Studying in the UK
Changes to the Immigration Rules - Tier 4
The
government announced changes to the Immigration rules on 3rd November,
which will affect any applications made on or after 24th November 2016.
Several
changes are being made to Tier 4 of the points-based system, including
amendments to the academic progression rule, maintenance requirements
for the Doctorate Extension Scheme and evidence of overseas
qualifications, UK qualifications used as evidence, as well as a series
of minor and technical adjustments.
Changes to the Immigration Rules - Tier 4
The
government announced changes to the Immigration rules on 3rd November,
which will affect any applications made on or after 24th November 2016.
Several changes are being made to Tier 4 of the points-based system, including amendments to the academic progression rule, maintenance requirements for the Doctorate Extension Scheme and evidence of overseas qualifications, UK qualifications used as evidence, as well as a series of minor and technical adjustments.
Several changes are being made to Tier 4 of the points-based system, including amendments to the academic progression rule, maintenance requirements for the Doctorate Extension Scheme and evidence of overseas qualifications, UK qualifications used as evidence, as well as a series of minor and technical adjustments.
Sponsoring a Tier 4 student - updated guidance
UK
Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have published revised guidance to
education providers on sponsoring students under Tier 4 of the
points-based system.
The following changes have been made:
- The definition of an EEA Student has been updated to clarify that,
for the purposes of this guidance, students who are nationals of
Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, are recognised as EEA
students.
- The definition of a recognised body has been updated to reflect a
change in ownership of the Tier 4 Postgraduate Doctor Programme.
- The timing of when Educational Oversight bodies will accept applications has been amended.
- Information has been added to clarify when a ban from the Register
of Sponsors commences and the period that must pass before a new
application for a Tier 4 licence can be made.
You can view the updated guidance here. This revised guidance is for use on or after 24th November 2016.
Sponsoring a Tier 4 student - updated guidance
UK
Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have published revised guidance to
education providers on sponsoring students under Tier 4 of the
points-based system.
The following changes have been made:
- The definition of an EEA Student has been updated to clarify that,
for the purposes of this guidance, students who are nationals of
Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, are recognised as EEA
students.
- The definition of a recognised body has been updated to reflect a
change in ownership of the Tier 4 Postgraduate Doctor Programme.
- The timing of when Educational Oversight bodies will accept applications has been amended.
- Information has been added to clarify when a ban from the Register
of Sponsors commences and the period that must pass before a new
application for a Tier 4 licence can be made.
You can view the updated guidance here. This revised guidance is for use on or after 24th November 2016.
Sponsoring a Tier 4 student - updated guidance
UK
Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have published revised guidance to
education providers on sponsoring students under Tier 4 of the
points-based system.
The following changes have been made:
The following changes have been made:
- The definition of an EEA Student has been updated to clarify that, for the purposes of this guidance, students who are nationals of Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, are recognised as EEA students.
- The definition of a recognised body has been updated to reflect a change in ownership of the Tier 4 Postgraduate Doctor Programme.
- The timing of when Educational Oversight bodies will accept applications has been amended.
- Information has been added to clarify when a ban from the Register of Sponsors commences and the period that must pass before a new application for a Tier 4 licence can be made.
You can view the updated guidance here. This revised guidance is for use on or after 24th November 2016.
Croatian students
UKVI have published guidance for education providers about sponsoring Croatian nationals under Tier 4. The updated guidance can be viewed here.
Dependants of UK visa applicants (Tier 4)
UKVI
have published revised guidance on the policy for applications by the
family of people who have a visa under Tier 4 of the points-based
system. The updated guidance can be viewed here.
Working in the UK
Changes to the Immigration Rules - Tier 2
The
government announced changes to the Immigration rules on 3rd November,
which will affect any applications made on or after 24th November 2016.
The following changes are being made in relation to Tier 2 of the points-based system:
- Increasing the Tier 2 (General) threshold for experienced workers to £25,000, with some exemptions.
- Increasing the Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) salary threshold for short-term staff to £30,000.
- Reducing the Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) graduate trainee salary
threshold to £23,000 and increasing the number of places to 20 per
company per year.
- Closing the Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) skills transfer sub-category.
Further information can be viewed here. You can download the full statement of changes here.
Sponsorship Priority Service: Tier 2 and 5 of Points-Based System
UKVI
are now offering a priority service for 'A-rated' sponsors when
submitting 'Change of Circumstance' requests for the following:
- Change of Authorising Officer
- Adding a new Level 1 user
- Adding or renewing the allocation of certificates of sponsorship (CoS)
The sponsor will be advised, unless further information is
required, to expect consideration of their application within 5 working
days if they are adding a new Level 1 user, or adding/renewing their CoS
allocation.
There is a fee of £200 per change of circumstance request.
Further information can be viewed here.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/points-based-system-sponsor-licensing-sponsorship-priority-service
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/priority-change-of-circumstances-for-sponsors/tier-2-and-5-priority-change-of-circumstance-service
Tier 2/5 sponsors - updated guidance
UKVI have published revised guidance for employers who are Tier 2 and/or 5 sponsors.
The following changes have been made:
- Information has been added on the closure of the Tier 2 (ICT) Skills
transfer sub-category and impending closure of the Short-term
sub-category.
- Information has been added to explain that the fee for a sponsor
licence application is for UKVI's consideration of the application and
that the fee will not be refunded if UKVI refuse the application.
- Information has been added to specify what evidence is needed for any joint venture under the Tier 2 ICT category.
- Information has been added to specify when a sponsor will not be allowed to add a branch to a sponsor licence.
- Information has been added on the discretionary power to refuse applications on the basis of litigation debt.
- Information has been added on the priority change of circumstances service for A-rated sponsors.
- Clarification of what is required of sponsors employing non-EEA trained nurses.
- Clarification of the employment start date, which must be given on a CoS.
- Information has been added regarding the closure of the transitional arrangements for workers sponsored at NQF Level 3 and 4.
- Changes have been made on the rates of pay for Tier 2 (General) and Tier 2 (ICT), which reflect Appendix A of the Immigration Rules.
- Clarification on start dates for CoS assigned to Nurses and Midwives.
- A change has been made to the number of migrants a sponsor may
transfer per year under Tier 2 (ICT) Graduate trainee sub-category.
- Migrants wanting to come to the UK for skills transfer purposes must
now use the visitor route or another ICT sub-category, as appropriate.
- Clarification of the appropriate SOC codes for migrants in the sporting sector.
- Changes have been made to reflect updates to the UK commitments to
trade agreements under the Tier 5 International Agreement category.
- Changes have been made to reflect the Immigration Rule changes on
maintenance for Tier 5 migrants (takes effect on 2 January 2017).
The updated guidance can be viewed here.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sponsor-a-tier-2-or-5-worker-guidance-for-employers
Restricted certificate allocations (November 2016)
The restricted certificates allocation for November 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 1,709 CoS were granted in November 2016. There are 2,932 CoS available for allocation in December 2016.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employer-sponsorship-restricted-certificate-allocations
Croatian students
UKVI have published guidance for education providers about sponsoring Croatian nationals under Tier 4. The updated guidance can be viewed here.
Croatian students
UKVI have published guidance for education providers about sponsoring Croatian nationals under Tier 4. The updated guidance can be viewed here.
Croatian students
UKVI have published guidance for education providers about sponsoring Croatian nationals under Tier 4. The updated guidance can be viewed here.
Dependants of UK visa applicants (Tier 4)
UKVI
have published revised guidance on the policy for applications by the
family of people who have a visa under Tier 4 of the points-based
system. The updated guidance can be viewed here.
Working in the UK
Dependants of UK visa applicants (Tier 4)
UKVI
have published revised guidance on the policy for applications by the
family of people who have a visa under Tier 4 of the points-based
system. The updated guidance can be viewed here.
Dependants of UK visa applicants (Tier 4)
UKVI
have published revised guidance on the policy for applications by the
family of people who have a visa under Tier 4 of the points-based
system. The updated guidance can be viewed here.
Changes to the Immigration Rules - Tier 2
Changes to the Immigration Rules - Tier 2
The government announced changes to the Immigration rules on 3rd November, which will affect any applications made on or after 24th November 2016.
The following changes are being made in relation to Tier 2 of the points-based system:
- Increasing the Tier 2 (General) threshold for experienced workers to £25,000, with some exemptions.
- Increasing the Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) salary threshold for short-term staff to £30,000.
- Reducing the Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) graduate trainee salary threshold to £23,000 and increasing the number of places to 20 per company per year.
- Closing the Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) skills transfer sub-category.
Sponsorship Priority Service: Tier 2 and 5 of Points-Based System
Sponsorship Priority Service: Tier 2 and 5 of Points-Based System
UKVI are now offering a priority service for 'A-rated' sponsors when submitting 'Change of Circumstance' requests for the following:
- Change of Authorising Officer
- Adding a new Level 1 user
- Adding or renewing the allocation of certificates of sponsorship (CoS)
There is a fee of £200 per change of circumstance request.
Further information can be viewed here.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/priority-change-of-circumstances-for-sponsors/tier-2-and-5-priority-change-of-circumstance-service
Tier 2/5 sponsors - updated guidance
UKVI have published revised guidance for employers who are Tier 2 and/or 5 sponsors.
The following changes have been made:
- Information has been added on the closure of the Tier 2 (ICT) Skills transfer sub-category and impending closure of the Short-term sub-category.
- Information has been added to explain that the fee for a sponsor licence application is for UKVI's consideration of the application and that the fee will not be refunded if UKVI refuse the application.
- Information has been added to specify what evidence is needed for any joint venture under the Tier 2 ICT category.
- Information has been added to specify when a sponsor will not be allowed to add a branch to a sponsor licence.
- Information has been added on the discretionary power to refuse applications on the basis of litigation debt.
- Information has been added on the priority change of circumstances service for A-rated sponsors.
- Clarification of what is required of sponsors employing non-EEA trained nurses.
- Clarification of the employment start date, which must be given on a CoS.
- Information has been added regarding the closure of the transitional arrangements for workers sponsored at NQF Level 3 and 4.
- Changes have been made on the rates of pay for Tier 2 (General) and Tier 2 (ICT), which reflect Appendix A of the Immigration Rules.
- Clarification on start dates for CoS assigned to Nurses and Midwives.
- A change has been made to the number of migrants a sponsor may transfer per year under Tier 2 (ICT) Graduate trainee sub-category.
- Migrants wanting to come to the UK for skills transfer purposes must now use the visitor route or another ICT sub-category, as appropriate.
- Clarification of the appropriate SOC codes for migrants in the sporting sector.
- Changes have been made to reflect updates to the UK commitments to trade agreements under the Tier 5 International Agreement category.
- Changes have been made to reflect the Immigration Rule changes on maintenance for Tier 5 migrants (takes effect on 2 January 2017).
The updated guidance can be viewed here.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sponsor-a-tier-2-or-5-worker-guidance-for-employers
Restricted certificate allocations (November 2016)
The restricted certificates allocation for November 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 1,709 CoS were granted in November 2016. There are 2,932 CoS available for allocation in December 2016.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employer-sponsorship-restricted-certificate-allocations
Croatian students
UKVI have published guidance for employers about sponsoring Croatian nationals under Tiers 2 and 5.
Croatian students
UKVI have published guidance for employers about sponsoring Croatian nationals under Tiers 2 and 5.
Croatian students
UKVI have published guidance for employers about sponsoring Croatian nationals under Tiers 2 and 5.
Dependants of UK visa applicants (Tiers 1, 2 & 5)
UKVI
have published revised guidance on the policy for applications by the
family of people who have a visa under Tiers 1, 2 and 5 of the points-based
system. The updated guidance can be viewed here.
Dependants of UK visa applicants (Tiers 1, 2 & 5)
UKVI
have published revised guidance on the policy for applications by the
family of people who have a visa under Tiers 1, 2 and 5 of the points-based
system. The updated guidance can be viewed here.
Dependants of UK visa applicants (Tiers 1, 2 & 5)
UKVI
have published revised guidance on the policy for applications by the
family of people who have a visa under Tiers 1, 2 and 5 of the points-based
system. The updated guidance can be viewed here.
Tie 1 - updated guidance
UKVI
have published guidance for those applying under Tier 1 (Eceptional
Talent) and (Entrepreneur) categories of the points-based system.
The updated guidance can be downloaded at the following links:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-application-for-uk-visa-as-tier-1-entrepreneur
Tie 1 - updated guidance
UKVI
have published guidance for those applying under Tier 1 (Eceptional
Talent) and (Entrepreneur) categories of the points-based system.
The updated guidance can be downloaded at the following links:
Tie 1 - updated guidance
UKVI
have published guidance for those applying under Tier 1 (Eceptional
Talent) and (Entrepreneur) categories of the points-based system.
The updated guidance can be downloaded at the following links:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-application-for-uk-visa-as-tier-1-entrepreneur
General Immigration Matters
General Immigration Matters
Changes to the Immigration Rules - English language requirement
Changes to the Immigration Rules - English language requirement
The government announced changes to the Immigration rules on 3rd November, which will affect any applications made on or after 24th November 2016.
As previously announced in January 2016, a new English language requirement at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) is being introduced for non-EEA partners and parents.
This affects those applying to extend their stay after 2.5 years in the UK on a 5-year route to settlement under Appendix FM (Family Member) of the Immigration Rules.
The new requirement applies to partners and parents whose current leave under the family immigration rules is due to expire on or after 1 May 2017.
Further information can be viewed here. You can download the full statement of changes here.
Life in the UK - applying for an exemption due to long-term physical or mental condition
Life in the UK - applying for an exemption due to long-term physical or mental condition
UK
Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have published a form for those who want
to request an exemption from the Life in the UK test requirement because
of a long-term physical or mental condition. This form should be
completed by a qualified medical professional on behalf of applicants
applying for settlement or naturalisation as a British citizen.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have published a form for those who want to request an exemption from the Life in the UK test requirement because of a long-term physical or mental condition. This form should be completed by a qualified medical professional on behalf of applicants applying for settlement or naturalisation as a British citizen.
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 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
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 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
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
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
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
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
