Student VISA Updates

Latest phase of student visa rule changes come into force 4 July

2011-06-19T16:29:00.001-07:00

THIS POST WAS WRITTEN BY CHARLES KELLY ON JUNE 14, 2011
POSTED UNDER: NEWS

The UK Border Agency has published the latest set of changes to the Immigration Rules, affecting Tier 4 students, which were laid in Parliament this week.

The new restrictions, which will mainly hit private colleges, will come into effect on 4 July 2011.

The Home Secretary announced changes to the Immigration Rules in a statement to Parliament on 22 March, which follow the first set of changes on 21 April.

The border agency (UKBA) said that the ‘aim of the revised Immigration Rules is to deliver a strong migration system which tackles immigration abuse, while allowing genuine students to study at genuine colleges’.

From 4 July the UK Border Agency will:

restrict work entitlements to migrants studying at higher educational institutions (HEIs) and publicly funded further education colleges only;
restrict the sponsorship of dependants to those studying at postgraduate level at HEIs on courses lasting at least 12 months, and government-sponsored students on courses lasting at least 6 months;
require education providers to vouch that a new course represents genuine academic progression;
ensure that maintenance funds are genuinely available to the applicant, by introducing a declaration on the visa application form;
commit to publish a list of financial institutions that we consider, on the basis of experience, do not verify financial statements to our satisfaction in more than 50 per cent of a sample of cases;
introduce a streamlined application process for low-risk nationals applying to attend courses with Highly Trusted Sponsors;
extend the list of courses for which students must receive ATAS clearance;
restrict the ability to deliver accountancy courses accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) to those sponsors accorded platinum or gold status by ACCA; and
clarify the position of overseas universities with campuses in the UK.

A revised version of our policy guidance document for Tier 4 migrants, and a statement of intent summarising the new student visa policy, can also be downloaded from UKBA website. You can find the revised guidance for Tier 4 sponsors in the Sponsor guidance section of the UKBA website.

The UKBA also announced that the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) and the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) will extend their activities to cover privately funded providers, in line with their commitment that all privately funded sponsors would be inspected or reviewed by one of the publicly recognised bodies by the end of 2012. Source: UK Border Agency.

The changes will be seen as a major blow for private colleges, already competing against government owned providers at a disadvantage.

According to Home Office figures published by the BBC yesterday the student visa changes could cost the UK economy £2.4bn.

The changes will not affect Bulgarian and Romanian students who wish to come to the UK to study and work on a Yellow Card.

UK Border Agency warns of visa scams

2011-06-17T01:37:00.001-07:00

14 June 2011

The UK Border Agency is warning people not to be taken in by scammers demanding cash in return for dealing with immigration cases.

The warning follows a report of an individual posing as a UK Border Agency officer and visiting a pensioner's home to ask for £1,350 to process his partner's visa.

The allegation is being investigated by the UK Border Agency security unit.

Jonathan Nancekivell-Smith, Director of Visa Services at the UK Border Agency said:

'UK Border Agency officers do not visit homes to collect cash payments and we have referred these allegations to our security team.

'Anyone who is approached in this way should contact the police.

'Details of how to pay for visas are included with our application forms and further information is available on our website.'

Next set of changes to student visa rules is announced

2011-06-17T01:36:00.001-07:00

13 June 2011

The next set of changes to the Immigration Rules affecting Tier 4 - the student tier - of the points-based system has been laid in Parliament today. The changes will come into effect on 4 July 2011.

The Home Secretary announced changes to the Immigration Rules in a statement to Parliament on 22 March, following a major public consultation on reforming Tier 4. The first set of changes came into effect on 21 April.

The aim of the revised Immigration Rules is to deliver a strong migration system which tackles immigration abuse, while allowing genuine students to study at genuine colleges.

From 4 July we will:

restrict work entitlements to migrants studying at higher educational institutions (HEIs) and publicly funded further education colleges only;
restrict the sponsorship of dependants to those studying at postgraduate level at HEIs on courses lasting at least 12 months, and government-sponsored students on courses lasting at least 6 months;
require education providers to vouch that a new course represents genuine academic progression;
ensure that maintenance funds are genuinely available to the applicant, by introducing a declaration on the visa application form;
commit to publish a list of financial institutions that we consider, on the basis of experience, do not verify financial statements to our satisfaction in more than 50 per cent of a sample of cases;
introduce a streamlined application process for low-risk nationals applying to attend courses with Highly Trusted Sponsors;
extend the list of courses for which students must receive ATAS clearance;
restrict the ability to deliver accountancy courses accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) to those sponsors accorded platinum or gold status by ACCA; and
clarify the position of overseas universities with campuses in the UK.

These changes were announced by Immigration Minister Damian Green in a written ministerial statement this morning. You can download this statement, and the statement of changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 1148) from the right side of this page.

A revised version of our policy guidance document for Tier 4 migrants, and a statement of intent summarising the new student visa policy, can also be downloaded from the right side of this page. You can find our revised guidance for Tier 4 sponsors in theSponsor guidance section.

We have published an impact assessment for these changes in our Policy and law section.

We are also announcing today that the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) and the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) will extend their activities to cover privately funded providers, in line with our commitment that all privately funded sponsors would be inspected or reviewed by one of the publicly recognised bodies by the end of 2012.

There are also a small number of changes being made to bring into effect:

a new provision for other family members of refugees and beneficiaries of humanitarian protection;
a minor correction to the Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) provisions and clarify a requirement of the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) and Tier 1 (Investor) Rules; and
a small number of minor corrections and technical changes to the Rules relating to English language requirements for partners and spouses.

2011-05-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

SUMMARY OF THE NEW STUDENT POLICY ACCREDITATION

2011-05-20T06:30:00.000-07:00

SUMMARY OF THE NEW STUDENT POLICY
ACCREDITATION

• All sponsors must have been accredited by either Ofsted and its devolved equivalents, QAA,
the Independent Schools Inspectorate, the Bridge Schools Inspectorate or the Schools
Inspection Service and all must become Highly Trusted Sponsors.
• Sponsors will be required to achieve Highly Trusted Status by April 2012, and accredited by
a relevant agency by the end of 2012. They will be required to apply for HTS status and
accreditation by a date to be specified.
• During the transition period there will be an interim limit on numbers sponsored by those
who do not meet the above criteria.
• Private providers will be able to provide courses, including pathway courses, by working in
partnership and where the licensed sponsor takes responsibility and sponsors the student
directly.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
English Language requirement
• B2 in each of the four disciplines is the appropriate level for those coming to study at level 6
(undergraduate) and above.
• B1 is the appropriate level for lower courses, including the Pathways.
• In order to get a visa, those outside of universities will have to present a test certificate from
an independent test provider proving they have attained that level; universities will be able to
vouch for a student’s ability where they are coming to study at degree level or above.
• We will waive this requirement for truly exceptional students only following individual
requests by university academic registrars.
• UK Border Agency Officers will be able to refuse a migrant who cannot speak without an
interpreter.
Evidence of student funding
• All applicants to sign a declaration that the funds they present to meet the maintenance
requirement are genuinely available for use in coming to the UK to study. This will make
refusals easier on grounds of deception.
• We shall refuse applications where the bank statements are from a bank which we cannot
trust to verify the statements. Local lists of proscribed banks will be established.
• We shall introduce a streamlined process for low risk applicants going to Highly Trusted
Sponsors, in general waiving the requirements to provide documents beyond the CAS and
passport/ identity document. This is based on robust supporting evidence of compliance
and abuse. This will bring about a system which is more targeted and responsive for both
staff and applicants. ENTITLEMENTS
Work during term and work placements
• Students at Recognised Bodies (universities) will retain their right to work 20 hours a week
part-time and to do work placements where the study : work ratio is 50:50.
• Students at publicly funded FE colleges will continue to be able to work 10 hours a week
part-time.
• Other students will have no right to work part-time and work placements will have to be
66:33 in favour of study : work.
Dependants
• For a student to sponsor a dependant, the student will have to be on a post graduate course
(NQF 7 and above) at a university which is of more than 12 months’ duration, or a
Government Sponsored student.
• The dependants will be able to work.

AT THE END OF THE COURSE
Time allowed as a student
• Maximum of 3 years at NQF 3-5 and 5 years at NQF 6-7.
• For those at the higher level doing a PhD, there will be exceptions, as well as for those
courses which require as a matter of professional qualification a longer duration than 5 years
(e.g. medicine, architecture).
• The sponsor will have to vouch for academic progression where students are not moving up
to the next NQF level.
Post-Study Work
• The current Post-Study Work route will be closed from April 2012.
• Those graduating from a UK university with a recognised degree, PGCE, or PGDE will be
able to switch into Tier 2.
• There will not be a limit on these switchers.
• They will only be able to switch if they are in the UK, before their student visa expires.
• The normal Tier 2 requirements will apply, except for the Resident Labour Market Test.
• We will ensure that genuine student entrepreneurs with a great idea are able to stay on in
the UK to develop their business proposition.
2

New rules for student visas come into force

2011-05-20T05:11:00.003-07:00

31 March 2011

A statement of changes to the Immigration Rules has today been laid before Parliament, setting out how the student visa system will be reformed from next month. The reforms, which affect Tier 4 of the points-based system, were announced last week.

To accompany the statement of changes in the Immigration Rules bringing the first set of changes into force from 21 April 2011, we have published:

a statement of intent containing full details of the reforms;
revised policy guidance for Tier 4 migrants from 21 April 2011; and
revised guidance for Tier 4 sponsors from 21 April 2011.

The laying of the statement of changes was anounced in a written ministerial statement by Immigration Minister Damian Green.

Details of changes to student visas

2011-05-20T05:11:00.001-07:00

31 March 2011

To accompany the statement of changes in the Immigration Rules bringing the first set of changes into force from 21 April 2011, we have published:

a statement of intent containing full details of the reforms;
revised policy guidance for Tier 4 migrants from 21 April 2011; and
revised guidance for Tier 4 sponsors from 21 April 2011.

The laying of the statement of changes was anounced in a written ministerial statement by Immigration Minister Damian Green.

New immigration fees from 6 April 2011

2011-05-20T05:10:00.001-07:00

Following Parliamentary approval, new immigration fees will be introduced from Wednesday 6 April 2011 for foreign nationals applying to visit, study, work or settle in the UK, and for employers and education providers applying for a sponsor licence.

The new fees were announced on 28 February by Immigration Minister Damian Green, as reported on this website.

If you are making an application on or after 6 April 2011, please ensure that you enclose the correct fee. We will return any applications where an incorrect fee is paid.

New immigration and nationality fees

2010-10-07T16:11:00.000-07:00

01 October 2010

Revised immigration fees set at or below the cost of processing have come into effect today.

The new fees were announced on 9 September. They are listed in the Uk Border Agency fees table, which you can find under 'Related documents' on the right side of this page or in our Fees for our servicessection.

In line with the new fees, we have published new versions of the following application forms and guidance:

NTL form and guide
TOC form and guide
Tier 5 (Temporary worker) form
PBS Dependant form
Tier 4 (Help text leaflet form) (G)

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/aboutus/fees-table-Oct-10.pdf

New policy guidance following Pankina judgments

2010-07-24T14:43:00.003-07:00

23 July 2010

The UK Border Agency has issued new policy guidance following the judgments in the cases of Secretary of State for the Home Department v Pankina [2010] EWCA Civ 719.

The guidance affects migrants under all tiers of the points-based system whose applications were refused solely because they failed to meet the maintenance (funds) requirements, and who unsuccessfully applied:

from outside the UK between 23 June and 22 July 2010 inclusive; or
from inside the UK (at a time when they had lawful status in the UK) on or before 22 July 2010.

The new policy guidance, which you can download from the right side of this page, explains how these applicants can request a review of their refusal.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/news/pbs-pol-guid-maintenance.pdf

Secure English language tests to be introduced for Tier 4 students

2010-07-24T14:43:00.001-07:00

22 July 2010

On 12 August 2010 the UK Border Agency will implement secure English language tests for students under Tier 4 (General) of the points-based system.

If a Tier 4 (General) student will be studying a course that is below NQF Level 6 (except a Foundation Degree or an English language course), using a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) issued on or after 12 August 2010, their Tier 4 sponsor must ensure that they are competent in English language at a minimum of level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) by showing that they:

are from a majority English-speaking country (as listed on the Can you apply to Tier 4 (General)? page; or
have successfully completed a course as a Tier 4 (Child) student (or under the student rules that were in force before 31 March 2009, if they were granted permission to stay while they were under 18 years old) which lasted at least six months and ended no more than two years before the date when the CAS is assigned; or
have passed an English language test with an approved test provider for Tier 4, and has achieved at least CEFR level B1 in all four components (reading, writing, speaking and listening). You can download a list of approved test providers from the right side of this page.

Full details of these changes to the English Language requirement will be set out in revised Tier 4 policy guidance and sponsor guidance, which will be published on Friday 23 July. We will provide links to both these documents from this page when they are published.

Today we are also announcing four other important changes to Tier 4 of the points-based system, some of which come into effect tomorrow.

Changes to Tier 4 of the points-based system

2010-07-24T14:42:00.001-07:00

22 July 2010

The UK Border Agency is making a series of important changes to the student tier (Tier 4) of the points-based system.

Level of English language study

Following the judgment made in the Judicial Review case brought by English UK, we have today made a further amendment to the Immigration Rules setting out the minimum levels of study permitted for different course types under Tier 4.

From 23 July 2010, the minimum level of English language course that will be permitted under Tier 4 will be level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference, restoring the position in place before the judgment was handed down.

The exemptions to the minimum level, which applied previously to government-sponsored language students and those undertaking a pre-sessional English language course before pursuing a degree course, remain in place.

Students applying to change to a different education provider

From 23 July 2010, existing Tier 4 students who want to change to a sponsor with a Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) licence will be able to begin their new course of study, at their own risk, while they are waiting for the UK Border Agency to make a decision on their application to change sponsor.

Students applying to change to an A- or B-rated sponsor are not permitted to begin their new course of study until they receive a positive decision from us on their application to change sponsor. To avoid unnecessary delays in beginning a course, we have put processes in place to prioritise applications made by students who want to change to A- or B-rated sponsors.

US student loans

A recent change in legislation in the USA has altered the way that the US government processes student loans. From 1 July 2010, UK institutions participating in the William D Ford Federal Direct Loan Programme (administered by the US Department of Education) will be authorised to offer Federal Direct Loans to students coming from the USA to study in the UK. The US Department of Education has also contacted UK institutions involved in this programme.

This change will affect migrants who want to study under Tier 4 of the points-based system. A template letter has been agreed for use under this programme; a copy of this template letter is being sent to all sponsors today. Tier 4 sponsors participating in the programme must use this template when authorising loans to prospective students from the USA, so that the student can submit an application for entry clearance to the UK.

Students with International Baccalaureate qualifications

We are aware that students relying on International Baccalaureate qualifications awarded on 5 July 2010 will not be issued with a paper transcript giving their results, and will not receive their award certificates in time to apply for university courses starting in September this year.

To enable these students to apply under Tier 4, we have made provision to accept applications made by students relying on an International Baccalaureate qualification, but who have not received their original award certificate. Further information about this is available in our the current Tier 4 policy guidance.

Secure English language tests

The requirement for sponsors to assess prospective students' competence in the English language will change on 12 August 2010. To find out more about this change, see our Secure English language tests news story.

Further information about all of the above changes will be set out in revised Tier 4 policy guidance and sponsor guidance, which will be published on Friday 23 July. We will provide links to both these documents from this page when they are published.

Home Office confirm UK migration limit

2010-07-04T04:34:00.001-07:00

Home Office confirm UK migration limit

THIS POST WAS WRITTEN BY CHARLES KELLY ON JUNE 28, 2010
POSTED UNDER: NEWS

The number of non-EU workers entering the UK will be controlled by a new limit, the Home Secretary announced today.

Home Office boss Theresa May confirmed leaked reports this weekend that ‘net migration will be scaled back to the levels of the 1990s – with the effect that it will be in the tens of thousands rather than hundreds of thousands’. Introducing a limit on migrants from outside Europe coming here to work is just one of the ways the government intends to achieve this.

Details of how the final limit will be delivered will be agreed following a 12-week government consultation with businesses. In the meantime, an interim limit will be introduced to ensure that there is no ‘closing down sale’ and the number of work visas issued stays below 2009 levels.

The results of the consultation on the permanent limit will pave the way for the government’s fundamental changes on the way in which workers from outside the European Union (EU) will be chosen to come and work in the UK.

The Home Secretary has also asked the Migration Advisory Committee, the government’s independent adviser on migration issues, to launch a separate consultation into what level the limit should be set at, taking into account social and economic impacts.

Theresa May said:

‘This government believes that Britain can benefit from migration but not uncontrolled migration. I recognise the importance of attracting the brightest and the best to ensure strong economic growth, but unlimited migration places unacceptable pressure on public services.

‘While we consult on our tough new limit it’s important we have an interim measure to avoid a “closing down sale” for migrants and ensure that the number of work visas issued stays below 2009 levels.

‘The government will also introduce measures to support British people. Alongside limits will be action to get Britain back to work and provide business with the skills they need from the resident workforce – reducing the need for migrants at the same time as we reduce their number.’

The government’s consultation will run until the end of September. Permanent limits on non EU economic migration routes will then be decided and put in place by 1 April 2011.

To avoid large numbers of applications between now and April next year, the government will impose an interim limit which will take effect from 19 July 2010. The interim limits will ensure the number of visas issued under Tiers 1 and 2 of the points-based system are below that issued in 2009.

These interim measures include:

capping the number of Tier 1 migrants at current levels and raising the number of points needed by non-EU workers who come to do highly skilled jobs from 95 to 100; and
limiting the number of certificates of sponsorship that licensed employers can issue to those who wish to come to fill skilled job vacancies. This will reduce the number of people entering through Tier 2 by 1,300.

The Home Secretary added:

‘The government promised large-scale change to Britain’s immigration system – and that is what we are delivering. Alongside the limit on non EU migrant workers, we have already introduced a requirement that those coming here to marry learn English, and our urgent review into child detention for immigration purposes is under way.’

Identity cards and national identity register to be scrapped

2010-05-29T16:49:00.000-07:00

27 May 2010

The government plans for identity cards for British citizens to be scrapped within 100 days it was announced today.

The National Identity Register, the database which contains the biographic and biometric fingerprint data of card holders, would also be destroyed by the first piece of legislation introduced to Parliament by the coalition government.

Home Secretary Theresa May said:

'This bill is a first step of many that this government is taking to reduce the control of the state over decent, law-abiding people and hand power back to them.
'With swift Parliamentary approval, we aim to consign identity cards and the intrusive ID card scheme to history within 100 days.'

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:

'The wasteful, bureaucratic and intrusive ID card scheme represents everything that has been wrong with government in recent years.
'By taking swift action to scrap it, we are making it clear that this government won't sacrifice people's liberty for the sake of Ministers' pet projects.
'Cancelling the scheme and abolishing the National Identity Register is a major step in dismantling the surveillance state - but ID cards are just the tip of the iceberg. Today marks the start of a series of radical reforms to restore hard-won British freedoms.'

The Identity Documents Bill is part of a first wave of priority legislation set out in the Queen's Speech on 25 May. The Bill invalidates the identity card, meaning that holders will no longer be able to use them to prove their identity or as a travel document in Europe.

The government aims to have the Bill pass through Parliament and enacted by the Parliamentary recess in August, in a move that will save the taxpayer around £86m over the next four years once all cancellation costs are taken into account. It would also avoid around £800m of ongoing costs over the next ten years which were to be recovered through fees.

The Identity and Passport Service will inform customers, overseas governments, borders and airports of the change in law as soon as the Bill gains Royal Assent.

The role of the Identity Commissioner would also be terminated. The public panels, designed to scrutinise the identity cards scheme, have already been disbanded.

International students face new global crackdown

2010-05-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

THIS POST WAS WRITTEN BY CHARLES KELLY ON MAY 15, 2010
POSTED UNDER: NEWS

The BBC reports that “unscrupulous” recruitment agents who bring bogus overseas students into the UK are being targeted in an international initiative.

The British Council has for the first time brought together countries including the UK, the US and Australia to try to keep out such students.

The council says there are “widespread concerns” about dishonest agents.

Universities say the majority of agents are legitimate and are an important way of finding overseas students.

Rogue agents are accused of falsifying documents and helping people to get around the student visa system, the rules of which immigration authorities in the UK have tried to tighten.

It is a problem that raises concerns about illegal immigration and the possibility of people with terrorist intentions coming into the country, although in many cases it is the students themselves who are being duped.

A meeting of immigration and education authorities in London, the first of its kind, is intended to co-ordinate a multi-national response.

Higher education has become a globalised market and the British Council says there needs to be an international approach to tackling fraud.

In particular there are concerns about agents fraudulently sending students from Pakistan, India, Kazakhstan and parts of Africa.

Legitimate agents recruit for a commission, which can be worth several thousands of pounds per student, bringing overseas students to universities, colleges and language schools.

Four out of five UK universities use agents, says the British Council, with “many thousands” of individual agents working in this expanding business.

The British Council says that some dishonest agents advertise courses as a route to migration and claim to “guarantee” success in admission tests.

Agents have also cheated honest applicants, who are misled into paying for courses at bogus colleges, which are nothing like the places that agents have described.

The British Council says agents have been caught passing off “two-room colleges as prestigious institutions”.

And, in some cases, overseas students have arrived with no-one to meet them, and nowhere to stay when they discover the colleges do not exist.

There are also concerns about “multi-national businesses which open up money-making colleges and then close them down, leaving students stranded”.

An inaugural meeting of English-speaking countries brought together representatives of the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the Irish Republic.

The UK Border Agency was among the representatives from the UK.

Pat Killingley, the British Council’s director of higher education, said competitor countries need to work together.

“We have common interests – we’ve all built up reputations for quality in higher education that we want to protect,” she said.

Universities and colleges could not operate without agents, she said, and their role was likely to increase.

As such, she said, it was vital that the small proportion of dishonest agents were stopped.

Countries will share information about dishonest agents and they will try to support legitimate agents, she said.

There could also be a code of behaviour for what remains a largely-unregulated market.

Overseas students worth £8 billion to UK

Financial pressures have made overseas students an increasingly important source of income for universities and the wider economy.

In the UK, overseas students are worth £5.3bn each year, according to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and £8 billion according to former immigration minister Phil Woolas.

In Australia, there had been a concerted drive to recruit more overseas students – but there has now been a shift to tighten entry rules.

In the United States, there have been ethical concerns about the use of agents.

Reports in the US have claimed that Chinese students have paid thousands of dollars each to agents to get a university place – with the university also paying a fee to the agents.

There are about 200,000 students from India and China alone in the United States – out of a total of about 670,000 overseas students.

Last year, the UK government began to introduce a tougher visa system for overseas students.

This included a more rigorously-vetted list of approved education providers, which aimed to prevent bogus colleges.

But instead of falling, the numbers of student visas issued in some countries rose sharply.

Between April and September 2009, 35,300 UK student visas were issued in India, compared with 20,294 in the same period the previous year.

In Nepal, for these months, the number of student visas surged from 369 the previous year to 6,658.

Visa operations suspended last year

In response to this increase, earlier this year all applications for student visas for the UK from north India, Bangladesh and Nepal were temporarily suspended.

There were 351,000 applications for UK student visas in 2008-09 – with 236,000 visa being issued.

The number of overseas students in higher education in 2008-9 in the UK is 251,310. This represents an increase of almost 50,000 in four years.

But Universities UK emphasised the usefulness of well-run agents – and said “tighter rules should help ensure that genuine international students and UK institutions are not duped”.

“Universities are experienced in looking out for fraudulent activities and aim to have good channels of communication across the sector and with partners in the UK and overseas, to identify and tackle problems,” said a spokesman.

“Sharing information is key to tackling fraud, and consideration is being given to further enhancing communications across the sector and with relevant partners.”

Figures on overseas students

236,000 UK student visas issued in 2008-09
115,000 applications rejected
Worth £5.3bn to UK economy
Applications temporarily suspended from north India, Bangladesh and Nepal
670,000 overseas students in US
200,000 students in US from India and China

Source BBC

This well meaning initiative will not stop rogue agents, but could have the effect of deterring already beleaguered students from coming to countries like the UK to study.

Far eastern Universities, for instance in Singapore, are waiting in the wings to grab their share of the international student market with world class educational programmes on offer at competitive prices.

Universities must monitor and check the quality of their overseas agents, which they have appointed to recruit students on their behalf. If an agent is acting in an unscrupulous manner the university must at very least cancel their agency.

Tier 4

The real reason student applications and visas increased dramatically last year is obvious – the points based Tier 4 system.

Rules were relaxed under Tier 4 and discretion taken away from Entry Clearance Officers (ECO) when the new system started in March 2009. At the same time the UK Border Agency introduced an all new ‘hub and spoke’ British Embassy visa section network, which meant that many local visa consulates (for instance in Pakistan) were closed and visa processing moved to offices thousands of miles away usually in another country.

Bring the old system back, where ECO’s are allowed to scrutinise applications and interview candidates and most of the problems would be solved overnight.

Home Office figures released last year show that overseas students, which do not include those in private colleges, are worth over £8 billion to the UK economy.

At a time when universities are facing a funding crisis at home, overseas students are needed more than ever.

New UK government - changes to the UK Border Agency website

2010-05-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

12 May 2010

Following the UK general election on 6 May 2010, the UK Border Agency website has undergone some changes.
All news stories published before April 2010 have been removed from this website, as has information about our strategies and aims under the previous government. This content can be viewed on the UK government web archive.
Information and guidance for applicants and others is still available on this website.

Suspended Colleges From Tier 4 – Master List of College Suspensions

2010-05-08T14:30:00.000-07:00

AA Hamilton College London
Access College London
~~Albion College – Albion College’s UKBA inspection is on Feb 10~~ – Suspension lifted 26 April 2010
alliance resource nvq training centre
~~Alpha Meridian College – Inspected 16 February 2010~~ – Suspension lifted 18 March 2010
~~Anglian College London~~ – Suspension lifted 26 March 2010
~~Anglo-Continental~~ Suspension lifted February 17 2010
Archbishop Ilsley Catholic Technology College
Arthur Mellows Village College
~~AVALON SCHOOL OF ENGLISH~~ – Suspension lifted 16 March 2010
Aylesford School
Barry Comprehensive School
Barton Court Grammar School
Bc College Of North West London
Belgrave High School
Berlitz Brighton
Birkenhead High School
Bishop Challoner School
Bites College
Blessed George Napier School
Bliss Services UK Ltd T/A Bliss College
Blue Coat Church of England School & Music College
~~Bramcote School~~ Suspension lifted 17 February 2010
Bristol College of Accountancy
Britannia College of Excellence
BRYNMAWR FOUNDATION SCHOOL
~~Cavendish College London~~ – Suspension lifted 22 March 2010
Chosen Hill School
College of Excellance
College of Venereal Disease Prevention
Commonwealth Law College
concept care college
Coombe Dean School
~~Cranleigh School~~ Suspension lifted 12 February 2010
~~Cromwell College Of IT & Management~~ – Suspension lifted 27 April 2010
Crossways Sixth Form
Dartford Grammar School for Boys
Denes High School
~~Dolphin School LLP~~ Suspension lifted 17 February 2010
Dunstable College
~~eCollege london Limited~~ – Suspension lifted 31 March 2010
~~Edgware Academy~~ – Suspension lifted 29 March 2010
Edinburgh School of Business
Eduational Programmes Abroad
Education Development College
EF Brittin College
EF International Language Schools (London)
~~EF International Language Schools Bournemouth~~ – Suspension lifted 29 March 2010
~~English Country Schools Ltd.~~ Suspension lifted 15 February 2010
Estover Community College
~~ETC International College~~ – Suspension lifted 17 March 2010
Finham Park School
Futures College (Barking)
Gateway2uk Education
Girls’ Education Co Ltd
Global Vision College
Goffs School
Golders Green College
~~Grafton College of Management Sciences~~ – Suspension lifted 9 February 2010
Great West London College
~~Greenwich london college~~ – Suspension lifted 25 March 2010
~~Guildhall College~~ – Suspension lifted 23 April 2010
Guru Gobinda Singh Khalsa College
~~Halifax College~~ – Suspension lifted 11 March 2010
~~hammersmith management college~~ – Suspension lifted 16 April 2010
Havelock Academy
~~Holborn College~~ Suspension lifted 5 February 2010
~~ICON College of Technology and Management~~ – Suspension lifted 31 March 2010
Impington Village college
~~Katherine & King’s College of London~~ – Suspension lifted 29 April 2010
Kensington College
~~Kimbolton School~~ Suspension lifted 10 February 2010
King David High School
King Edward VII School
~~Kingston Grammar School~~ Suspension lifted 17 February 2010
~~King Street College~~ Suspension lifted 22 February 2010
~~Leading Management Ltd T/A Stevens College ofTechnology and Management~~Suspension lifted 5 February 2010
Leicester international college
Leicester Square School of English
~~Leeds College of Art and Design~~ Changed name to Leeds College of Art
~~Leeds English Language School~~ – Suspension lifted 15 February 2010
Leeds Professional College
London Academy for Higher Education
~~London Ambassador College~~ – Suspension lifted 31 March 2010
~~london Bridge Business Academy~~ – Suspension lifted 08 April 2010
~~London College of Accountancy & Management~~ – Suspension lifted 16 April 2010
London College of Business & Computer Studies
London College of Business and Management – inspected 10 March 2010
~~London College of Engineering and Management~~ – Suspension lifted 16 April 2010
London College of Excellence
~~London College of Finance & Accounting~~ – Suspension lifted 17 March 2010
~~London College Of Law & Management~~ – Suspension lifted 31 March 2010
London Commonwealth College of Law & Business Studies
~~London Crown College~~ – Suspension lifted 16 April 2010
London East Bank College
London Institute of Technical Education
London Reading College
~~London School of Accountancy and Management – Inspected 19 February 2010~~– Suspension lifted 29 April 2010
London School of Business & Computing – Reported to have been closed down. Telephone numbers on website no longer in use.
~~London School of Business and Finance~~ – Suspension lifted 01 April 2010. Most likely a mistake from UKBA resulted in them being removed from the Register in the first place (they disappeared for only 1 day).
LONDON SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
~~London School of Marketing – Inspection claimed to be 5 February 2010~~ – Suspension lifted 27 April 2010
London Training College (Lewisham / Waterloo)
LTC College – Reported to have had their licence permanently withdrawn on 15 March 2010
~~Luckley-Oakfield School Trust Ltd~~ Suspension lifted 17 February 2010
~~Ludgrove School Trust LTD~~ Suspension lifted 17 February 2010
Lyceum Academy

Sounds like their licence has been permanently withdrawn?: Anybody affected by the recent revocation of Lyceum Academy’s license by UK Border Agency is urged to only contact Mr. Nilesh Agarwal on 07872 630 003 for any further enquires. – 35 Woodhill Crescent, HARROW, HA3 0LY

Majestic College

Majestic College Limited is a dormant company, which is definitely suspicious.

~~Malvern House~~ – Suspension lifted 02 March 2010
Matthew Boulton College of Further & Higher Education
~~Mayfair School of English~~ – Suspension lifted 27 April 2010
Metropolitan College London
~~Michael Hall School~~ Suspension lifted 17 February 2010
~~millennium city academy~~ – Suspension lifted 16 March 2010
Monk’s Walk School
~~Moor Park Charitable Trust Ltd~~ Suspension lifted 17 February 2010
~~Moyles Court School~~ Suspension lifted 17 February 2010
New London College
Newbury Hall T/a OISE Newbury Hall
~~Newcastle College~~ – Suspension lifted 23 March 2010
~~North London College of Business Studies~~ – Suspension lifted 08 April 2010
~~North London Collegiate School~~ Suspension lifted 17 February 2010
~~North London Management School Limited~~ – Suspension lifted 16 April 2010
North Tyneside Council
~~Nottingham Girls’ High School~~ Suspension lifted 17 February 2010
OVT College
~~Oxbridge College of IT & Management (was B rated before it was removed from the Register – licence permanently withdrawn?~~ – Suspension lifted 13 April 2010
~~Port Regis~~ Suspension lifted 12 February 2010
~~Portland Place School~~ Suspension lifted 17 February 2010
PORTSLADE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 6TH FORM
~~Putney High School~~ Suspension lifted 17 February 2010
Rayat London College – Supposedly inspected 25th February 2010
Renaissance International College
Rims College
Roding College
Samuel Ward Arts and Technology College
SAN Michael College Ltd
School of Information Risk Management – Inspected 11 February 2010
~~Sherborne Preparatory School~~: Suspension lifted 11 February 2010
Shimna Integrated College
Simon Balle School
Spinnaker College – Suspension lifted 19 March 2010
St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School
St Brigid’s School
~~St Edmund’s School Canterbury~~ Suspension lifted 12 February 2010
St.George’s College London
St John’s Catholic Comprehensive School
St. Martin’s Business School
St Mary’s Wrestwood Children’s Trust
Stoke Park School and Community Technology College
~~St-Patrick’s College – Inspected 15 February 2010~~ – Suspension lifted 4 March 2010
~~Stratford College of Management~~ – Suspension lifted 31 March 2010
Sutton Coldfield College
Swanlea School
Taitec college manchester
~~TASMAC UK Ltd. / TASMAC London School of Business – supposedly inspected 17 February 2010~~ – Suspension lifted 17 March 2010
THAMES INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE
The Brakenhale School
THE BROXBOURNE SCHOOL
THE BUSINESS SCHOOL OF LONDON
The Chauncy School
The Netherhall School & Sixth Form Centre
the Practice Development Unit
The Royal Grammar School (High Wycombe)
The Secretary College
THE SIR JOHN COLFOX SCHOOL
The WELS Group
~~TOCKINGTON MANOR SCHOOL~~ Suspension lifted 12 February 2010
Tollbar Business and Enterprise College
Trans-Atlantic College
tudor college
Twin Training International Ltd – Suspension lifted 3 March 2010, re-included on Register 9 March 2010
~~UK college of business and computing~~ – Suspension lifted 23 March 2010
UKhelp4u Academy of English Language Limited
United College Ltd
Unity College
Upton-By-Chester High School
Victoria College Belfast
Virgo Fidelis Convent Senior School
Wallington High School for Girls
~~Warnborough College – Inspected 17 February 2010~~ – Suspension lifted 04 May 2010
Weald of Kent Grammar School
West Berkshire District Council
Westgate School
~~West London Business College Ltd – Inspected 8 February 2010~~ – Suspension lifted 22 March 2010
Westlands School (Mathematics and Computing College)
Woht College
~~Williams College UK Ltd~~ – Suspension lifted 23 March 2010
~~Wilson College~~ – Suspension lifted 19 April 2010

UK elections result in a hung parliament

2010-05-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

Liberals could influence immigration policy

By Charles Kelly

08 May 2009

With nearly all seats declared in the UK General Election, the leading party, David Cameron’s Conservatives, has failed to win enough seats to gain an overall majority and form a Government and Britain will have its first hung Parliament since 1974.

The Conservative party needed to win at least 326 seats, out of 650, for an overall majority (more seats than all the other parties) in order to form the next Government, but look set to gain 307 seats with one more constituency to be decided.

Despite Cameron winning two million more votes than the ruling Labour party and over 50% of the vote, he has not done enough to form a Government alone and Britain will have a 'hung' parliament with no party gaining enough seats to rule with an outright majority.

This means that the two main party leaders, David Cameron or Labour’s current Prime Minister Gordon Brown, will have to make a pact with the next largest party, Nick Clegg's Liberal Democrats to form a coalition Government with a working majority.

Nick Clegg, who favours an amnesty for illegal migrants and regional based migration, will have an important influence over government policy on a range of issues including immigration and electoral reform. For the first time since 1974 no one party will have a free reign or absolute power to change laws.

The Conservatives want a cap on immigration and a crackdown on student visas, policies which will not be popular with the more left wing Liberal Democrat MPs’. Equally, Nick Clegg’s ideas on granting an amnesty for overstayers will be totally out of favour with Conservatives.

The last three Labour Governments have held a commanding majority in Parliament giving them the power to push through often unpopular legislation virtually unchallenged. By contrast, most Western European Governments work as a coalition with no party holding a majority.

Other stories: http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/category/news

Hung Parliament: both Brown and Cameron woo Lib Dems

Conservative leader David Cameron has reached out to the Liberal Democrats in an effort to form a government – after yesterday’s UK general election resulted in the first hung parliament since 1974.

Tier 4 changes for education providers and migrant students

2010-05-03T06:08:00.001-07:00

07 April 2010
Changes to the Immigration Rules came into force yesterday, affecting migrant students and educational providers which sponsor them under Tier 4 of the points-based system.
The Immigration Rules now encompass changes from the Tier 4 review, including the rules governing the new Highly Trusted sponsor licence. Only sponsors who hold a Highly Trusted sponsor licence can now offer the following courses, known as 'restricted courses', to Tier 4 (General) students:
courses at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 3 or equivalent; and

courses below degree level that include a work placement (other than foundation degrees, which can still be offered with a work placement by any Tier 4 (General) sponsor).

Education providers who hold a standard Tier 4 sponsor licence can only offer courses at or above NQF level 4 or equivalent. And they cannot offer courses that include work placements unless those courses are degree-level courses or foundation degrees.
(A foundation degree is a programme of study which leads to a qualification awarded at a minimum of level 5 on the revised National Qualifications Framework by an English higher education institution with degree-awarding powers, or awarded on a directly equivalent basis in the devolved administrations. In Scotland, a Higher National Diploma at Level 8 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework is equivalent to a foundation degree.)
If a student is studying a restricted course at an institution that does not hold a Highly Trusted sponsor licence, they can continue to study at that institution until they complete their course of study or their permission to stay under Tier 4 expires, whichever is sooner. If a student wants to extend their stay to complete their studies on an affected course, they must do so at an institution that holds a Highly Trusted sponsor licence.
More information is available in the sections for Tier 4 (General) students and sponsors.
Transitional arrangements for education providers
Publicly funded institutions that were deemed to hold a Highly Trusted sponsor licence on 6 April 2010 are now listed as 'Highly Trusted' on the Tier 4 register of sponsors, pending their application for a Highly Trusted sponsor licence. If they do not apply by 30 June 2010, they will lose this status and will be unable to access the Highly Trusted sponsor benefits from 1 July 2010. If you know that your institution will not need or want to apply for a Highly trusted Sponsor licence, please inform us by writing toHTSLicenceEvidence@UKBA.gsi.gov.uk.
If your institution did not qualify for automatic inclusion as a Highly Trusted sponsor and is currently an A-rated sponsor, you may want to apply for a Highly Trusted sponsor licence. If you make this application by 30 April 2010, you can continue to offer restricted courses until 30 June 2010 or the date when your application is decided, whichever is sooner. If you do not apply for a Highly Trusted sponsor licence by 30 April 2010, you will not be able to offer restricted courses to Tier 4 (General) students after 1 May 2010.

Tier 4 changes for education providers and migrant students

2010-04-18T14:03:00.001-07:00

07 April 2010

Changes to the Immigration Rules came into force yesterday, affecting migrant students and educational providers which sponsor them under Tier 4 of the points-based system.

The Immigration Rules now encompass changes from the Tier 4 review, including the rules governing the new Highly Trusted sponsor licence. Only sponsors who hold a Highly Trusted sponsor licence can now offer the following courses, known as 'restricted courses', to Tier 4 (General) students:

courses at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 3 or equivalent; and
courses below degree level that include a work placement (other than foundation degrees, which can still be offered with a work placement by any Tier 4 (General) sponsor).

Education providers who hold a standard Tier 4 sponsor licence can only offer courses at or above NQF level 4 or equivalent. And they cannot offer courses that include work placements unless those courses are degree-level courses or foundation degrees.

(A foundation degree is a programme of study which leads to a qualification awarded at a minimum of level 5 on the revised National Qualifications Framework by an English higher education institution with degree-awarding powers, or awarded on a directly equivalent basis in the devolved administrations. In Scotland, a Higher National Diploma at Level 8 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework is equivalent to a foundation degree.)

If a student is studying a restricted course at an institution that does not hold a Highly Trusted sponsor licence, they can continue to study at that institution until they complete their course of study or their permission to stay under Tier 4 expires, whichever is sooner. If a student wants to extend their stay to complete their studies on an affected course, they must do so at an institution that holds a Highly Trusted sponsor licence.

More information is available in the sections for Tier 4 (General) students and sponsors.

Transitional arrangements for education providers

Publicly funded institutions that were deemed to hold a Highly Trusted sponsor licence on 6 April 2010 are now listed as 'Highly Trusted' on the Tier 4 register of sponsors, pending their application for a Highly Trusted sponsor licence. If they do not apply by 30 June 2010, they will lose this status and will be unable to access the Highly Trusted sponsor benefits from 1 July 2010. If you know that your institution will not need or want to apply for a Highly trusted Sponsor licence, please inform us by writing toHTSLicenceEvidence@UKBA.gsi.gov.uk.

If your institution did not qualify for automatic inclusion as a Highly Trusted sponsor and is currently an A-rated sponsor, you may want to apply for a Highly Trusted sponsor licence. If you make this application by 30 April 2010, you can continue to offer restricted courses until 30 June 2010 or the date when your application is decided, whichever is sooner. If you do not apply for a Highly Trusted sponsor licence by 30 April 2010, you will not be able to offer restricted courses to Tier 4 (General) students after 1 May 2010.

Update to bulk data transfer functionality

Bulk data transfer is a facility that allows Tier 4 sponsors to transfer data in bulk from their own student record IT systems to our sponsorship management system. The facility's functionality has now been enhanced. Details of the enhancement can be found in the covering letter on the Bulk data transfer toolkit page.

Prime Minister sets out new immigration measures

2010-04-03T16:35:00.001-07:00

31 March 2010

The Prime Minister has explained how the government is transforming the way it deals with immigration through its "controlled and fair" points-based system.

In a speech delivered in Shoreditch, East London earlier today, where he was joined by Home Secretary Alan Johnson, the Prime Minister said that under the points-based system unskilled migrant workers from outside the EU will not be allowed into the UK due to reduced need for their services.

The Prime Minister also said better training of British nationals would progressively tackle the skills shortages that have led to posts being filled by migrants.

The Prime Minister said:

'The system we have introduced gives us the ability to secure the skills we need and to secure our borders against those who are not welcome here.
'And I believe the responsible way to debate migration is to debate how we can use this system over the coming years to continue to control migration fairly, to reduce the overall need for migration, while continuing to attract the key people who will make the biggest contribution to the growth of our economy.'

He also announced that two of the professions which have attracted most non-EU nationals - chefs and care workers - are to be removed from the shortage list by 2012 and 2014 respectively.

Mr Brown also noted that asylum claims were back to the levels of the early 1990s and recent provisional figures suggest net inward migration has fallen from 170,000 in 2007 to 147,000 in 2009.

During the speech the Number 10 website held a live online discussion with Border and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas. The Minister answered questions about immigration during the Prime Minister's speech.

New rules for Tier 1 and Tier 2, and other changes to the Immigration Rules

2010-03-23T06:05:00.001-07:00

18 March 2010

On 6 April the government will make significant changes to Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the points-based system. It will also amend the Immigration Rules covering asylum seekers, English language qualifications and marriage visas for members of the Armed Forces.

The government has accepted changes to Tier 1 recommended by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), and has set out details of how it will implement the MAC's recommended changes to Tier 2.

The changes include new points criteria for both tiers, a simpler route for very highly skilled workers without Master's degrees, greater flexibility for short-term transfers by multinational companies, and more protection against the use of such transfers to fill long-term vacancies that should go to resident workers.

The changes were announced today by Borders and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas, who said:

'We've always said that we would run our immigration system for the benefit of the UK, and that is what we are doing.
'The changes that we are making today will build on an already robust system which is now the envy of the world. A strength of the points-based system is the flexibility to predict and respond to events.
'By utilising the flexibility of the points-based system, we are now ensuring that only those that we need to come to the UK to work can do so.
'I will continue to ensure that immigration does not act as a disincentive for employers to employ and improve the skills of the British workforce.'

The changes are included in the latest Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules, which was laid before Parliament today.

The other changes to the Immigration Rules include:

revised provisions governing English language qualifications for migrants who are applying for permanent residence, to ensure that those relying on qualifications in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) will study at accredited colleges, and to clarify the progression that migrants are required to demonstrate before they can apply for permanent residence;
changes to prevent asylum applicants from claiming humanitarian protection if there are serious reasons for considering that they have engaged in undesirable behaviour;
clarified interview procedures for unaccompanied children seeking asylum;
removal of a requirement for asylum seekers to be asked to sign the interview record, as other safeguards are in place;
lowering the marriage visa age to 18 for serving members of the Armed Forces and their partners, recognising partners' role in supporting those on the front line and reflecting the unique circumstances in which the Armed Forces operate; and
adding Monaco to the Youth Mobility Scheme.

The Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules will be incorporated into a consolidated version of the Immigration Rules. You can find copies of all the Statements of Changes in Immigration Rules issued since May 2003 in thePolicy and law section of this website.

The changes will come into effect on 6 April and 7 April 2010. Applications that are made before the new rules come into effect will be considered under the rules in place on the date of the application.

Migrants who want to apply in person should note that the date of their application is the date when they go to the public enquiry office. Applicants should consider this when they book an appointment.

You can download a statement of policy setting out the changes to Tier 1 and Tier 2, and the written ministerial statement regarding changes to the Immigration Rules, from the right side of this page.

New Highly Trusted Sponsor Scheme for Tier 4 sponsors

2010-03-23T05:59:00.001-07:00

22 March 2010

The UK Border Agency has launched the 'Highly Trusted Sponsor Scheme' for education providers under Tier 4 of the points-based system.

Tier 4 sponsors can apply for a Highly Trusted Sponsor licence from today, and the register of highly trusted sponsors will go live on Tuesday 6 April 2010.

Under the UK's points-based system for controlling migration, all sponsors are rated according to their track record and procedures for monitoring overseas students. We are now expanding and building on this rating process.

The new scheme is about immigration control, not academic achievement. To qualify as a highly trusted sponsor, an education provider must have a proven track record in recruiting genuine international students who comply with immigration rules while they are in the UK.

The scheme will cut red tape for sponsors who qualify. It will also allow us to monitor other sponsors more thoroughly, focusing our enforcement activity on those who seek to abuse the system. We will be applying minimum standards for all sponsors; where appropriate, we will suspend or revoke the licences of sponsors who fail to meet these standards.

Compared with other Tier 4 (General) sponsors, a highly trusted sponsor will be able to offer a wider range of courses to overseas students. It will also be offered new services and benefits, such as a dedicated account management function and a more flexible approach to reporting student non-attendance.

The Highly Trusted Sponsor Scheme section of this website contains more information about the scheme's benefits for sponsors, and explains how to apply.

Bogus wedding gang 'lynch pin' jailed

2010-02-23T14:51:00.000-08:00

18 February 2010

A man described as the 'lynch pin' of an East London sham marriage ring has been jailed for six years, following a two-year investigation by our officers.

Ghanaian national Victor Kugbeadzor, aged 29, of Rushcroft Road in Brixton, is known to have organised at least six bogus weddings of British citizens to Ghanaian nationals, including his own.

He married 28-year-old Kelly Bellotti at Barking Registry Office in October 2007 in order to get permission to stay in the UK. In reality the marriage was a sham, and Bellotti had been paid £2000 to marry him. Bellotti was arrested at her home address in Ilford in November 2008. She was jailed in October 2009, along with three other British citizens who had also been involved in other marriages organised by Kugbeadzor.

Kugbeadzor went on the run for 20 months, but investigations led officers from our criminal and financial investigation (CFI) unit to Broadclyst in Devon, where he was found living under an assumed name. He was arrested on 26 November 2009.

On Thursday 11 February Kugbeadzor pleaded guilty to a series of charges, including conspiracy to breach immigration control, deception and Identity Cards Act offences at Croydon Crown Court. He was jailed for six years, and faces deportation at the end of his sentence.

Malcolm Bragg, assistant director of the UK Border Agency criminal and financial investigations directorate, said:

'This was a sophisticated and organised plot, and the sentence handed down in this case shows how seriously we and the courts take these kinds of attempts to circumvent the UK's immigration rules.
'My officers and I are determined to track down and stop this kind of abuse, and we hope today's sentences send out a message that anyone who tries to enter into or organise a sham marriage faces arrest, prosecution, and a long time in prison.'

The conviction of Victor Kugbeadzor means that nine people have now been jailed for their parts in the sham marriage ring, with sentences totalling seventeen and a half years.

Three Ghanaian beneficiaries of the scam have already been deported.

Our investigation into the ring, codenamed 'Operation Probole' has lasted for more than two years. It began after immigration officials raised concerns about the marriage of British citizen Lisa Curtis to Ghanaian Kwabena Boadu. They were both arrested, and documentation was found at her home in Dagenham, including a price list, linking her to numerous other suspect marriages.

Final phase of Tier 4 is launched

2010-02-23T14:28:00.003-08:00

22 February 2010

We have today implemented the final phase of the points-based system's student tier. This has resulted in two major changes for Tier 4 sponsors.

Visa letters have become obsolete

From today, all potential Tier 4 students applying to us from inside or outside the UK must use a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) in their application. All applications that do not contain a CAS will fall for refusal.

You will need to provide all potential students with a CAS reference number and your sponsor licence number (SLN). You will also need to give them all the information they will need when making their application. This information is sometimes called a 'CAS statement'; it is up to sponsors to decide its format and how to send it to their potential students. A 'CAS statement' may contain:

student name;
student date of birth;
course title;
course start and end date;
details of any financial sponsorship/deposits taken;
documents that should be included as part of an application to prove qualifications;
CAS number; and
ATAS certificate (if appropriate).

This additional information will assist our caseworkers and entry clearance officers when making decisions on migrant applications under Tier 4.

If a prospective student has a visa letter issued before 22 February 2010, they can no longer use it to apply for a Tier 4 student visa. If you have issued a visa letter to a student who is intending to apply to us, you must replace the visa letter with a CAS. For out-of-country students, the date of application is the date when the application fee is paid - so a prospective student must be in possession of a CAS if they are paying their application fee today or later.

Mandatory reporting on students who have been assigned a CAS

Sponsors now must report via the sponsorship management system (SMS) on students who have used a CAS in an application to us. For further guidance, please see the Sponsor duties - Tier 4 page of our website.

Before you can issue CASs to migrants, you must have performed the transition exercise on the SMS. If you have not yet done so, you can find full details on theTransition exercise page of your website.

Today has also seen enhancements to the Tier 4 SMS:

Users can now create a new CAS from the details of a previous CAS created in a batch.
The main site study address will be mandatory for the assignment of a CAS.

All changes and updates to the SMS will be reflected in the SMS user guides and policy guidance, which are available on our website. We advise sponsors to visit the website and familiarise themselves with the new functionality.

You can find information about the SMS, and the updated SMS user guides, in theSMS guidance section of this website.

Revised Tier 4 migrant application forms are also available on the website for applications made from today.