on what amounts to satisfactory accreditation under the new education oversight arrangements and the consequences of failing to meet the standards.  

For sponsors currently subject to the interim limit, the UK Border Agency will take the following actions based on the outcomes of inspections by the accreditation bodies:
  • If the college achieves a satisfactory inspection or review for Tier 4 purposes and the college has also obtained highly trusted sponsor status, it will no longer be subject to the interim limit.
  • If the college does not receive a satisfactory outcome for Tier 4 purposes, but the report indicates that follow-up action is required, then the college will remain subject to the interim limit and further action will be required from the college as specified in the report.  It will be for the relevant body to confirm whether the college has met the standard within a specified timescale.
  • If the college fails the inspection or review for Tier 4 purposes, at the initial stage or following further action, then the college will become a legacy sponsor, and therefore they will be unable to sponsor new international students.


Tier 1 and 2

English language test results for Tier 1 and 2 applications

From 6th April 2012, UKBA are removing the provision for applicants in the UK to apply for permission to stay here (leave to remain) before they have taken or received the results of an English language test.  This applies to applicants applying under Tier 1 (General), Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) and Tier 2 of the points-based system.

Visa applications made after 6th April 2012 must be accompanied with evidence that applicants have passed an approved English language test. 



Tier 2 - applications moving online from 14th February 2012

Changes to the Immigration Rules have been laid before Parliament that will enable applicants applying under Tier 2 and 5 to apply online for permission to stay (further leave to remain) in the UK.  The new facility will be available from 14th February 2012.  The current options of making an application by post or in person will continue.

You can read the statement of changes (HC 1733) laid before parliament here:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/policyandlaw/statementsofchanges/2012/hc1733.pdf?view=Binary


General Immigration Matters

UK Government migration target

A recent report by the Institute for Public Policy Research, and independent think tank, has predicted that net migration will fall to 180,000 in 2012 but predicts that reductions cannot be sustained and that the government would be unable to fulfil its vow to reduce net migration to tens of thousands by 2015.

The full report can be viewed here:

http://www.ippr.org/images/media/files/publication/2011/12/migration-review-2011-12_Jan2012_8431.pdf


MAC's Analysis of the Impacts of Migration

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), a body advising the government, published a report of their analysis of the impacts of non-EEA migration.

The full report can be viewed here:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/aboutus/workingwithus/mac/27-analysis-migration/01-analysis-report/analysis-of-the-impacts?view=Binary

The MAC also published 6 external research reports that it commissioned to inform the above work.  These can be downloaded here:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/aboutus/workingwithus/mac/27-analysis-migration/



Premium Service for UK Visas issued in Pakistan

The UK Border Agency, in conjunction with its commercial partner Gerry's, has launched a premium service at its Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Pakistan, facilitating the quicker processing of visa applications.

This service will mean that visas can be issued within 15 days.

This service is optional and is available for an additional fee.  This fee is payable when you attend your appointment at the VAC.

An SMS service which updates applicants on the progress of their UK visa application plus automated messages to their email address will also be available.

Further information on this service can be viewed here:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/pakistan/gerrys-services/?langname=UK%20English


Biometric Residence Permit appointments to be booked online

UKBA have announced that, from 1 February 2012, postal applicants will need to book Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) appointments online.

Also, from this date, UKBA are replacing the BRP helpline with an email service.  The following email address should be used from 1 February 2012:

BRPDelivery@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk if there is an issue with the delivery of your biometric residence permit
BRPError@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk if there is an error on your biometric residence permit
BRPLost@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk to report the loss or theft of your biometric residence permit
employerBRPverification@ukba.gsi.gov.uk if you are an employer or sponsor and you want to confirm that a biometric residence permit is valid

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2012/january/71-online-services


NIESR report on non-European economic and student migrations
·     
Research undertaken by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research found immigration has had little or no impact on levels of unemployment in the UK.

These findings are in contrast with another report recently published by Migration Watch.

The full report published by NIESR can be viewed here:


English language tests for applications under Tiers 1, 2 and 4 of the points-based system
·     
Amendments have been made by UKBA to the list of approved English language tests for applications under Tiers 1, 2 and 4 of the points-based system and for spouse or partner applications.

Key amendments include:

  • The City & Guilds test scores now show 'pass' and there is a separate English language test for spouse/partner applications.
  • For City & Guilds tests the documents required for a migrant's application have been amended.
  • ETS have changed the way that the scores for their TOEFL ibt (Internet Based Test) map against the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
  • The ETS TOEFL ibt (Internet Based Test) now includes scores for spouse and partner applications.
  • There is also a change of address for the TOEIC (The test of English for international communication) English Language test.
  • Cambridge ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) has amended the title of one of their tests from 'International Legal English Certificate' to 'Cambridge English Legal'.
  • Trinity College tests now have a 2-year expiry date.
The revised list of approved English language tests can be viewed here:


Unaccompanied Children Arriving at Dover

Maggie Atkinson, Children's Commissioner for England, has concluded her investigations into unaccompanied children arriving at Dover.  Her findings revealed that unaccompanied children arriving alone at Dover were sent straight back to France under a secret 'Gentleman's Agreement' since at least 1995.

Maggie Atkinson advocates the appointment of legal guardians for all children arriving without anyone having parental responsibility for them, a practice that many European countries already adopt.

The full report by the Children's Commissioner can be downloaded here:


Veristat Services

HTS applications and immigration support

For support in complying with UKBA requirements, including applications for Highly Trusted Sponsor status, see our website www.veristat.co.uk and contact us at enquiries@veristat.co.uk.

Veristat provides a wide range of services to education providers through compliance audits, advice packages, assessment of intent and recruitment.  

Please contact us for a no commitment discussion if you think you would benefit from any of these services at enquiries@veristat.co.uk.


Entrepreneur Visits

We are working with InvestUK (http://www.investuk.com) to provide immigration and investment support to applicants seeking leave to remain as an entrepreneur under Tier 1 of the PBS.  For further information please contact enquiries@veristat.co.uk or enquiries@investukvisa.com.


Employer's Website

Veristat has launched a new website dedicated to supporting employers on immigration issues.  Services on the website include:

  • Compliance Audits to reduce your organisation's risk of incurring a civil penalty and provide reassurance that you're complying with immigration law.  Includes franchisee, branch and outlet compliance and support in the event of a civil penalty or prosecution through our partners Quist Solicitors.
  • Sponsorship under the Points Based System, including obtaining a UKBA licence, upgrading from a B rating, action plans, suspension and revocation of licences.  Procedures for the recruitment and continuing employment of non-EEA nationals, acting as a Level 1 or Level 2 user, monitoring and managing employees to ensure compliance with UKBA requirements.
  • Advice covering any immigration related matter including leave to enter the UK and further leave to remain applications for business visitors and employees.
  • Training and Workshops on operating under the Points Based System, including how to examine passports and other immigration documents.
  • Document checking, including passports, visas and references for employees.
Further information can be viewed on our Employer's website at http://www.hrimmigration.co.uk.

Posted by at

Tuesday, 3 January 2012

Immigration Notes: January 2012

Tier 4

The position of students following College Closures

At a recent meeting with UKBA we clarified the position of students whose college closes or whose licence is revoked. The Sponsor Guidance states that in such circumstances the student will be given 60 days to find another college. The UKBA confirmed that the 60 days do NOT run from the date of college closure but from the date the UKBA write to the student limiting their stay to 60 days. However, the UKBA will write to the student at the last known UK address. If the student has not kept the UKBA informed of his/her whereabouts, this might be the address the student gave when applying for a visa or the address of the college. In these circumstances the student may not be aware that his/her visa has been curtailed and should contact the UKBA.


Non-European Student Migration to the UK

The Migration Observatory at Oxford University has published a report on non-European student migration to the UK. This covers the following key points:

Number of non-European students coming to the UK
Length of stay and number of family members coming with them
Areas of study
Number of students working whilst in the UK
Number that change their status/choose to settle permanently in the UK



Tier 1 & 2
Biometric Residence Permits - online checks to simplify the process for employers

From Spring 2012 employers will be able to verify online that details on a foreign employee's biometric residence permit (BRP) are correct. This new online checking service should enable real-time checks to be undertaken on permits and their holder's identity and right to work in the UK.

From 29 February 2012, BRPs will be issued to more categories of foreign nationals, including refugees and those granted permission to settle in the UK.

A new contract has also been awarded to the Post Office Ltd for the collection of fingerprint and photograph information.


CIPD responds to MAC's review of Migration Cap

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) have responded to the Migration Advisory Committee's call for evidence on how the cap is currently operating. They argue that only a small proportion of UK employers now say that the migration cap is having or will have a damaging impact on their organisation in the short to medium term.

CIPD also warned the government not to cut Tier 2 visa level limits, urging them to respond flexibly as the economy recovers so the UK can compete internationally.


General Immigration Matters
Changes to appeals against immigration and asylum decisions from 19 December 2011

The Ministry of Justice has introduced appeal fee charges for some asylum and immigration appeals.

People wanting to appeal against a decision notice dated 19 December 2011 or later will normally need to pay a fee. The appeal fee will apply to most categories of visas and decisions.

The new fees are:

£80 for a paper consideration
£140 for an oral hearing

Also, from 19 December 2011, people will need to lodge their appeals at the tribunal in the UK. Appeals from overseas visa application centres will no longer be accepted.


Full guidance about the changes published can be viewed at the following link on the Ministry of Justice website:


Global Review on Entry Clearance decision-making

John Vine CBE QPM, the Independent Chief Inspector of the UK Border Agency, has published a global review of entry clearance decision-making.

The review involved the examination of almost 1,500 visa cases from every UKBA visa post.

The main findings of the inspection found that improvements were required to the general quality of decision-making and recommendations made to strengthen UKBA's quality assurance process to ensure decision quality improved consistently across all of its visa posts.

The full report can be viewed here:


UK and Ireland to improve Common Travel Area

UK and Ireland have signed an agreement reinforcing their commitment to preserve the Common Travel Area (CTA) as well as further cracking down on illegal immigration and bogus asylum claims.

The countries signed a statement working towards joint standards for entry, including electronic border systems to identify those with no right to enter the CTA before they arrive at the border.

The two countries will share information on visa applications, including fingerprint biometrics.



Overseas spouse must speak English before arriving in UK

A judge has dismissed a challenge brought by three couples to the immigration rule concerning overseas spouses being required to speak English before arriving in the UK.

The judge also rejected the argument that language tests were discriminatory because they required someone with a degree in English from India to sit the test but not Spanish-speakers from California.




Visa applications for London 2012 Games Spectators

From 1 January 2012, UKBA will begin processing visitor visas for those coming from outside the UK to watch the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Visas will be issued for up to 6 months to cover the whole Olympic and Paralympic Games period.


Taiwan joins UK's Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme

From 1 January 2012, Taiwan will join the list of countries and territories participating in the UK's youth mobility scheme, under Tier 5 of the points-based system.


Countries already participating in the scheme are Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and Monaco.


Veristat Services
HTS applications and immigration support

For support in complying with UKBA requirements, including applications for Highly Trusted Sponsor status, see our website www.veristat.co.uk and contact us at enquiries@veristat.co.uk

Veristat provides a wide range of services to education providers through compliance audits, advice packages, assessment of intent and recruitment. Please contact us at enquiries@veristat.co.uk for a no commitment discussion if you think you would benefit from any of these services.

New Employers’ Website

Veristat has launched a new website dedicated to supporting employers with immigration on immigration issues. Services on the website include:

• Compliance, audits to reduce your organisation’s risk of incurring a civil penalty and provide reassurance that you’re complying with immigration law. Includes franchisee, branch and outlet compliance and support in the event of a civil penalty or prosecution through our partners Quist Solicitors.
• Sponsorship under the Points Based System, including obtaining a UKBA licence, upgrading from a B rating, action plans, suspension and revocation of licences. Procedures for the recruitment and continuing employment of non-EEA nationals, acting as a Level 1 or Level 2 user, monitoring and managing employees to ensure compliance with UKBA requirements.
• Advice covering any immigration related matter including leave to enter the UK and further leave to remain applications for business visitors and employees.
• Training and workshops on operating under the Points Based System, including how to examine passports and other immigration documents.
• Document checking, including passport, visas and references for employees.

The URL of the new Employers' website is: www.hrimmigration.co.uk

Posted by at

Thursday, 1 December 2011

Immigration Notes: December 2011

Tier 4


UKCISA Tier 4 Survey

UKCISA has published its second major survey of international students’ experience of visas. Whilst the survey recognises some improvements, there are a number of areas of continuing concern including:

• Confusion caused by frequent changes to the Rules and Guidance
• Lack of clear information and advice
• Costs and effort required to assemble the necessary evidence and of travelling to provide biometrics or to deliver or collect documents
• The number of applications refused initially for minor errors or omissions.

Students also report feeling less welcome in the UK following recent policy changes, Government statements and media reports aimed at students and are particularly concerned about the abolition of the Post Study Work scheme and lack of information concerning its successor arrangements.

The survey also notes that it includes only the views of those who chose to come to the UK and that the views of those who decided not to do so are likely to be more negative.

http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/files/pdf/about/material_media/tier4_survey2011_final.pdf


Tier 1 & 2


Settlement: Minimum annual pay for highly skilled workers

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended that minimum pay is the best way to select which highly skilled migrant workers should be eligible for settlement.

The MAC was commissioned by the government in June to identify the most suitable economic criteria for determining which Tier 2 migrant workers could settle permanently in the UK and what the economic effects of restricting or removing settlement rights would be.

Their recommendations include:
• A simple pay threshold be used to decide eligibility for automatic settlement among Tier 2 (general) migrants.
• Migrants entering through the Tier 1 (exceptional talent) route to proceed to settlement after 5 years subject to continuing to meet the criteria for that route
• A pay threshold between £31,000 and £49,000 for Tier 2 (general), set at the time of entry and adjusted for inflation or changes to average pay, would be economically defensible.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2011/november/11-minimum-annual-pay


Changes to the shortage occupation list come into effect

Specialist jobs that the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommended are no longer required have been removed from the government-approved list.

Details of the occupations that have been removed can be viewed at the following link:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2011/november/18-short-occup

The Shortage Occupation list, valid from 14th November 2011, can be viewed via the following link: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/workingintheuk/shortageoccupationlistnov11.pdf


Extension of employment restrictions for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals

The Immigration Minister, Damian Green, has announced that controls to restrict how Bulgarian and Romanian nationals access the UK labour market will be extended until the end of 2013.

This means Romanian and Bulgarian (EU2) nationals seeking to work in the UK will continue to require permission from the UK Border Agency before they can work in the UK.

The extension of the restrictions does not affect the position of those who have already received visas or work permits to work in the UK.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2011/november/44-labour-restrictions

Quarterly reports detailing the penalties given for employing illegal workers to be published

UK Border Agency has announced they will shortly publish quarterly reports detailing the penalties given to people or organisations who employ illegal workers.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2011/november/35illegal-workers-reports

General Immigration Matters

Government announcement on settlement reforms

The Home Secretary has outlined the government’s approach to reform of the settlement rules, including a decision not to pursue the ‘earned citizenship’ policy.

Earned citizenship concerned the path to settlement and British citizenship, and was planned to come into force in July 2011. It will now not be introduced.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/nov/15-settlement-reforms

New policy guidance on the marriage visa age

UKBA has issued new policy guidance following the judgement of the Supreme Court in the case of Quila and Bibi v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2011] UKSC 45.

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.

Changes to the Immigration Rules have been laid in Parliament 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 came into effect on 28 November 2011.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2011/november/10-marriage-visa-age

The revised approach affects applicants whose visa applications were refused between 27 November 2008 and October 2011 because their sponsor was aged between 18 and 20. The policy guidance sets out how such applicants can apply for a review of the original decision of the refusal due to the age requirement by 31 May 2012.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/partners-families/citizens-settled/review-age-decision1/

Minimum salary for sponsorship under family route should be raised

The government commissioned the MAC to consider what the minimum income threshold should be for a British resident sponsoring a spouse, partner or dependent for settlement in the UK under the family route. This was part of the government’s review of the family migration routes.

The MAC has recommended a minimum salary of between £18,600 and £25,700 before tax be introduced for UK residents sponsoring a partner or dependant for citizenship.

Currently the threshold is an annual income of £5,500 after tax, excluding housing costs. This is equivalent to £13,700 before tax and including housing costs.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2011/november/30-family-route

Net Migration at record high for 2010

Data from the Office for National Statistics has shown that the annual net migration to the UK in 2010 was 252,000 – the highest calendar year figure on record.

Immigration remained steady at 591,000, but there was a drop in the number of people leaving the UK.
Provisional data from the ONS for the 12 months to the end of March suggests net migration has since fallen slightly to 245,000.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15917051

Trafficked people being treated as criminals by officials

An inquiry by Lady Helena Kennedy QC has found that victims of human trafficking are being unfairly treated as criminals and illegal immigrants. The investigation concluded that police and immigration authorities fail to see the thousands of women, men and children trafficked into Britain as the innocent victims of organised crime whose own basic rights have been breached.

Kennedy’s report to the Scottish office of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), published after an 18-month inquiry, calls on the UK and Scottish governments to introduce legislation and criminal justice policies which will tackle trafficking as a specific crime and support its victims.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2011/nov/27/human-trafficking-crime-victims?INTCMP=SRCH


New application form and guidance for naturalisation

The UKBA has published a new version of Form AN, which is used to apply for naturalisation as British citizen.

The existing naturalisation guidance has been split into 2 documents:

• Guide AN which explains how to complete the form; and
• Booklet AN which gives more detail about the requirements for naturalisation

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/nov/56-new-an-form-guidance

Veristat Services


Colleges for Sale or Purchase

We are receiving an increasing number of enquiries from people wishing to sell or purchase a private school or college. If you have a college for sale or are interested in purchasing, please contact us for further information on how we may be able to assist. Contact enquiries@veristat.co.uk

HTS applications and immigration support

For support in complying with UKBA requirements, including applications for Highly Trusted Sponsor status, see our website www.veristat.co.uk and contact us at enquiries@veristat.co.uk

Veristat provides a wide range of services to education providers through compliance audits, advice packages, assessment of intent and recruitment. Please contact us at enquiries@veristat.co.uk for a no commitment discussion if you think you would benefit from any of these services.

New Employers’ Website

Veristat has launched a new website dedicated to supporting employers with immigration on immigration issues. Services on the website include:

• Compliance, audits to reduce your organisation’s risk of incurring a civil penalty and provide reassurance that you’re complying with immigration law. Includes franchisee, branch and outlet compliance and support in the event of a civil penalty or prosecution through our partners Quist Solicitors.
• Sponsorship under the Points Based System, including obtaining a UKBA licence, upgrading from a B rating, action plans, suspension and revocation of licences. Procedures for the recruitment and continuing employment of non-EEA nationals, acting as a Level 1 or Level 2 user, monitoring and managing employees to ensure compliance with UKBA requirements.
• Advice covering any immigration related matter including leave to enter the UK and further leave to remain applications for business visitors and employees.
• Training and workshops on operating under the Points Based System, including how to examine passports and other immigration documents.
• Document checking, including passport, visas and references for employees.

The URL of the new Employers' website is: www.hrimmigration.co.uk
Posted by at

Tuesday, 1 November 2011

Immigration Notes: November 2011

Tier 4

HTS: Failure to Complete a course

Following the publication of the September Guidance, the UKBA stated that the concession which excluded students who had changed college, status or left the UK from those counted as having failed to complete their course, would no longer apply. We subsequently raised this issue with the UKBA and they have now replied stating that they have reviewed the decision and that the concession will continue to apply. Students who change their college, change immigration status or leave the UK will NOT be included amongst those who are considered for HTS purposes as having failed to complete their course.

Changes to Lists of English Language Tests

The UK Border Agency have made some amendments to the list of approved English language test providers for applications made under Tiers 1, 2 and 4 of the points-based system and for spouse and partner applications.
The amendments include:
• three tests awarded by Cambridge ESOL now offer certification at 3 levels of the Common European Framework rather than just 2 levels.
• The Educational Testing Service (ETS) have updated their web address for their test of English for international communication (TOEIC) and test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL)
• Pearson have updated their contact details and clarified that they do not issue paper certificates
• separate certificate and notification of candidate results sheet are required for speaking part of the City and Guilds English language test
A revised list can be downloaded from the below link. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf

Guidance for Tier 4 Sponsors – published in new format

UK Border Agency has published the Tier 4 guidance in a new format, although its contents are the same as the guidance they published on 5 September 2011.
The Sponsor Guidance can be downloaded from the following link:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/employersandsponsors/pbsguidance/

Arrangements for Tier 4 sponsors allocated zero CAS under the Interim limit

The UK Border Agency has announced new arrangements for Tier 4 sponsors who were granted their sponsor licence between 16 December 2010 and 28 February 2011, and were allocated zero confirmations of acceptance for studies (CAS) under the Tier 4 interim limit.
Any sponsors who were granted their licence between these dates, and who did not assign CASs before 28 February 2011, were allocated zero CAS under the interim limit.
These sponsors:
• are now eligible to claim a CAS allocation in line with the policy and guidance for sponsors who did not have a Tier 4 sponsor licence during the period 1 March 2010 to 28 February 2011, as set out in Appendix A, paragraph 115H(i)(c) of the Immigration Rules.
• can apply for educational oversight, where they did not do so by the original deadline of 9 September 2011. These applications must be received by 11 November 2011.
• Will also be required to apply for Highly Trusted Sponsor status by the end of March 2012 or once they have held their licence for 12 months, whichever is later.
Further information about claiming a CAS allocation, applying for education oversight and applying for Highly Trusted Sponsor status can be found at the following link:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsfragments/53-t4-sponsors-zero-cas
List of Financial Institutions for Tier 4 published
UKBA has published an initial list of financial institutions that they consider do not verify financial statements to their satisfaction.
This list will be used by UKBA when verifying maintenance funds under Tier 4 of the points-based system. If an applicant submits documents showing that funds are held in a financial institution on the list, then they will receive no points for maintenance.
There will be a 30-day notice period from the date when a financial institution is first listed before the new rule takes place. This will enable applicants to make the necessary financial arrangements, so that they can provide financial documentation that meets the new requirements.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2011/october/57-financial-institutions
You can view the list, as well as details of the criteria UKBA use to assess financial institutions, at the following link:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/studying/financial-institutions/

Tier 4 Inspection Planned

The Independent Chief Inspector of the UKBA is planning to undertake an inspection of students under Tier 4 of the points-based system. You can email comments via the ICI website http://icinspector.independent.gov.uk/.

British Council Report on Continued Growth in International Students

A British Council publication argues that the demand for UK education will still continue to grow, despite global competition. According by a study conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, UK universities are seen as more prestigious than higher education institutions in competitor countries. They are only overtaken by the top Ivy League in the US. The study also includes useful insights into the reasons influencing students’ choice of the UK.
http://www.britishcouncil.org/new/press-office/press-releases/British-Council-research-shows-overseas-demand-for-UK-education-will-continue-to-grow/

Australian Universities Increase English Requirements

In Australia, universities have started toughening up English rules. Undergraduate from abroad study business and commerce courses and many of these have a poor level of English. Like many of its competitors, the University of Sydney set a minimum entry score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System. Starting next year, Sydney will demand a minimum score of 7. Universities may need to give the government assurances on English entry standards in order to win access to next year's streamlined visa process for offshore recruitment.
http://www.pieronline.org/default.aspx?page=newsarticle&NewsId=3291

Tiers 1 and 2

Tier 2: Changes to settlement requirements for Tier 2 migrants and work permit holders

Further changes have been made to the Immigration Rules meaning that, from 31 October 2011, Work permit holders and Tier 2 migrants will need to provide specified documents to confirm that they are being paid at or above the appropriate rate for their job. This is in addition to the employer’s confirmation.
From 31 October, any settlement application by a Tier 2 migrant or a work permit holder must include:
a payslip and a personal bank or building society statement; or
a payslip and a building society pass book
The UK Border Agency will refuse any applications that do not include this evidence.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsfragments/56-settlement-t2-wp

Tier 2: Reduction in jobs available to migrants

The government has accepted recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to reduce the number of specialist jobs on the government-approved list. The number of jobs covered by the list will drop by 40,000, bringing the total down from 230,000 to 190,000.
The MAC recommended these changes where evidence from a range of industries and sectors showed resident workers are available to fill the vacancies.
A list of those occupations recommended be removed from the list can be found at the following link:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2011/october/45-migrant-jobs-reduction

General Immigration Matters

‘Health tourists’ to pay for NHS debts

UKBA has announced that overseas visitors who fail to pay off their debts for NHS treatment will shortly be denied permission to enter or stay in the UK.
Changes to the Immigration Rules have been laid before Parliament, meaning that those subject to immigration control who fail to settle an outstanding bill of £1,000 or more will not be allowed to enter or remain in the UK until the debt is paid off.
The NHS will provide information to enable UKBA to identify the debtors and – when they apply to return or remain in the UK – to refuse their applications. The information sharing arrangements are being phased in over the coming months.
The written ministerial statement by Damien Green can be downloaded from the following link.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2011/october/19health-tourists-nhs

New application form and guidance for ‘Naturalisation’

UKBA has published a new version of Form AN, which is used to apply for naturalisation as a British Citizen.
The existing naturalisation guidance is now split into 2 documents:
Guide AN – which is an explanation of how to complete the form; and
Booklet AN – this gives more detail about the requirements for naturalisation and the way that the Secretary of State exercises his discretion.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/nov/56-new-an-form-guidance

Taiwan: Youth Mobility Scheme

Starting January 2012, Taiwanese young people will be able to come to the UK as part of the youth mobility scheme. 1,000 Taiwanese between 18 and 30 years old will be allowed to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years and the same number of British people will be eligible to apply to go to Taiwan. Before applying for a visa to come to the UK, Taiwanese applicants will have to get a certificate of sponsorship from Taiwan’s National Youth Commission.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2011/october/06-taiwan-youth-mobility?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ukborderagency+%28UK+Border+Agency+latest+news%29


Veristat Services

HTS applications and immigration support

For support in complying with UKBA requirements, including applications for Highly Trusted Sponsor status, see our website www.veristat.co.uk and contact us at enquiries@veristat.co.uk
Veristat provides a wide range of services to education providers through compliance audits, advice packages, assessment of intent and recruitment. Please contact us for a no commitment discussion if you think you would benefit from any of these services enquiries@veristat.co.uk

New Employers’ Website

Veristat has launched a new website dedicated to supporting employers with immigration on immigration issues. Services on the website include:
• Compliance, audits to reduce your organisation’s risk of incurring a civil penalty and provide reassurance that you’re complying with immigration law. Includes franchisee, branch and outlet compliance and support in the event of a civil penalty or prosecution through our partners Quist Solicitors.
• Sponsorship under the Points Based System, including obtaining a UKBA licence, upgrading from a B rating, action plans, suspension and revocation of licences. Procedures for the recruitment and continuing employment of non-EEA nationals, acting as a Level 1 or Level 2 user, monitoring and managing employees to ensure compliance with UKBA requirements.
• Advice covering any immigration related matter including leave to enter the UK and further leave to remain applications for business visitors and employees.
• Training and workshops on operating under the Points Based System, including how to examine passports and other immigration documents.
• Document checking, including passport, visas and references for employees.
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