Big UK visa fee increases from 18 March 2016

UK Immigration has announced that fees across most UK visa categories will be increased from March 18, 2016. The move is likely to affect thousands of applicants, including Indians, who are the largest group of skilled workers to be granted Tier 2 visas to live and work in Britain both in 2015 and in the past.

ne bit of good news is that the fee for companies applying for a Tier 2 sponsorship licence - which enables them to employ Tier 2 visa holders – remains unchanged at £536 for smaller businesses and £1,476 for larger businesses. Other changes, first announced on 11 January 2016 this year, represent a 2% rise across most visa fees including short-term visitor visas, plus most UK work visas such as the Tier 2 visa and study visa applications such as the Tier 4 visa.

'Increases will cut UK taxpayer contributions towards the country's border, immigration and citizenship system,' the Home Office said. By 2019-2020, UK Immigration hopes that the system is 'self-funded' by those who use it.

An excerpt from a Home Office statement reads: "These changes ensure that the Home Office can achieve a self-funding system, while continuing to provide a competitive level of service, and a fees structure that remains attractive to businesses, migrants and visitors."

Office of National Statistics on Tier 2 Visas

According to figures recently published by the Office of National Statistics [ONS], Indian nationals, as in previous years, are the largest group of skilled workers to be issued with Tier 2 visas to live and work in the UK in 2015.

Indians secured a high proportion of the 92,062 Tier 2 visas that were issued to skilled migrants last year. The ONS report stated: "Indian nationals accounted for 57% of total skilled work visas granted (52,360 of 92,062), with USA nationals the next largest nationality group (10,130 or 11%)."

Most migrants who secure a Tier 2 visa tend to apply for settlement (also known as permanent residence) after five years in the UK, but they will now be expected to pay around 25% more for a settlement application – properly knowns as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application – with the fee set to rise from £1,500 to £1,875.

Key changes to UK Visa Fees

The key changes that will come into effect on 18 March 2016 will mainly affect visas which many would say benefit the UK. Those visas offered to workers such as Tier 4 visas and students such as Tier 2 visas for instance will see fees rise by 2%. A 2% increase will also be applied to UK visit visas to 'help maintain the UK's status as one of the world's top tourist destinations,' according to the Home Office.

Settlement, residence and nationality applicants will be hit by fee increases of up to 25% because the Home Office says, somewhat bizarrely, that these visa related schemes are 'the most beneficial to successful applicants.'

Optional premium services offered by the Home Office, including super-premium service and priority visa services overseas, will see fees increased by up to 33%, while family and spouse visas will soar to £1,195 and the fee for 'Adult Dependant Relatives' will jump to £2,676.

A naturalisation application which follows ILR, leading to UK citizenship, will rise to £1,236, up from the current £1,005, while a new £25 surcharge will also be applied for invalid applications. Currently, any fees paid for an invalid application are refunded.

Passport exit immigration checks now in force at UK borders and ports

Passport exit immigration checks now in force at UK borders and ports:
A new scheme is being phased in at UK border crossings, so that UK immigration can collect data on all passengers leaving the country. The information is obtained by staff working for airlines, ferry companies, etc who record details of every traveller leaving on a commercial flight, or by sea or by rail. The data collected is then passed on to the Home Office.


A new scheme is being phased in at UK border crossings, so that UK immigration can collect data on all passengers leaving the country. The information is obtained by staff working for airlines, ferry companies, etc who record details of every traveller leaving on a commercial flight, or by sea or by rail. The data collected is then passed on to the Home Office.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "The government wants the checks to identify individuals who are in the UK illegally. This means that passport and travel details will be transmitted to the Home Office.

The information will then be collated and added to Home Office data, where it can be accessed if the government needs it. All data will be processed in line with the Data Protection Act 1998, the Human Rights Act 1998 and the common law duty of confidentiality."
Exit checks part of increased UK Immigration enforcement

The government says it has launched the scheme under the 2014 Immigration Act, mainly to monitor immigration and gather data. It's also in place they say to boost national security; ministers say that it enables police and spies to track the activity of known criminals and terrorists across the world.

Security and UK Immigration Minister, James Brokenshire said: "It is important that we have an immigration system that is fair, tackles illegal immigration and cracks down on those who attempt to cheat the system by remaining in the country when they have no right to do so. Exit checks will give us crucial information that confirms a person's exit from the UK."

In an interview with BBC breakfast, former Independent Chief Inspector of UK Borders and Immigration, John Vine, said: "It will allow the government, for the first time in a long time, to obtain information about who is left in Britain."

Up until recently it's not been possible for the government to know who's overstayed their visa and who's remained in the country, and they've not known who's here and who's left."

Mr Vine when Chief Inspector for Immigration was responsible for producing reports which caused a considerable amount of embarrassment to the Home Office and the Government. Many have suggested that he resigned from his position because of disagreements with the Government.
Ferry and Channel Tunnel passengers affected the most

Those travelling by ferry or the Channel Tunnel from Dover will be affected most by the new checks as they have to wait to have their passports scanned before continuing on their journey. Airports will be least affected because airlines will provide information from travel documents in advance, so that hopefully passengers will not notice any increased delay due to the new system of checks.

School coach parties made up of British or European children below the age of 16 will be exempt from the checks. For people travelling between Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man an alternative system will be put in place.

Alternative arrangements will also be put in place for travellers journeying on small non-scheduled flights or using non-commercial pleasure boats.
Phased introduction of new UK Immigration Exit Check System

For the first month, to minimise disruption, only 25% of passport holders will have their details fully verified in order to ensure they are genuine. After one month, verification checks will rise to 50% and by mid-June it is intended that 100% of those travelling out of the UK will be checked.

Eurotunnel, which is responsible for operating and maintaining the Channel Tunnel, said 100% of travellers would come under the new verification checks system immediately; they feel they are ready to do this having already spent £2.5 million on new systems, and on employing 50 new staff.
UK borders will come to a standstill

John Keefe, Eurotunnel's Public Affairs Directors, warned that UK borders will grind to a halt in the near future because traveller numbers will grow.

He said: "We'll see a 20-25% rise in the number of travellers using the Eurotunnel over the next five years, and a 30% rise in truck traffic. However, the Government's approach to managing the borders will bring them to a standstill - we need smarter technology."

Tier 2 Visa Changes and other UK immigration changes from 6 April

Tier 2 Visa Changes and other UK immigration changes from 6 April;
Major UK immigration changes took effect on 6 April 2015 with the Tier 2 visa category set for substantial changes. The most significant change is the introduction of an NHS surcharge for most UK visa applicants.

New NHS Health Surcharge and other Application fees

For concise and recent immigration information watch our news.
Major UK immigration changes took effect on 6 April 2015 with the Tier 2 visa category set for substantial changes. The most significant change is the introduction of an NHS surcharge for most UK visa applicants.
New NHS Health Surcharge and other Application fees

From 6 April 2015 UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) increased visa application fees across the board. The Government fees for Tier 2 visa and sponsorship applications can be accessed here.
From April 6 there will also be an NHS surcharge applicable to immigrants in many visa categories. Non-EEA migrants entering the UK for a period over six months and those currently in the country seeking to extend their stay will be subjected to the new NHS surcharge scheme.
The surcharge is a £200 annual fee per person (£150 for students) and the amount is payable when lodging an application.

There are a number of exemptions from the NHS health surcharge. Those that do not have to pay the surcharge include nationals of the EU and nationals of Australia and New Zealand, migrants applying under the Tier 2 intra company transfer category and those applying for indefinite leave to remain.
Visitors, inclusive of those coming to Britain with a business visit visa visiting for a period of six months or less will also be exempt from the surcharge. However, they would be required to pay 150% of the cost of any treatment received from the NHS.

Tier 2 Visa Minimum salary thresholds
The salary threshold is increased annually and thresholds relating to individual occupations, as outlined in the Codes of Practice, have also increased in the majority of cases. The key revised income thresholds are as follows:
Minimum salary threshold for all Tier 2 General employees increased from £20,500 to £20,800. In practice many occupations will have a higher salary threshold anyway.
Minimum salary threshold for those whose jobs that are exempt from being advertised on Jobcentre plus will increase from £71,600 to £72,500
High earner threshold changed from £153,500 to £155,300
For Tier 2 ICT employees whose jobs who come under Short Term Staff, Skills Transfer or Graduate Training category the minimum salary threshold was increased from £24,500 to £24,800
For Tier 2 ICT employees who come under the "Long Term Staff" category the minimum salary threshold increased from £41,000 to £41,500
Tier 2 Visa Restricted Certificate of Sponsorship Changes
If you are applying to employ someone from abroad you need to apply for what is called a Restricted certificate of sponsorship (RCos) as part of the Tier 2 visa application. If you do not currently have any Restricted Cos you will need to apply for these and wait for the monthly allocation. Every application is scored in accordance with the UK's Points Based System.
Restricted certificates are issued to:
Tier 2 (General) workers who are currently abroad and will have a salary less than £153,500 per year
The family members (dependants) of someone in the UK who was last granted a Tier 4 visa
Application of restricted certificates must be done through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). You will be given access to this if you are a company that has been granted a Tier 2 sponsorship licence.
Sponsors should be clear that any new Tier 2 visa applications will be assessed based on any changes to the immigration rules that came into effect on April 6. Sponsors will need to submit RCoS applications bearing in mind the new minimum salary thresholds and the new Codes of Practice.
Tier 2 Cooling-off period
Prior to the changes, a foreigner arriving in Britain on a Tier 2 Visa and who either leaves the country upon completion of an assignment or whose visa expires without the possibility of renewal, would have to wait 12 months to apply for a new Tier 2 Visa, known as the 'cooling-off period'.
However, new legislation from April 6 means greater flexibility for UK businesses; Companies are permitted to bring in a foreign national more than once per year on short assignments of less than three months, without being required to come under the 12-month cooling-off period.
UK Shortage occupation list
Occupations included on the shortage occupation list are exempt from the Resident Labour Market Test.
One shortage occupation list covers the whole of the UK, plus Scotland, with the addition of paramedics applied to the UK list. Changes to these lists, as specified by gov.uk, include:
Changes to graduate occupations in the health sector for both the UK and Scotland list, including the addition of paramedics to the UK list;
Changes to the existing entry on the UK list for overhead lines workers in the energy industry; and
The re-classification of some existing entries.

 

UK Tier 4 and Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship Licence suspended for Bucks

Buckinghamshire New University's Tier 4 sponsorship licence has been suspended, preventing them from accepting new admissions of overseas students from outside the EU; Students sponsored by the University exceeded the visa refusal rate permitted by UK Immigration. In addition the Tier 2 sponsorship licence to enable the University to employ professional level workers from outside the EU was also suspended.

Bucks failed to meet Home Office Tier 4 student visa refusal rate target

Bucks University had to meet the previous UK Immigration target for student visa refusals of 20 percent or less. Bucks New University missed hitting the target by just 1.16 percentage points, the equivalent of three students. It is even more difficult now. In November 2014, tougher requirements were implemented with the acceptable Home Office refusal rate threshold being reduced from 20 percent to 10 percent.

Suspension of both Tier 4 and Tier 2 Sponsorship Licences

The suspension of Bucks New Univiversity's Tier 4 and Tier 2 sponsorship prevents the University from sponsoring new students and employees from outside the EU. Buckinghamshire New University have 20 days to appeal the suspension by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). However, should the university fail in persuading the Home Office that they should keep their licence, their Tier 4 sponsorship licence will be revoked.

Staff and student wellbeing

Bucks New University's vice-chancellor, Rebecca Bunting, said: "Our main concern is the welfare and wellbeing of staff and students. We're working continuously, along with all other UK universities, to improve our systems and processes in order to comply with a challenging set of sponsorship rules and our senior management team will be cooperating fully with UKVI."
She added: "We have been given time to check our information against UKVI's data and that work has commenced."

Criticism of Tier 4 Sponsorship Licence Requirements

The new lower threshold for visa refusals at ten percent has attracted criticism because, while universities issue Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies to non-EU students accepted by the University, which are subsequently used for the visa application, universities have no real control over visa refusal rates.
Errors on student documentation and Home Office judgements in credibility interviews are two of the decisive factors, among many, which can result in rejection.
A spokeswoman for the Home Office stated: "Universities must ensure they have robust compliance systems in place or risk losing their privilege to sponsor foreign students.
All institutions holding a Tier 4 sponsor licence must pass an annual assessment in order to retain the ability to recruit international students. Bucks New University failed to pass this assessment so we have suspended its licence."

Glyndwr University

Buckinghamshire New University is not the only University that has failed to meet UKVI requirements, Glyndwr University currently faces continuing restrictions on its licence to recruit foreign students from outside the EU amid allegations that hundreds of its students held 'invalid' or 'suspect' English language qualifications.
Two other universities that had their sponsorship licences suspended are the University of Bedfordshire and the University of West London, which had their licences suspended for a time in June 2014. The good news is that these Universities have now been informed that they can now continue to sponsor overseas students.

Problems with decision making at Home Office and organisation sponsored by Home Office

Comments by Sanwar Ali, Editor, workpermit.com News

With the General Election fast approaching it is surely important for us to look at the track record of the Home Office and an organisation sponsored by the Home Office when it comes to decision making. We are extremely concerned about the secretive nature of decision making at the above organisations.
Why was both the Tier 4 and Tier 2 sponsorship licences suspended for Bucks New University? Did suspension of the Tier 4 licence affect the Tier 2 sponsorship licence? If so why?
Our investigations have revealed that far too often what happens is that a Government organisation or quasi non-Governmental organisation makes a decision in one area (say in the case of the Home Office suspending a sponsorship licence) but then decides to take further action where there is no real reason to do so, and in a number of cases where there is no jurisdiction to do so. This is a serious abuse of State power and leads to shocking injustices occurring. Whatever happens after the General Election on 9 May 2015 it is hoped that the new Government will not allow this to happen in future.
Written by Daniel Waldron and Sanwar Ali
Edited by Sanwar Ali

Source: http://www.workpermit.com/news/2015-04-01/uk-tier-4-and-tier-2-visa-sponsorship-licence-suspended-for-bucks

Visa granted for Newmarket man fighting deportation threat

Matthew and Brian Crane

A family has received some relief in its battle with the Home Office after a father was granted the right to stay in the UK until 2017.
Brian Crane, of Newmarket, was told a month ago that he would not be granted a visa for the UK and would be deported to Pennsylvania after he overstayed his time in the country.
The 53-year-old American, who lives with his wife Lorna, who is a British citizen, and his son, Matthew, had twice applied for a leave to remain visa for the UK.
But twice he was told he would not qualify because he had “accidentally overstayed” from 2012 until 2014.

Related content

• Newmarket family in battle with Home Office to stop American father being deported

After a battle with the Home Office and calling on local MP Matthew Hancock for help, last week, the family received some good news when Mr Crane received a visa through the post.
He told the News: “They have granted me a leave to remain visa.
“It is only valid until August 2017 and I will then have to submit more paper work, but until then the pressure is off.
“I was surprised because we got some of the same responses as last time saying I did not qualify.
“Then in the final paragraph they finally said I was being granted leave to remain.”
The new visa means that Mr Crane is free to seek work again in the UK. He had been forced to leave his job in a civilian role at RAF Lakenheath when he found out his visa had expired.
“This visa allows me to work, I just do not have access to public funds such as the Citizens’ Advice Bureau or Job Seekers’ Allowance if where I was working was to go bust,” he said.
“At the moment I’m hoping to find something a little closer to home in Newmarket.”
In an update, Matthew Crane said: “We received a piece of good news through the post – a signature required letter containing a residence card for my father.
"Whilst this is great news, knowing that he is allowed to stay and work until close to the end of 2017, it leaves many unanswered questions which we will be chasing up."
Mr Crane is hoping to find out whether this visa will mean he has to start his length of stay in the UK all over again so that he can eventually become a permanent citizen.
Matthew also hit out at the latest visa conditions, which are similar to Mr Crane's previous visa conditions.
He added: "There is still one matter that boggles my mind.
"They are happy for him to work, pay tax and national insurance, but when it comes to public funds they have denied him.
"Maybe one day our immigration system will get the repairing it desperately needs."

source:  http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Visa-granted-Newmarket-man-fighting-deportation/story-26112940-detail/story.html#ixzz3VIp2NCBX

New U.K. Student Visa Charges for Indians: What to Know

Bikes are chained to the railings in front of the Radcliffe Camera building on March 22, 2012 in Oxford University.

Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Indians studying in the United Kingdom will now have to pay a fee to cover possible treatment under the country’s National Health Service. The payment, announced Friday, is part of a broader push to recoup some of the cost to the British taxpayer of migrant healthcare.

Indian and other migrants from outside the European Economic Area who stay in the U.K. for more than six months will have to pay £200 ($295) a year when they apply for a visa starting April 6. Students will have to pay £150. Those already in the U.K. from outside the EEA will also have to pay the new surcharge if they extend their stay.

India is the largest exporter of students to the U.K. after China and had 19,750 of its citizens enrolled there in higher education in the academic year 2013-14, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency. But numbers have fallen sharply in recent years as visa rules have changed to make it more difficult for Indian students to work in the U.K. In 2009-10 for example, India had 38,500 students studying in U.K. universities, Hesa said.

Source: http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2015/03/20/new-u-k-student-visa-charges-for-indians-what-to-know/

UK visa system allows 'slavery'

The UK visa system is enabling unscrupulous employers to treat foreign workers as modern-day slaves, a BBC investigation has found.

BBC Radio 4's Face the Facts spoke to dozens of workers who were paid little or nothing, were not allowed out and were sometimes abused or beaten.

The situations come from "tied" visas - meaning the right to be in the UK can be withdrawn by the employer - and "transit" visas on fishing boats.

Ministers said a review was under way.

Transit visas are being used to bring in recruits to the fishing industry who have no right to set foot on dry land - and therefore no access to UK employment rights.

Face the Facts found this led to some fishing workers spending weeks at a time at sea, sometimes unpaid, sleeping in cramped conditions, often physically and verbally abused.

With tied visas, employees must stay with the employer they arrived to work for - so if they are mistreated and run away, they are likely to be deported.

Modern slavery minister Karen Bradley said: "We do know that there are problems; that's why I've just commissioned an independent review of the visa arrangements for overseas domestic workers."

The government's Modern Slavery Bill, which has cross-party support, will not affect tied or transit visas.

But Ms Bradley said it was the boldest attempt yet in Europe to tackle human trafficking and slavery

It will increase the maximum sentence to life imprisonment, introduce an anti-slavery commissioner and give courts new powers to order compensation.

Face the Facts is broadcast on Radio 4 at 12:15 GMT.

Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-31529773

UK relaxes visa rules, good news for South Africans wanting to visit the UK

The current UK visa system will be relaxed and simplified from April 2015, in order to make the UK more attractive to business.

Although South Africans will still need visas to visit the UK, the new visit visa system will reduce the current 15 types of UK visitor visa categories to just four, explains Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants.

What does that mean exactly?

Business travellers

Will be able to combine business and holiday trips to the UK without having to apply for two separate visas. According to Immigration Manager at 1st Contact Visas John Dunn, this change will reduce red tape and possible delays.

“While applications will be simpler, it is worth noting that all of the original entry criteria still apply,” he said.

Performing artists

Will be able to take part in or host productions more easily thanks to a new visa category.

Visitors wanting to get married in the UK

Will be able to apply for a visa to do just that. But before you consider eloping, bear in mind that the visa will have no relation to the current partner visas and will not grant you the right to remain in the UK, warns Dunn.

According to Breytenbachs, the changes come in light of “continuous complaints from British business leaders that the current visit visa process is too cumbersome and a hindrance to economic growth”.

There are hopes that regular travel visas will be relaxed in the same way, but at the moment it is too early to tell.

Photo by Shutterstock.com

Source: http://www.thesouthafrican.com/uk-relaxes-visa-rules-good-news-for-south-africans-wanting-to-visit-uk/

Theresa May backs student visa crackdown

Home Secretary Theresa May is backing a plan that would require foreign students to leave the country at the end of their courses.

Mrs May believes the current rules are being abused, with many students staying in the country illegally after their studies, BBC political correspondent Carole Walker said.

The proposal is being considered for the next Conservative Party manifesto.

Labour said foreign students brought "billions of investment" into Britain.

Under the current rules, students from outside the EU are allowed to stay in Britain for four months at the end of their courses and if they get graduate jobs they can switch from student visas to work visas.

Theresa May has admitted the government is unlikely to meet its immigration target

The plan put forward by the Conservatives would require anyone whose student visa expires to leave the country and re-apply if they want to continue their studies or take up graduate jobs.

A senior Home Office source said the "brightest and best" would still be able to come back to the UK, saying abuse of the system was fuelling net immigration.

Mrs May has admitted the government is unlikely to meet a target set by Prime Minister David Cameron to reduce net migration to the tens of thousands by the next election.

In April it was revealed that the number of overseas students taking up places at England's universities had decreased by 4,595 in one year - the first fall in 29 years.

'Economically valuable'

Lib Dem Business Secretary Vince Cable has repeatedly clashed with Mrs May over foreign students, who he says have been caught in a "public panic" over migrant numbers.

Mr Cable has warned that the public debate about immigration is in danger of damaging the "economically valuable" recruitment of overseas students to the UK.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said Mrs May's immigration policy was "in chaos".

She said: "More does need to be done to stop people overstaying illegally when their visas run out - whether they arrived on student visas, work visas or tourist visas.

"But the answer to that isn't to prevent highly skilled overseas graduates getting legal work visas to fill shortages in fields like science or medicine here."

Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-30570248

European court gives UK visa direction

The UK cannot block family members who are originally from outside Europe but now live in the EU entering the country without a visa, European judges say.

They were ruling on the case of Spain-based Sean McCarthy, a dual British and Irish national, and his Colombian wife.

The couple argued she should be able to travel to the UK to see her British family without applying for a permit.

The BBC's Danny Shaw said the decision could open up UK borders to other non-EU nationals living in Europe.

A Downing Street spokesman said Prime Minister David Cameron disagreed with the ruling.

'Family permit'

The McCarthys took action against the government under the EU's freedom of movement rules.

Patricia McCarthy Rodriguez argued she should be allowed to travel to the UK with her British family without having to obtain a British visa as she holds an EU Residence Card issued by the Spanish government.

The British government has until now required Mrs McCarthy to obtain a "family permit" visa every six months if she wants to travel to the UK.

The couple argued their right to freedom of movement was being infringed.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ), which interprets EU law, backed the McCarthys, saying the UK cannot demand that family members of EU citizens resident in the EU have to have a special visa to come to the UK.

It said concerns over abuse of rights and fraud did not justify the measures.

Analysis: BBC home affairs correspondent Daniel Sandford

At a time when the government is trying to reduce the number of non-British citizens coming to the UK, this is an awkward ruling.

On the face of it the ruling is logical, if all EU citizens have the right to come and go freely from Britain, then surely their spouses should be allowed to also.

But the government's concern is that sham marriages to EU citizens accompanied by easy-to-obtain residence papers in some EU countries would become another back door into Britain.

The prime minister's spokesman argues there is no consistency in the EU on residence cards.

But the court ruled that restricting freedom of movement of EU citizens spouses could not be justified even when if there are a high number of fraudulent cases.

Mr McCarthy said he was "overjoyed" by the ruling.

He added: "As a British national I had expected my country to play by the rules, and now the court has finally forced the UK to respect British and European citizens' free movement rights."

The ruling only covers cases where the partner from the EU - in this case Mr McCarthy - has exercised their right to free movement within the union. If someone still lives in their home country, their spouse is not entitled to free movement.

The ECJ delivers guidance for the UK courts on how they must interpret European law. The case will now return to the High Court.

The UK government introduced the visa rules because it had concerns over security standards in other EU countries.

Mr Cameron's spokesman said the government would decide how to respond after the High Court ruling.

But the UK's approach was "the right one", he added.

UKIP MEP and spokesman on immigration Steven Woolfe said: "This is yet more proof that Britain can never take back control of its borders as long as it remains in the European Union."

Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-30528189

QAA inquiry says London campuses not ripe for visa fraud

An inquiry has appeared to dismiss claims that student visa abuse is taking place at London branch campuses

The Quality Assurance Agency had been asked to examine student vetting procedures at 13 branch campuses after immigration minister James Brokenshire said there was evidence of abuse on many branch campuses.

Speaking in the House of Commons in June, Mr Brokenshire said a Home Office investigation had found the “worst abuse” of student visas was taking place in branch campuses within London.

The investigation followed a BBC Panorama exposé in February, which revealed systematic cheating in English language tests provided by an organisation called the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

Some 57 private colleges that had used ETS for their language testing had their highly trusted status suspended in June, while three universities were blocked from recruiting international students.

All three have since been allowed to start recruiting students, as have many affected colleges, though Glyndwr University was told to close its London campus.

However, the report by the QAA has now concluded that branch campuses do not present a major opportunity for student visa fraud, stating that they are “well founded and effectively managed”.

Following a review of 13 universities based in other parts of the UK, but who operate at London campuses, the QAA said they are “diligent in approval and validation processes, and conscientious in their ongoing monitoring and review of programmes at their London campuses”.

Student evaluations of the quality of teaching were positive, though the level of student engagement is stronger in some campuses than others, reviewers add, according to the report, titled London Campuses of UK Universities: Overview report of a thematic enquiry by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, which was published on 17 December.

Several potential areas of risk are identified, such as insufficient checks on student entry qualifications and systems open to academic malpractice, but reviewers state that universities are taking the right steps to address them.

“Although establishing a London campus is not straightforward, we found that universities are responding well to those challenges and taking them very seriously,” said Anthony McClaran, chief executive of the QAA.

“Our reviewers found that in general universities had carefully considered their plans to set up and operate a base in the capital, and the risks involved with setting up a London campus,” he added.

The report found that more than 8,400 students were enrolled on a course at a London branch campus in 2013-14.

While reviewers were generally positive about the branch campuses, they had specific concerns about the expansion of student numbers at some campuses, which had underestimated the cost and complexity of taking on more students.

They also flagged concerns over agreements with partner organisations who manage admissions, as well as the low rates of progression and completion at some campuses.

Individual universities involved in the enquiry will now take steps to address any issues identified, the QAA said.

However, despite the QAA’s conclusions, a Home Office spokeswoman said the report had identified “serious discrepancies in the way universities run their London campuses”.

“Some of these institutions have established themselves in London solely to attract international students and are not applying the same rules and criteria for admissions or academic results as they do for the main university,” she said.

“Universities must do more to ensure satellite campuses are admitting genuine, high performing students — and to live up to the highly trusted sponsor status they enjoy to bring in foreign students,” she added.

Institutions who benefit from student migration “must work with us to prevent abuse or risk losing their ability to recruit international students”, she concluded.

Source: http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/news/qaa-inquiry-says-london-campuses-not-ripe-for-visa-fraud/2017600.article

Glyndwr Uni student visa status reinstated by Home Office

Glyndwr University has had its right to sponsor international students reinstated by the Home Office.

The Wrexham-based university was stopped from recruiting overseas students in June after an investigation into alleged visa fraud.
It followed concerns some students may have obtained English language certificates in the UK - required for a student visa - despite not speaking it.
The Home Office decision will be reviewed in January.
The university welcomed the agreement to reinstate its status as a "highly-trusted sponsor" of student visas, which was removed following the investigation.
It will be on "limited basis", the Home Office said, and is "subject to a number of strict conditions".
They include banning the recruitment of international students to a London campus the university operated in Elephant and Castle, which was the focus for the Home Office's Glyndwr concerns.
Glyndwr's Wrexham campus will also have a fixed allowance of places for overseas students who require a visa.
'Positive future' In a statement the Home Office said: "We continue to work closely with Glyndwr University in order to improve their standards for recruiting international students."
Roughly 2,104 of the university's 8,400 students are from outside the EU.
English language certificates are required for a UK student visa, and the probe followed a BBC Panorama investigation.
The decision to overturn the visa ban pointed to "a very positive future for Glyndwr University" said university officials.
It said it was committed to relinquishing the lease on its Elephant and Castle campus in London and will move to new premises by July 2015.
Prof Michael Scott, vice-chancellor and chief executive of the university, said: "The university is fully committed to continuing its support for a more robust student visa system and in that regard is undertaking a number of changes to its London campus during the coming months, including a locational move."

Glyndwr University London is based on the eighth floor of an Elephant and Castle office block
The National Union of Students (NUS) Wales said concerns remained about the situation.
"This decision may offer some relief," said Beth Button, president of NUS Wales.
"However, Glyndwr University continues to face serious financial difficulties.
"This threat to the institution's future concerns us, and it clearly concerns all the students studying on its campuses."
As part of the Home Office investigation, evidence of "serious concern" was uncovered at 57 UK college campuses, which led to sanctions.

source: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-30180437


 

Pick-Up Artist Julien Blanc To Be Denied Visa

One woman says controversial "dating coach" Julien Blanc verbally abused her after she refused to have sex with him.

Pick-up artist Julien Blanc is to be stopped from entering the country after more than 150,000 people signed a petition demanding that the UK deny him a visa.

The American's dating seminars, which encourage what campaigners say is abusive behavior towards women, have sparked international criticism.

The petition says: "To allow this man into the UK legitimises sexual assault and predation, and sends a message that women are playthings or objects without agency."

Home Office Minister Lynne Featherstone told Sky News: "All very pleased Mr Blanc will not be coming to our shores."

The 25-year-old instructor, who charges more than £1,000 for sessions, promises to teach men how to manipulate women.

A Canadian woman told Sky News she was verbally abused by Mr Blanc after they were matched on the dating app Tinder.

The woman we are calling "Angie" said the pick-up artist got angry when she stopped chatting with him shortly after he asked her to have sex with him.

"He sent me a pretty nasty message saying I should be thankful he was even talking to me and calling me a whore," she said.

"I would have been in a horrible situation had I actually met up with him and I feel horrible for all the other girls who have met up with and believed the things he told them.

"He just sees women as objects to serve his needs."

Mr Blanc's website, called Pimping My Game, says he can teach "emotionally scarring" and "evil" techniques to help men persuade women to have sex with them against their better judgement.

One video posted online shows Mr Blanc telling people: "In Tokyo, if you're a white male, you can do what you want.

"I'm just romping through the streets, just grabbing girls' heads."

The video also includes footage of him grabbing a woman's head and yanking it towards his crotch.

Mr Blanc was believed to be planning a series of events in the UK for February.

Debating the issue on Sky News, former Loaded editor Martin Daubney said banning Mr Blanc would be counterproductive.

He said: "Why not get him into the country and expose him as the moron he is? Don't make a martyr of a moron."

Dating and life coach Michael Valmont moved to distance the coaching industry from Mr Blanc.

He said: "If you are inspiring a guy to do that, that is not going to bring them any success. It's going to destroy and actually cause more harm to them ... and obviously it's a terrible set of values to be teaching."

Source: http://news.sky.com/story/1376329/pick-up-artist-julien-blanc-to-be-denied-visa

Bradford ex-councillor's family jailed for visa scam

 

Five members of a family - led by a former Bradford city councillor - have been jailed for immigration fraud.

Khadham Hussain, 62, a ward councillor between 2004 and 2006, was linked to about 100 fraudulent visa applications.

He and his wife Zahida Parveen, three sons Adnan, Gibran and Adam Ashraf, and nephew Numan Shafi were all found guilty at Bradford Crown Court of conspiring to defraud.

Parveen, 53, is to be sentenced on 4 December at the same court.

The family produced and sold forged documents, which were then submitted by others as part of their visa applications to the Home Office.

Hussain and his family were arrested in September 2012, a year after investigators were alerted to their activities.

'Cheat' the system Craig Swanston, from Home Office Criminal Investigations, said the sentences came at "the end of a complex investigation into the criminal activities of a Bradford-based organised crime group led by Khadam Hussain".

"His gang, which included members of his family, used fraudulent practices to cheat our immigration system and facilitate the illegal entry of foreign nationals into the UK," he said.

He said the sentences "reflect the gravity of these offences, and this gang are now paying the price for their criminality".

Hussain, of Box Tree Close, was a Conservative councillor in the City Ward and was jailed for nine years.
Ashraf, 36, of Northcroft Rise; Shafi, 26, of Hilton Road, and Gibran Hussain, 26, of Box Tree Close, were given seven-year sentences on Thursday.

Adnan Hussain, 31, of Hilton Road, was jailed for seven years and three months after admitting a benefit fraud offence.

source: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-bradford-west-yorkshire-30056189

Visa rules no bar to post-study work, says Greg Clark

The chair of the Russell Group has warned that immigration “rhetoric” in the UK is damaging universities’ ability to attract overseas students.
Sir David Eastwood, the University of Birmingham vice-chancellor, part of a delegation to India this week on a government visit, also said that UK universities should focus on “mature, partnership relations” overseas rather than simply on student recruitment.
Greg Clark, the universities and science minister, meanwhile said he would use the trip to “clarify some of the misunderstandings” about the UK’s immigration policy.
UK universities have seen a dramatic fall in Indian student numbers, which many in the sector attribute to the government’s decision in 2012 to abolish post-study work visas.
Sir David said that Birmingham had “bucked that trend”, with Indian student numbers at the institution “up 5 per cent this year”.
But asked if government immigration policy was to blame for the fall in Indian student numbers more generally, Sir David said post-study work visas were an issue “and we need to move towards a more permissive position there”.
“In terms of the realities for study, it’s not more difficult to get a visa to study in the UK than, say, in Australia. But we haven’t been helped by some of the rhetoric which surrounds our visa position, as distinct from the reality.”
He said that it was also important for UK universities to talk “about partnership, about development”, not just recruitment.
Mr Clark was expected to announce collaboration agreements for education and science during the three-day visit, and to give a speech to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry that would “address some of the concerns” about government policy.
He told Times Higher Education that stricter visa rules were not an obstacle to post-study work, arguing that Indian students who had found a reasonably paid job would find it “straightforward” to stay in the UK.
“There may be a perception that that’s difficult and uncertain, but I want to send a message that they can, with confidence, come and expect to work afterwards,” he added.

Source: http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/news/visa-rules-no-bar-to-post-study-work-says-greg-clark/2016913.article

PM announces new 24 hour visa service - UK

As the Prime Minister arrives in Australia for the annual G20 summit where he is expected to meet with around thirty global CEOs at the B20, Downing Street has unveiled plans to extend its successful 24 hour visa service to more business leaders, investors and wealthy tourists as part of the Government’s efforts to support British businesses and to deliver our plan to secure the long-term economic recovery.
The Super Priority Visa Service – already on offer in China and India – ensures a decision on a visa application within 24 hours, removing lengthy bureaucratic hurdles which many businesses fear put off possible business travellers, investors and rich tourists and pushes them towards countries with a simpler service.
The expansion will be rolled out by April 2015 to more countries - with G20 members Turkey and South Africa topping the list of seven which also includes the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, the Philippines and visa processing centres in New York and Paris. The additional cities have been picked due to high demand from businesses and high value travellers.
Welcoming the roll-out of the service, the Prime Minister said:

As part of our long-term economic plan, we are determined to do everything we can to back business, support investment and create jobs.
We are already taking action on that front including cutting corporation tax to the lowest rate in the G7 but we’ve got to keep listening to business about what more we can do to support them. And this new 24 hour service is another way we can help – it will persuade more business travellers, investors and tourists to visit Britain, to trade with Britain and to expand in Britain.

This is good news for British business and tourism, helping us to build a more resilient economy and secure a brighter future for Britain.

Additional information about the 24 hour visa service

Each visa application will cost £600 above normal charges, the same fee charged in India and China where demand has been averaging 50-60 applications per month and over 100 per month respectively.
All applicants must meet the strict requirements of our immigration rules and applying for a visa to enter the UK through the 24 hour service does not in any way guarantee a visa application will be successful.
The UK already offers customers an excellent visa processing service and these changes will help to ensure the service remains competitive. Other recent improvements include:

• Expanding the priority visa (3-5 day) services to over 100 countries.
• Improving visa application centres and offering them in more locations across the world.
• Extending opening hours at visa application centres and adding premium lounges.

UK marriage visa rules 'must change' after Derbyshire couple forced to live apart

 

A solicitor has said rules on UK marriage visas need to be more flexible after a couple who both work have been forced to live apart.

Sarah Mason Smith from Derbyshire does not earn enough to meet the £18,600 threshold to allow her American husband to live in the UK.

Brent Smith's income alone more than meets the threshold and, they say, he could work remotely in the UK.
The BBC asked the Home Office for a comment but it has not responded.

'Hands tied' The government brought in new rules in July 2012 which meant only British citizens who earn an £18,600-a-year salary for six months can sponsor their non-European spouse's visa.

The couple, both 28, married in August but Mr Smith returned to Kansas on Sunday before his marriage visitor visa expired. Ms Mason Smith, a graduate who works as a support worker for an autism charity, said she may have to find a new career so her husband can live with her in Idridgehay.

"I feel like may hands are tied. I'm doing a job that benefits society. I feel like I'm doing my bit but my husband can't be here living with me."

She said they planned the wedding before they knew the technicalities of the law and had planned to live in the UK afterwards.

Mr Smith said: "Even if she found a new job tomorrow it would be eight or nine months before we could be together, apart from a holiday."

'Too rigid'
 
The couple's immigration solicitor Rachel Harvey said Mr Smith could do his £20,000-a-year job as a social media manager remotely in the UK.

"There's nothing to stop the government being more flexible," she said.

"The specified evidence requirement is so rigid that you cannot take anyone else's finances into account from overseas.

"I've had extremely high-earning individuals of foreign nationality who can do their jobs from here and they cannot count their salaries. That's the hardest thing to explain to clients."

The Home Office was asked for a comment but did not respond.

Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-derbyshire-30036879

UK announces ‘relaxed’ visa regulations

Cape Town - South Africans in possession of an Australian, Canadian, New Zealand and US visa will no longer be required to have a transit visa to travel through the UK if they arrive and depart on the same day.

The British High Commission announced the “relaxed” regulation on Tuesday, which would mean that from the start of next month, South Africans as well as Swaziland and Lesotho nationals will be exempt from requiring a travel transit visa to the UK. 

British High Commission spokesman Hooman Nouruzi said following a global travel review, the commission had found the visas of the listed countries to be compliant with UK visa regulations.

 

“Following a global review, (the UK) is satisfied that South Africans who have an existing visa with those countries may transit through the UK to anywhere in the world without obtaining a direct airside transit visa. We hope this would encourage more people to travel through the UK,” Nouruzi said. 

Home Affairs spokesman Mayihlome Tshwete said there was little to celebrate as UK visitors could stay for up to 90 days in South Africa without obtaining a visa, while South Africans needed a visa if they wished to stay the night in London. 

“There is not much to celebrate. “UK citizens still visit South Africa without having a visa, but (South Africans) need a visa to visit the UK, which is not cheap,” Tshwete said. 

Natalia Rosa, spokeswoman for the Association of Southern African Travel Agents (Asata), said when the requirement for South Africans to have a transit visa was implemented three years ago, a significant number of people requested alternative flight routes. Asata had been in lengthy discussions with the UK consulate about the issue. In October, the direct airside transit visa fee set a South African back about R536. 

Economic Opportunities MEC Alan Winde welcomed the new policy and said South Africa needed to feed off of the strides the UK was making regarding visa regulations. 

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/travel/travel-news/uk-announces-relaxed-visa-regulations-1.1778816#.VGP_FGcQ9k4