News
Maintenance Requirements for skilled workers
From 27 November skilled workers wishing to enter the UK should apply under Tier 2 of the new five-tier points based system rather than the old work permit scheme which it has now replaced.Migrants applying under this scheme must meet the maintenance requirement or their application will be refused.To qualify at this stage, a migrant must be able to show personal savings equivalent to £800 at the time the application is made. An official bank statement from a recognized bank will suffice. Alternatively the applicant must be able to show written confirmation from their A-rated sponsor that the sponsor will maintain and accommodate them until the end of the first month of their work in the United Kingdom.From the end of March 2009 the savings option will change to a requirement for an applicant to demonstrate an amount of £800 at all times during the preceding 3 month period.The maintenance provision has now been extended to include a migrant's immediate family. Dependants must prove that they or the migrant, hold £533 for each dependant at the time of the application or that the migrant has written confirmation from his A-rated sponsor that the sponsor will maintain and accommodate the migrant's dependants, if necessary, during their first month in the United Kingdom.Again the financial provision will change at the end of march next year when bank statements will have to show an amount of £533 continuously throughout the previous 3 months.If you have any questions, please call us on 0207 866 8170
UK Removals at a 6 year high!
Quarterly control of immigration and quarterly accession monitoring statistics published today. More people were removed from the country between July and September this year than in any other third quarter since 2002, the Home Office announced today. In the three months to September this year 17, 525 people were removed - a nine per cent increase on the same period the previous year and the highest number of removals in any third quarter for six years. This included a 14 per cent increase in non asylum removals - a group that includes foreign national prisoners - with removals increasing from 12,680 in the third quarter of 2007 to 14,405 in the same period this year. This is further evidence that the Home Office is succeeding in its commitment to remove anyone who has no right to be here - with a focus on targeting the most harmful first. Last year the UK Border Agency removed over 4,200 foreign prisoners and today's figures suggest it is well on track to meet its tough target to remove 5,000 before the end of 2008. In the first six months of this year over 2,500 foreign prisoners were removed - a 23 per cent increase on the same period last year. Border and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said: "The huge shake-up we have made to the immigration system is paying off. Our borders are tougher than ever before, asylum applications remain low, and we are removing record numbers of foreign law breakers. "Last year someone was removed every eight minutes - including more than 4,200 foreign national prisoners. Today's figures show that we are well on track to kick out even more this year." To speed up the removal process further still, the Government announced earlier this year that the capacity of the immigration detention estate will be increased by 60 per cent, with an additional 1,300 to 1,500 spaces for immigration offenders within two years. A dramatic drop in the number of Eastern Europeans registering to work in the United Kingdom was recorded by other statistics published by the Home Office today. The Accession Monitoring Report shows that the number of applications from A8 nationals looking for work fell from 59,000 between July and September 2007 to 38,000 in the same period this year - a drop of 36 per cent. Applications are now at their lowest level since the eight accession countries joined the European Union (EU) in 2004. Applications for accession worker cards and registration certificates from Bulgaria and Romania - the A2 nations - have also fallen to record lows. There were 6,515 applications from these two nations between July and September this year - a drop of 31 per cent from the same period last year when there were 9,470. Mr Woolas said: "Today's figures show a dramatic drop in the number of Poles coming here to work this year - suggesting that regeneration in Poland is encouraging people to stay in their home country. On top of this our new points system means only those from outside Europe with the skills we need will be able to work or study here and no more. "Had the points system been in place last year there would have been a 12 per cent reduction in the number of people coming here to work through the equivalent work permit route." Border security is tougher than ever - nearly 16,000 individual attempts to enter the United Kingdom illegally were prevented between April and October this year - a sixty per cent increase from the same period last year. In 2007 asylum applications were at their lowest level since 1993 and they remain low, with 6,620 applications in this quarter. A performance document published today confirms that the United Kingdom ranked 11th in Europe in terms of asylum seekers per head. It also showed that last year failed asylum seeker removals did not exceed the number of anticipated unfounded asylum claims - this reflects the Government's focus on targeting the most harmful people first. The UK Border Agency's success in this is illustrated by the fact that last year they removed nearly 50,000 non asylum seekers and lawbreakers - the highest level since 2002. These figures are released as the Home Office carries out the biggest shake-up of the immigration system in a generation, including the introduction of: a tough new Australian-style points system to allow only the workers Britain needs to come here;the fingerprinting of every visa applicant from across the globe - so far more than 3.1 million sets of fingerprints have been taken, detecting over 4,400 cases of identity swaps; andcivil penalties targeting those employing illegal workers - since February over 1,000 fines worth nearly £10 million pounds have been issued. Later this month the Government will introduce compulsory ID cards for all foreign nationals. These will lock people to one identity and - in time - help businesses who employ foreign workers to crack down on illegal working.If you have any questions, please call us on 0207 866 8170
Jobs available to foreign workers to be reduced
The number of jobs available to foreign workers through the shortage occupation route will be reduced, the Government announced today. The shortage occupation list sets out those jobs for which there are not enough resident workers, and will be used as part of the skilled worker tier (Tier 2) of the Australian-style points system, which will be launched on 27 November. Tier 2 of the points system will ensure that British jobseekers get the first shot at jobs and only those foreign workers we need will be able to come to the United Kingdom. Recent Government work to ensure British workers are skilled and competitive means that many of the previous gaps in the labour market have been filled. As a result, today's list is tighter than ever before and will see a reduction of more than 200,000 positions in occupations with shortages that need be filled by migrant workers. The number of positions available to migrants has been reduced from one million to just under 800,000, ensuring that only those foreign workers we need - and no more - can come here. Border and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said: "The Australian-style points system is flexible, allowing us to raise or lower the bar according to the needs of business and taking population trends into account. "Had the points system been in place last year there would have been 12 per cent fewer people coming in to work through the equivalent work permit route. On top of this, the strict new shortage list means 200,000 fewer jobs are available via the shortage occupation route." Under Tier 2 companies must pass the Resident Labour Market test by proving they cannot fill the post with a resident worker before they can bring in someone from outside the EEA. If the job is on the shortage list the company will not need to pass the test. The Government publishes today's shortage occupation list following advice from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). Their recommended list has been adopted in full - with the addition of social workers, who will remain on the list while further evidence is considered by the MAC. Further Education Minister Sion Simon said: "This Government is making an unprecedented investment in skills and training to ensure that United Kingdom residents do not lose out to overseas workers or see jobs go abroad because of a lack of skills. "We have recently made a number of funding deals with employers, worth £630 million over three years, to give them greater access to flexible, bespoke training aimed at tackling skills shortages in their sectors. "The deals cover sectors such as catering, hospitality and construction." To get in under Tier 2 skilled foreign workers must have: English language skills;prospective earnings of more than £24,000, or slightly less if they have a decent qualification - or an offer of a job on the shortage list;enough money to support themselves for the first month of their stay. Employers will need to get a sponsor licence to enable them to bring migrant workers into the country from outside the European Economic Area. They will be checked out by the UK Border Agency and will sign up to certain duties. This means that Government will share the responsibility for migrant workers with those who benefit from them. The Home Office last week helped businesses to prepare for the changes by publishing detailed guidance on Tiers 2 and 5 (skilled workers and temporary workers respectively) of the system. The tough points system is just one part of the biggest shake up to immigration and border security in 45 years, along with the fingerprinting of anyone travelling to the UK on a visa and compulsory ID cards for foreign nationals.
Marriage Visa age to increase
The age at which someone can apply for a marriage visa will increase from 18 to 21 from the end of this month, the Government announced today. From 27 November both parties in a marriage will have to be 21 before a marriage visa can be issued. Raising the age is just one part of the Government's work to crackdown on forced marriage and on those who attempt to abuse the marriage visa route. Border and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said: "It is important that we protect vulnerable young people and this measure will help avoid exploitation". The changes being made to the marriage visa route are part of a package of measures being brought in today to deliver the biggest shake-up to immigration and border security in 45 years. Also today, the Home Office helped businesses to prepare for the go-live of Tiers 2 and 5 of the points system on 27 November by publishing detailed guidance on the two tiers. Under these tiers - which cover skilled and temporary workers - employers will be held accountable for the workers they bring into the country, with a new sponsorship scheme holding businesses responsible for those they employ. Mr Woolas said: "The points system means only the migrants with the skills Britain needs can come - and no more. It is also flexible, allowing us to raise or lower the bar according to the needs of business and taking population trends into account. "Had the system been in place last year there would have been 12 per cent fewer people coming in to work through the equivalent work permit route." Tier 2 of the points system will ensure that British jobseekers get the first shot at jobs and only those foreign workers we need will be able to come to the UK. Under this tier companies must pass the Resident Labour Market test by proving they cannot fill the post with a resident worker before they can bring in someone from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
Points Based System Goes Live!!!
Today Phil Woolas, Minister of State for borders and immigration, announced the go live date for tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system. Tier 2, relating to skilled workers, replaces the current work permit scheme. Tier 5 covers temporary workers entering the United Kingdom for a short period. From 27 November 2008 employers wishing to bring non-European Economic Area migrants to the United Kingdom under tiers 2 and 5 will need to be a licensed sponsor. Sponsors will be responsible for issuing certificates of sponsorship to migrants and ensuring that their sponsor obligations are fulfilled. Migrants can then use the certificate of sponsorship to apply for entry clearance. If you have not yet applied for a sponsor's licence and wish to bring in migrants under tiers 2 and 5 you need to apply for your licence as soon as possible. If you are a potential or registered sponsor, you can find full details of the points-based system in the sponsorship under the points-based system section of this website.
New Work Permit Changes Announced
About the changes This page explains what you need to do if you have existing leave to enter or remain under a category which will be abolished when Tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system are introduced. If the leave you have is in a category that currently lead to settlement, this page also explains how you will be able to continue towards that aim. If you are already in the United Kingdom, you will be able to complete your period of leave, providing you continue to meet the terms of your leave. If you have already been granted entry clearance abroad, but have not yet entered the United Kingdom you will still be able to enter the United Kingdom and complete your period of leave. If you have been granted a period of leave of over six months, you will be able to leave and re-enter during your period of leave. However, if you have been granted less than six months leave, you will not be able to re-enter under one of the abolished categories and you will need to apply again under the full requirements of the points-based system. Applications for work permits posted after Tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system are introduced will not be accepted (unless you are a Bulgarian or Romanian national). Couriered applications and those sent electronically must be received on the day before Tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system are introduced. If you already have a work permit you should continue to apply for leave to enter or remain under the immigration rules relating to work permits, which will remain in force after Tier 2 and Tier 5 are launched. For further information, you should see the guidance. If you are currently on a multiple entry work permit, you cannot apply under the transitional arrangements. If you want to continue working in the United Kingdom after your current leave expires, you must return to your normal country of residence and make a fresh application. This application will be subject to the full points-based system criteria. There are no transitional arrangements for the following categories, as no extensions are allowed and they do not lead to settlement: The Working Holiday Maker schemeThe Japan Youth Exchange schemeGap year entrants working in United Kingdom schools concession The following table explains the transitional arrangements for all other categories which will be abolished when Tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system are introduced: What is my current category? Which transitional arrangement should I use? Which type of sponsor licence will my employer require? Will I be able to make an application to extend my leave after Tiers 2 and 5 of the Points Based System are introduced? Which application form do I use? Work permit holder -business and commercial (except senior care workers) A Tier 2 Yes Tier 2 Representative of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation A Tier 2 Yes Tier 2 Member of airport-based operational ground staff of an overseas owned airline A Tier 2 Yes Tier 2 Jewish Agency Employee A Tier 2 Yes Tier 2 Minister of Religion B Tier 2 Yes Tier 2 Missionary B Tier 2 Yes Tier 2 Work permit holder - sports and entertainments (sportsperson) C Tier 2 Yes Tier 2 Work permit holder - business and commercial (senior care workers) D Tier 2 Yes Tier 2 Visiting Religious worker E None No FLR(O) Religious worker in a non -pastoral role E None No FLR(O) International Association for the Exchange of Students of Technical Experience (IAESTE) E None No FLR(O) International Fire Fighter Fellowship Programme E None No FLR(O) EU Leonardo da Vinci Programme E None No FLR(O) China Graduate Work Experience programme E None No FLR(O) Voluntary worker E None No FLR(O) Exchange teacher or language assistant E None No FLR(O) Research assistant to a Member of Parliament E None No FLR(O) Au Pair placement E None No FLR(O) British Universities North America Club (BUNAC) student E None No FLR(O) Member of a religious order F None No FLR(O) Rudolf Steiner concession F None No FLR(O) Private servant in a diplomatic household F None No FLR(O) Overseas Government Employee F None No FLR(O) Work permit holder - Medical Training Initiative (MTI) G None No WP1X (your employer) and FLR(IED) (you) Work permit holder - Training and Work Experience Scheme (TWES) G None No WP1X (your employer) and FLR(IED) (you) Work permit holder - General Agreement in Trade in Services (GATS) G None No WP1X (your employer) and FLR(IED) (you) Work permit holder - sports and entertainments (entertainer) H Tier 2 Yes Tier 2
Business visitors face strict new rules
Tough new rules to safeguard the visitor route into the United Kingdom from abuse and keep Britain an attractive place to do business were published by the Government today.Under strict new rules those wishing to come to the United Kingdom on business for up to six months must apply for a dedicated new business visa and prove they will be carrying out the following activities: attending meetings or conferences; arranging deals, negotiating or signing trade agreement or contracts; undertaking fact-finding missions, checking details or goods; and conducting site visits and promotional activities.In June new visa routes for business, tourist and family visitors were announced in a shake-up of Britain's short-term visa system. The Statement of Intent published today sets out in more detail how the new business visa will work.Border and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said:'Now we are introducing an Australian-style points system for selective migration, it makes sense to tighten visit visas at the same time.These changes will help create a fairer Britain with fair treatment for those who play by the rules, but tough action against those who break the law.We want the United Kingdom to stay open and attractive to both business and visitors. At the same time we are determined to deliver a system of border security which is among the most secure in the world.'Also today, the Home Office set out further detail on two new visitor routes for sportspeople and entertainers, recognising the important contribution these individuals make to British cultural life. These new routes mean that an historical concession which allowed sportspeople and entertainers to come here for a short time without a work permit to take part in certain events will be retained.Under these new routes the following people will now be able to enter the United Kingdom using a dedicated new visa: sportspeople and support staff coming for specific events, such as Wimbledon; amateur sportspeople joining United Kingdom amateur teams for up to six months; professional entertainers coming to the United Kingdom to take part in music competitions; amateur entertainers travelling to the United Kingdom for a specific engagement; professional entertainers coming to take part in a charity show or where they will receive no fee; and professional and amateur entertainers taking part in a 'permit-free festival' such as the Edinburgh Festival.All of the changes set out in the document published today will sit alongside the Points Based System, which replaces around eighty different work permit routes with just five tiers.Those travelling into the United Kingdom are locked into one identity through the introduction of fingerprinting for all visa applicants, a new hi-tech system for counting people in and out of the country and the rollout of ID cards for all foreign nationals.
New Work Permit Codes of Practice
This page explains the codes of practice that you must use to check the skill level and appropriate rate for the job you want to employ the migrant for, and advice on where to advertise the job. Sponsoring skilled workers Before you can sponsor a skilled migrant, you need to check that the job you are sponsoring them to do meets the conditions of the sponsored skilled worker tier. the job must be skilled at N/SVQ level 3 or above; andthe job must be paid at the appropriate rate or above; andyou must normally have carried out a resident labour market test for the job before sponsoring a migrant. If the job does not meet the conditions of the code of practice, you cannot issue a certificate of sponsorship. See the resident labour market test for more information about the types of application where you do not have to carry out the test. Even if you do not have to carry out the test, you need to check the codes of practice to check that the job is skilled and that it is paid at the appropriate rate. The migrant will still need to score enough points to qualify under the skilled migrant tier. If the job meets the conditions above, this does not necessarily mean that the migrant's application will be approved. back to top What each code includes Each code includes the following: the skilled jobs at National or Scottish Vocational Qualification (NVQ or SVQ) level 3 or above in each occupation that sponsors are allowed to issue a certificate of sponsorship for;the minimum appropriate salary rates, as defined by the 25th percentile of the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) or by an alternative code of practice;the acceptable media and methods for meeting the resident labour market test. back to top How the codes have been developed These codes of practice have been drawn up based on advice from industry experts and the Migration Advisory Committee. They are the official guidance for sponsors and caseworkers. back to top The codes Section A - agriculture, forestry and fishing (PDF 193K opens in a new window) Section B - mining and quarrying (PDF 56K opens in a new window) Section C - manufacturing (PDF 514K opens in a new window) Section D - electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (PDF 83K opens in a new window) Section E - water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities (PDF 68K opens in a new window) Section F - construction (PDF 307K opens in a new window) Section G - wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (PDF 95K opens in a new window) Section H - transportation and storage (PDF 239K opens in a new window) Section I - accommodation and food service activities (PDF 216K opens in a new window) Section J - information and communication (PDF 175K opens in a new window) Section K - financial and insurance activities (PDF 200K opens in a new window) Section L - real estate activities (PDF 91K opens in a new window) Section M - professional, scientific and technical activities (PDF 450K opens in a new window) Section N - administrative and support service activities (PDF 310K opens in a new window) Section O - public administration and defence, compulsory social security (PDF 260K opens in a new window) Section P - education (PDF 202K opens in a new window) Section Q - human health and social work activities (PDF 517K opens in a new window) Section R - arts, entertainment and recreation (PDF 235K opens in a new window) Section S - other service activities (PDF 316K opens in a new window)
Strict new jobs list for migrant workers
A strict new list of shortage jobs which targets migration better at the needs of British businesses, while reinforcing the selective approach of the new Australian-style points based system, was presented to the Home Office today by independent advisors. The recommended shortage occupation list would bring in a more flexible, larger set of work categories but would see the number of individual positions open to migrants reduced by 30 per cent. The Home Office tasked the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), an independent panel of economists, with overhauling the current shortage occupation list and will now pressure test their recommendations carefully before publishing the final list in October. The MAC's recommended list follows the most comprehensive study of its kind ever conducted anywhere in the world. It reduces the number of jobs open to migrants from one million to 700,000. The list also defines more tightly which positions cannot easily be filled by resident workers. Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said: "Our new Australian-style points system is flexible to meet the needs of British business while ensuring that only those we want and no more can come here to work. This tough new shortage occupation list supports that. "This strict list means 30 per cent fewer jobs are available to migrants via the shortage occupation route. "Those that do come will need to work hard, play by the rules and speak English." The final shortage occupation list will be published by the Home Office next month ahead of the skilled worker tier of the points system - known as Tier 2 - coming on-line in November. Tier 2 will ensure that opportunities for British jobseekers are maintained by requiring companies to prove they cannot fill the post with a resident worker before recruiting from outside Europe. To get in under Tier 2 skilled foreign workers must have: a good grasp of English;prospective earnings of more than £24,000 or have a good qualification; andenough money to support themselves for the first month of their stay. The MAC report recommends that sectors should develop training strategies and look beyond migration for new recruits, which directly supports the Government's aim to upskill the British workforce and ensure Britain remains a global leader in skills. Mr Byrne said: "We are grateful for the work the Migration Advisory Committee has carried out. We will be pressure testing their conclusions before publishing our final list in October, so that the points system can come online just as we promised - on time. "Our tough new points system plus our plans for newcomers to earn their citizenship will reduce overall numbers of economic migrants coming to Britain and the numbers awarded permanent settlement. "Crucially, the points system means only the migrants with the skills Britain needs can come - and no more. Unlike made-up quotas, this stops Government cutting business off from the skills it needs when they need them."
Points Based System
This year we began the roll-out of our points-based system - the biggest shake-up of our immigration system for 45 years. At the end of November the Border Agency will be launching the skilled worker tier (tier 2) and the temporary worker tier (tier 5). Under the points-based system, employers will need a sponsor licence to bring in skilled or temporary workers from outside the European Economic Area or Switzerland. It is recommended that you make your application for a sponsor licence by 1 October if you want it to be considered in time for the opening of tiers 2 and 5. The section on sponsorship under the points-based system contains all the information you need to make your licence application.Call us and we can start the process for you:-+44(0)207 866 8170
Employers told to prepare for PBS
The UK Border Agency called business to action today through the launch of a new TV advert designed to help prepare them for the introduction of the Government's new route for skilled migrant workers going live in November. Under the Government's new Australian-style Points-Based System businesses wanting to employ skilled foreign workers from outside Europe and sponsor their entry to the UK must apply for a licence. The Agency is committed to supporting industry through the introduction of the rules to ensure legitimate businesses do not fall foul of the new regime and only those with the skills the country needs will be able to work or study here and no more. The advert, which depicts a man being forced to jump over hurdles before being considered for entry to the UK, sends a clear message that those that do not play by the rules will not get in - businesses that want to hire illegal workers face huge fines and being barred from hiring workers from outside the EEA. UK Border Agency Chief Executive Lin Homer said: "The Points-Based System is one of the biggest shake-ups to the immigration system in a generation ensuring only those with the skills we need will be able to work or study here and no more. "Our message to businesses is loud and clear - if you want to employ foreign workers from outside the EEA, you need to apply now for a sponsor licence. Business benefits from migrant labour but must join us in helping crack down on illegal working and ensure a system which is both firm and fair." Earlier this year the Home Office unveiled the criteria which businesses will have to meet to become a sponsor under the Points-Based System. These are that: any business must register with the Agency as a sponsor before they can bring foreign workers from outside the EEA into the UK to work; andas a condition of keeping their licence, sponsors will need to alert us if migrants do not comply with their immigration conditions - for example if they disappear or do not turn up for their job or course. Any sponsor that does not comply with this requirement will risk losing its licence. Most businesses using Tier 2 have been able to register as sponsors since February this year, with all remaining sponsors being able to apply since late July. From November, those who register successfully will be able to sponsor new foreign workers to work in the UK or support those already in the UK who want to stay. To get in under Tier 2 (General) skilled foreign workers must have: enough points through their qualifications and potential earnings;a good grasp of English language; andenough money to support themselves for the first month of their stay. The new Points-Based System is just one part of the biggest shake up to immigration and border security in 45 years, along with fingerprint visas for anyone wanting to come to the UK and compulsory ID cards for foreign nationals.
Strict Guidelines for Students
Foreign students hoping to come to the UK to study will have to meet strict new criteria, the Government announced today. The Home Office has published proposals for much tighter rules for foreign students - and the universities and colleges hosting them - under the student tier of its new Points Based System. All colleges and universities that want to recruit foreign students will now need a licence to do so and will have to take greater responsibility for their international students, helping Government crack down on bogus colleges who abuse the system. For the first time education providers face a ban on bringing over international students if they fail to follow strict new rules - including alerting the UK Border Agency (UKBA) if students fail to enrol. Students will also face stringent new criteria if they want to study in the UK, ensuring only those who benefit Britain can come. Before they can study here, foreign students must: be sponsored by a UKBA-licensed education institution;prove that they have the means to support themselves and their families while studying here; andsupply their fingerprints. Stricter rules on work placements for students will also ensure that the UK's labour market is protected. Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said: "All those who come to Britain must play by the rules. It is right that foreign students wanting to take advantage of our world-class universities and colleges must meet strict criteria. "By locking people to one identity with ID cards, alongside a tough new sponsorship system, we will know exactly who is coming here to study and crack down on bogus colleges." Visas will only be granted to students who show a proven track record in education and are applying for a course that meets a minimum level of qualification. They must also be able to demonstrate they can financially support themselves and any of their dependants. Students on courses for longer than 12 months will have to show they have sufficient funds to pay their first year of fees, plus £9,600 to cover their first year in the UK. Students wishing to bring their dependants with them will need to show they have a further £535 per month for each person they bring. Each year, international students contribute £2.5 billion to the UK economy in tuition fees alone and an overall estimated contribution of £8.5 billion. In recognition of the many economic and cultural benefits that these students bring to the UK, earlier this year the Government announced a special visa category allowing successful international students who have graduated from a British university to work in the UK for up to two years. Higher Education Minister Bill Rammell said: "I welcome the education sector's involvement in developing a structure that allows international students to benefit from the excellent educational experience the UK offers, while giving them the opportunity to work in the UK for two years following graduation. "However, I will not tolerate the minority of individuals who seek to damage the quality of our education system through bogus colleges. This is why we have introduced tighter checks to the current Register of Education and Training Providers. The new system will toughen this process further and give extra protection from the damage bogus colleges can cause." Under the new system education providers who want to teach foreign nationals must be granted a licence by the UKBA, they can then sponsor students to come to the UK. Without a confirmation of acceptance for studies issued to them by their sponsoring institution a student's visa application will not be considered. It also acts as a pledge from the college or university that they accept responsibility for the student while they are in the UK. Universities and colleges face losing their licence if they fail to: keep copies of all their foreign students' passports;keep and update their students' contact details;alert the UKBA to any students who fail to enrol on their course;report unauthorised absences to the UKBA; andinform the UKBA if any student stops their studies. The sponsorship register for colleges and universities opened for applications this week. Internationalworkpermits.com still assist in student applications, IGS extensions and the Tier 1 (post-study work)
Marriage visa age raised.
Marriage visa age raised to prevent forced marriages The age at which someone can apply for a marriage visa will increase from 18 to 21 as part of a crackdown on forced marriage, the Home Office announced today. Statistics show that 30 per cent of the cases dealt with by the Government's Forced Marriage Unit involved victims aged between 18 and 21. The new steps significantly strengthen the safeguards against forced marriage. The five key proposals announced today are to: raise the age of sponsorship for a marriage visa from 18 to 21;ask foreign spouses to enter into an agreement to learn English before they come to the UK;introduce a power to revoke leave to remain where there is evidence that the marriage route has been abused;require all sponsors to register their intention to marry overseas before they leave the UK; andensure through a code of practice that specialist teams can identify vulnerable people at risk of forced marriage. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "Forced marriage leads to victims suffering years of physical and mental abuse and - in extreme cases - unlawful imprisonment and rape. It has no place in our society. That is why the Government is determined to do everything it can to stamp it out and to ensure that victims receive the help and support they need. "That is why we are raising the age limit for visas, checking anyone entering into a marriage does so of their own free will, and demanding that those coming to the UK learn English." Any British citizen applying to 'sponsor' someone to come to the UK as their spouse will have to declare their intention before they leave the UK and marry abroad. This will mean that a young person will know in advance that a marriage will take place overseas and who their prospective partner will be. Practical guidance is also being introduced so the UK Border Agency staff can spot any risk of abuse or those who are vulnerable to forced marriage and prevent them from being coerced into marriage. In these cases we will make clear what the rights of victims are and how the marriage visa will be dealt with. Tough new rules will mean that anyone abusing the marriage visa system will be removed from the UK by the UKBA under a new power to revoke people's right to stay in the country. The Government believes that those who stay in the UK must have a good grasp of English to ensure they integrate into British life. Before they come to the UK, spouses will need to sign up to an agreement to learn English. Soon after their arrival, the UKBA will check they are fulfilling their promise. If they are not, their leave could be cancelled. Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne: "British citizens have the right to marry whoever they choose. But we want newcomers to succeed in our society and sign up to the standards we have in common. That means freedom, not being forced to marry someone, and it means newcomers quickly acquiring a command of English, with consequences for those who break the rules." New guidelines will help ensure that police, teachers and health workers can recognise the signs of a forced marriage, take action and help victims escape. A consultation published today will ensure the Government gets this advice for workers right. Today we are also publishing the Government's response to the Home Affairs Committee Report on Domestic Violence, Forced Marriage and "Honour"-Based Violence, published on 7 June. The new proposals on marriage visas fulfil a number of recommendations from the Home Affairs Committee, relating to forced marriage This work shows the Government's commitment to preventing forced marriage and supporting its victims.hsmp extension forum ltd
HSMP Transitional Policy document released
17th July: The Home Office / Border Agency have now implemented the new Highly Skilled Migration Programme (HSMP) transitional arrangements for those looking to extend under HSMP / Tier 1. The HSMP Forum judicial review judgement of the 8 April 2008 has changed how we apply HSMP extensions. You are covered by the judgment if you joined HSMP under the arrangements in place until the programme was suspended on 7 November 2006. You are not covered by the judgement if you joined the HSMP under the arrangements in place from 5 December 2006.Also... applicants on the International Graduates Scheme can now extend for a further year under the new Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) scheme. This and all other work permit / visa applications can be done on a "no visa no fee" basis. Call us for assistance in this or any other immigration matter: 02078668170 hsmp extension forum ltd
Newcomers must "earn the right" to stay in the UK
Foreign nationals wishing to become British citizens will have to earn the right to stay, the Government announced today. The tough new approach will require all migrants to speak English and obey the law if they want to gain citizenship and stay permanently in Britain, while speeding up the path to citizenship for those who contribute to the community. The reforms are at the centre of a sweeping overhaul of all immigration laws dating back to 1971 and confirm new modern laws reserving full access to benefits and social housing will be reserved for citizens and permanent residents. Foreign nationals who commit serious offences will face automatic consideration for deportation - and even minor offences will delay access to citizenship by up to three years. Public support for the proposals was confirmed by new Home Office polling released today. A Mori poll carried out for the Home Office revealed that: 70 per cent of the public think that newcomers should earn the right to stay in Britain;83 per cent think that immigrants in Britain should be made to learn English; and69 per cent agree that newcomers should be penalised on the path to citizenship if they don't obey Britain's laws. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "In recent months we have listened to people across Britain and the message is clear - they want those who want to make Britain their home to speak English, to work hard, and to earn the right to stay here. "We are making the biggest changes to our immigration system for a generation, and part of that is making sure those who stay in the UK make a positive impact on their local community." The draft Immigration and Citizenship Bill published today replaces ten Acts of Parliament and enshrines into law the Government's biggest ever shake-up of the immigration system. The key measures are: Strong borders 1. new powers for frontline UKBA officers at foreign ports and airports to cancel visas. 2. bringing customs and immigration powers at the border into the 21st century, consolidating and strengthening civil penalties for bringing passengers without the right papers and clandestine entrants to the UK. Selective migration 3. the Bill proposes a clear legal duty on migrants to ensure they have permission to be in the UK, for example under our new points system. 4. the Bill introduces a single, streamlined power of expulsion for those without permission. Earning the right to stay 5. migrants will now have to earn their right to stay in the UK. 6. automatic bans on returns with new powers to exclude offenders and powers to require those who are expelled to repay costs to taxpayers if we allow them to come back. Playing by the rules 7. the Bill gives a new power to require large 'bail bonds' for those awaiting decisions or expulsion, part of a tough menu of conditions for "Immigration bail" as an alternative to detention. 8. confirming tough measures to prevent organised illegal immigration by attacking illegal working with civil penalties for employers who do not make the necessary checks. 9. simplifying our appeals system to cut red-tape; ensuring that the system is properly sensitive to the needs of vulnerable groups: honouring our international obligations to refugees and ensuring the UKBA safeguards and promotes the welfare of children. Managing any local impacts 10. full access to benefits for citizens and permanent residents, with migrants contributing a little extra to the cost of local services. The Home Office confirmed that newcomers will have to pay a little extra before they become citizens to create a fund of tens of millions of pounds a year to help police, schools, councils and local health services to use the money to deal with the short-term pressures of migration in their areas. Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said: "Britain is not anti-foreigner, we're a welcoming, tolerant place. But we do expect newcomers to sign up to a deal if they want to stay and build a life in Britain. "The public overwhelmingly supports the idea of newcomers earning their right to stay. Today we show how we'll make these ideas law, hand in hand with our new points system for selective migration, like the one that's worked so well in Australia." These changes are part of the biggest shake-up to the immigration system for a generation, and to make sure these changes stick today's Bill will see the currently complex immigration laws replaced by one simplified piece of legislation. By updating the law, and getting rid of any room for misinterpretation, the UK Border Agency can cut red tape and accelerate the speed of its work.Bristish citizenship uk work permits
Highly Skilled Migrant Programme Forum judicial review
Guidance and application forms will be published in the week beginning 14 July for migrants who currently hold HSMP leave and need to apply for an extension. Guidance and application forms for the other groups covered by the judgment will follow as soon as possible thereafter. If you have an application pending for an extension in Tier 1 (General), your application will be assessed in accordance with the requirements for an extension that were in place before 7 November 2006. You will not need to make a new application. You are covered by the judgment if you joined the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) under the arrangements in place until the programme was suspended on 7 November 2006. You are not covered by the judgment if you joined the HSMP under the arrangements in place from 5 December 2006. International Work Permits would be happy to clarify any doubts you have and to assist in making any applications to the Border and Immigration Agency.
Switching Your IGS application
Newsflash 2008:- The POST STUDY WORK category came into affect in July 2008 and allows the UK to retain the brightest foreign students who have studied in a UK educational establishment. It is part of the new Tier 1 category and will not require a sponsor [unlike business work permits]. Those with student visas in the UK under Post-Study Work are expected to switch into another part of the points system (whether Tier 1 or another Tier) as soon as they are eligible for another visa. If you are currently under the old International Graduates Scheme then you can extend under Post-Study Work [Transitional arrangements]
UK Immigration Changes: 7 July 2008
This page explains how applications to come to work in the United Kingdom will be affected by the new points-based system NOTE: Work categories will close and be replaced with new ones. The tables below tell you: when we expect the current categories to close;under which new category of the points-based system you may be able to apply instead; andwhen we expect to introduce that new category. (In most cases when we close one category and open the new one, we will do it overnight to ensure minimum disruption to applicants.) Some categories are still under review or will not be replaced by the points-based system. Details of these categories are at the bottom of this page. If you are a highly skilled worker, investor, entrepreneur or graduate of a United Kingdom university Former category for applying to work in the United Kingdom When does the category close? Appropriate new category of the points-based system When can I applyto the new category? HIGHLY SKILLED WORKERS Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) 29 June 2008 Highly skilled worker (Tier 1 General) 30 June 2008 Self-employed lawyers 29 June 2008 Highly skilled worker (Tier 1 General) 30 June 2008 Writers, composers and artists 29 June 2008 Highly skilled worker (Tier 1 General) 30 June 2008 INVESTORS Investors 29 June 2008 Tier 1 Investor 30 June 2008 ENTREPRENEURS Business persons 29 June 2008 Tier 1 Entrepreneur 30 June 2008 Innovators 29 June 2008 Tier 1 Entrepreneur 30 June 2008 GRADUATES OF UNITED KINGDOM UNIVERSITIES Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme 29 June 2008 Tier 1 Post-study work 30 June 2008 International Graduates Scheme 29 June 2008 Tier 1 Post-study work 30 June 2008 If you are a sponsored skilled worker with a job offer Former category for applying to work in the United Kingdom When does the category close? Appropriate new categoryof the points-based system When can I apply tothe new category? SPONSORED SKILLED WORKERS Most work permits but not: sports or creative people for less than 12 months (see sponsored temporary workers below);some training and work experience schemes (see sponsored temporary workers below);General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS - see sponsored temporary workers below); andvoluntary workers (see sponsored temporary workers below). November 2008 Sponsored worker (Tier 2 General) November 2008 Overseas qualified nurses and midwives (with a job offer) November 2008 Sponsored worker (Tier 2 General) November 2008 Representatives of overseas media organisations November 2008 Sponsored worker (Tier 2 General) November 2008 airport ground crew November 2008 Sponsored worker (Tier 2 General) November 2008 some seafarers including those working on vessels on one-port voyages November 2008 Sponsored worker (Tier 2 General) November 2008 MINISTERS OF RELIGION Ministers of religion November 2008 Sponsored worker (Tier 2 Ministers of religion) - for pastoral rolethat includes preaching to a congregation November 2008 SPORTS PEOPLE elite sports people or coaches at the highest level November 2008 Sponsored worker (Tier 2 Sports people) November 2008
Plans to speed up travel between UK and US
3rd July:- The Home Office today announced plans to speed up travel between the UK and the US for trusted people who move regularly between the two countries. Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne MP presented details of the agreement signed with the US Government as he and Economic Secretary to the Treasury Kitty Ussher MP met with City representatives today. The new scheme would benefit trusted travellers who travel frequently between the two countries, underlining the importance of speedy travel between the UK and the US. The agreement sets out the shared determination to develop a swift channel across the two borders for trusted travellers, which uses fingerprint, iris or facial recognition technology to speed-up border controls while maintaining their security. This builds on the success of the UKBA's IRIS scheme for trusted travellers, which enables registered passengers to enter the UK without queuing, following an eye scan. Already over 200,000 people have enrolled and over 1 million crossings have taken place since its launch in March 2006. Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said, "Speedy travel between the UK and the US is crucial to large financial organisations. That is why today I was delighted to meet representatives of large City employers, including foreign banks, to announce an agreement made with the US to speed up movement between the US and the UK for trusted people who regularly travel between the two countries." Also today, Liam Byrne and Kitty Ussher agreed to publish further details on how the new Points Based System for those seeking work in the UK will apply to the financial industry. The document, which will be jointly developed by the Corporation of London, HM Treasury and the Home Office and published in September, will set out how the new points system will impact on employers and workers in the City. Economic Secretary Kitty Ussher said: "We know the huge contribution that the talented people who come to work here make to our financial services sector in particular - around a quarter of senior managers in finance and business in London are born abroad. "That is why the Treasury, the Corporation of London and the Home Office will shortly be publishing some practical guidance about how the Points Based System will work for the financial services sector."
UK's New Post Study Work
30 June 2008 You will need a total of 95 points to be able to apply under the post-study work scheme which has now replaced the International Graduates Scheme. How many points you must score for your attributes You must score a total of at least 75 points for a United Kingdom qualification, studying at a United Kingdom institution, your immigration status during United Kingdom study and/or research and the date of award of qualification, which are known as attributes. The points available are: Attributes Points available United Kingdom qualification 20 Studied at United Kingdom institution 20 Immigration status during United Kingdom study and/or research 20 Date of award of qualification 15 English language 10 Maintenance (funds) 15 How many points you must score for English language You will automatically score 10 points for English language if you score 75 points for your attributes. How many points you must score for maintenance (funds) You must score 10 points for maintenance (funds) or your application will be refused.
New Rules for short-term visitors
25 June 2008 Tough new sanctions will be imposed on people who fail to ensure family members visiting from abroad play by the rules, the Government announced today. People will have to become licensed to sponsor family members to visit from abroad under proposed changes to the visa system. Sponsors will have a duty to ensure that their visitors leave before their visa runs out. If sponsors fail in their duties, they face a ban on bringing anyone else over, penalties of up to £5,000 or a jail sentence. The new sponsored family visa is just one of the firm but fair changes being made to the short-term visa system which will sit alongside the Government's new Points Based System introduced earlier this year. Further proposals announced today include: introducing two new business visas for sportspeople and entertainers;setting the maximum leave for visitors at six months;introducing an appeal system for those coming in under the family route;a new short-term, low-cost group travel visa to promote British tourism; anda visa for people coming to the UK for one-off cultural events such as the Edinburgh Festival. Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said: "Now we are introducing an Australian-style points system for selective migration, it makes sense to tighten visit visas at the same time. "The changes I am announcing today will help create a fairer Britain with fair treatment for those who play by the rules, but tough action against those who break the law. "We want the UK to stay open and attractive for both business and visitors. But at the same time we are determined to deliver a system of border security which is among the most secure in the world." Also today, the Home Office announced plans for two new visitor routes for sportspeople and entertainers, recognising the important contribution these individuals make to British cultural life. Under these new routes the following sportspeople and entertainers will now be able to enter the UK for up to six months: sportspeople and support staff coming for specific events;amateur sportspeople joining UK amateur teams;professional entertainers coming to the UK to take part in music competitions;amateur entertainers travelling to the UK for a specific engagement;professional entertainers coming to take part in a charity show or where they will receive no fee; andprofessional and amateur entertainers taking part in a 'permit-free festival'. Welcoming today's announcement, Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe said: "If we are going to make the UK the world's best cultural and sporting nation by 2012 then we need to make sure that talented sportspeople and entertainers from all over the world come here to take part in the many sporting events, festivals, and shows we have on offer. Their presence makes our country a richer, more inspiring place to live and encourages more tourists to visit. We want next year to be a golden decade of sport, so it's good news that sportsmen and women competing in events here will keep the concessions that they previously enjoyed." The tourism industry already brings £85 billion into the UK each year. To encourage even more tourists a new shorter three-month group visa is being proposed at a possible reduced cost of £44. Today the Home Office also set out its intention to keep the maximum leave for tourists at six months and to introduce a visa that would allow people to come to the UK for big one-off sporting or cultural events. All of the changes outlined in today's document follow a consultation, which ran from December 2007 to March this year. In total 604 responses were received, the majority of which came from individual members of the public. Uniquely, this consultation process included engagement with foreign communities abroad, as well as UK communities at home. Liam Byrne said: "We know that many people have a stake in us getting this policy right. So we didn't just run an old fashioned consultation. I travelled around the UK listening to people, and led my own delegation of community leaders and businessmen to India to review first hand some of the issues in one of our most important overseas markets." All of the changes proposed by the document published today will sit alongside the Points Based System, which replaced around eighty different work permit routes with just five tiers. Those travelling into the UK are locked into one identity through the introduction of fingerprinting for all visa applicants, a new hi-tech system for counting people in and out of the country, and the roll out of ID cards for all foreign nationals.
Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
23 June 2008 On Monday 30 June 2008, Tier 1 of the new points-based system will open globally. On that date, we will complete the roll-out of Tier 1 (General) worldwide and introduce the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), Tier 1 (Investor) and Tier 1 (Post Study Work) categories. Tier 1 will replace eight existing immigration categories. The categories that will be replaced are: the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) ; business people (persons intending to establish themselves in business); Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme; International Graduates Scheme ; innovators; investors;self-employed lawyers and writers;writers, composers and artists. Any applications submitted under these categories on or after the 30 June 2008 will be returned to the applicant and will be considered as invalid. Anyone currently in the United Kingdom under one of these categories who wishes to extend their stay will need to apply under the appropriate Tier 1 category of the points-based system when their existing permission to stay ends. All Tier 1 applications must be made by post; it is not possible to make your application at a public enquiry office, however internationalworkpermits.com will do this for you Tier 1 of the points-based system covers highly skilled migrants. The tier will consist of four sub-categories: Tier 1 (General);Tier 1 (Investors); Tier 1 (Entrepreneurs);Tier 1 (Post Study Work) . Information about the Tier 1 (General) sub-category is already available from this website. Information about the other sub-categories will be published on 30 June 2008
Tier 1 to replace HSMP
The UK government have announced the introduction of a new system for assessing highly skilled migrants wanting to come to the UK to work. Tier 1 of the new Australian style points based system (PBS) will come into effect on 30 June. This system has already been in force for applicants applying from India since 29th February 2008, but will now spread across to all other countries Worldwide.The points system means only those migrants Britain needs can come to the UK. Tier 1 builds upon the success of the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme and is aimed at attracting applicants who have the very highest skills or who wish to establish themselves in business or to invest in the UK. Further tiers relating to students, workers with a job offer and temporary workers will be rolled out over the next 12 months.Applicants will still earn points for their qualifications, previous earnings, competence in English language and ability to support themselves and their dependents. If in any doubt, call us and we will assist you in your application.
IGS to be replaced on the 30 June 2008
Today International Work Permits were informed in writing of the current changes to the International Graduates Scheme (IGS) by the Border Agency. On the 30th June applications for IGS, Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme and Writers, Artists and composers will no longer be accepted on a "same day service " at the UK Home Office / Border Agency. These applications will fall under the new Tier 1 'points based system '. Furthermore, the IGS visa will be scrapped and replaced by the new Post study work visa which will be valid for 2 years. As with IGS, you have to apply within 12 months of obtaining your degree results. Applicants who are already on IGS will be able to extend there visas for another 1 year under this scheme. Guidance will be issued at the end of this month and International Work Permits will be able to present such applications to the Border Agency. Call us if in any doubt: 0207 866 8170
Government report on economic migration
12 June 2008 The economic case for migration was reinforced today as the Government published its response to the House of Lords Committee's report on the economic impacts of migration. The Government overwhelmingly agreed with the Committee's recommendations, including the argument that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per head should be the key test against which migration policy is judged. Ministers noted that since 1997 the UK has topped the G7 league table for growth in real GDP per head. In addition, the Government presented evidence showing that immigration has made a positive contribution to the GDP per capita of people born in the UK. The Government underlined its estimate that new migration added 0.5 per cent per annum to trend output growth between mid-2001 and mid-2006, by increasing the growth of the working age population, equivalent to £6bn in 2006 - a figure roughly equivalent to the size of the UK agriculture and fishing industry. The Government and independent research continues to find no significant evidence of negative employment effects from migration. In fact, immigration has contributed to the success of the UK economy by helping to meet labour and skills shortages in the public and private sectors. Migration leads to an improved match between vacancies and available labour, and British workers may learn new skills from working alongside migrant workers. The evidence suggests that migrants on average make a stronger net fiscal contribution than those born in the UK. Government agreed that radical reform was needed but strongly argued the new points system was far more effective than a cap because it covered more than twice as many people. Speaking today Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said: "The simple truth is that if we want migration to benefit Britain we have to be very selective. That's why our points system will cover twice as many people as a cap. "The bottom line is that our points system is wider in reach and faster to change than any other alternative. It has worked well in Australia for years and it will work well here. "With powerful controls in place, migration can make Britain richer and that's what we're blunt about with the House of Lords today. The evidence is actually pretty clear. On average migrants are more likely to be in work, earn more and are therefore likely to be paying more tax, and are a lighter burden on public finances than those born in the UK. "Our job now is to make sure migration does even more to profit Britain, economically and culturally. That is why when the points system started we set a zero cap on low skilled migration from outside Europe and made sure newcomers master English. "But we should be candid that rapid change can and has created pressures, which is why Hazel Blears' cross-government plan published today is so welcome and why we propose asking newcomers to pay a little extra to pay for extra help where it is needed."Skilled migration for people applying outside the UK [other than India] can apply for the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme [HSMP] . For people applying within the UK, the Border and Immigration Agency have set up the new Tier 1 general skilled migration . Prospective migrants can also apply for sponsored work permits providing it's a skilled job and one that requires qualifications / experience in that particular field of expertise. Call us if in any doubt: 0207 866 8170
Changes to UK's Shortage Occupation List
9 June 2008 As a result of these changes by the UK Government, work permit applications for electricity generation engineers and high integrity pipe welders will no longer need to be subject to a full resident labour market test. The electricity generation engineer occupations relate only to the electricity generating industry. They are: mechanical engineer;senior project mechanical engineer;project mechanical engineer;electrical engineer;senior project electrical engineer;project electrical engineer;senior project civil engineer;project civil engineer;system health engineer (nuclear);design engineer (nuclear);work cycle planner (nuclear);shift or team leader;production controller;plant process engineer;network planners;network design engineers;senior project control and instrumentation engineer;project control and instrumentation engineer;senior project control engineer;central control room supervisor;assistant engineer (shift operations);performance engineer;system infrastructure engineer;assistant chemist;reactor physicist;assistant reactor physicist; andassistant physicist. Amendments to occupation titles on the shortage list Amendments: the occupation titles for chartered quantity surveyor and pharmacist on the current shortage list to read: quantity surveyor; andpharmacist (including pre-registration pharmacists). These amendments follow consultation with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the NHS workforce review team.Contact internationalworkpermits.com if in any doubt
Eastern European Migration Falls
21 May 2008 Quarterly asylum, accession monitoring and Bulgarian and Romanian statistics published today. The number of Eastern Europeans applying to work in the UK has dropped to its lowest level since 2005, according to statistics published by the Home Office today. The figures show that in January to March 2008 there were 45,000 applications from nationals of the eight countries that joined the EU in 2004 - down 13 per cent from the same period in the previous year, when there were 52,000. The number of Bulgarians and Romanians applying to work in the UK has also dropped to its lowest level with only 8,205 applications from A2 nationals in the first three months of this year, compared to 10,420 in the same period last year. In other statistics published today, the number of asylum applications, including dependants, fell from 8,140 in the last quarter of 2007 to 7,705 in the first quarter of 2008 - a drop of five per cent. Internationally the UK has now dropped from third to fifth in asylum application levels. Across Europe in 2007 applications for asylum rose 13 per cent while falling in the UK by one per cent. Today's figures confirm the UK Border Agency continues to remove an immigration offender every eight minutes. In the first three months of this year 3,025 failed asylum seekers, including dependants, were removed from the UK, up from 2,965 in the last quarter of 2007. On top of this, Home Office figures show that another 13,740 illegal immigrants, excluding asylum seekers, were removed in the same period - a big increase of 20 per cent on the same period last year. The figures underline the Government's shift to prioritise the expulsion of lawbreakers and illegal immigrants, alongside failed asylum seekers. The Home Office is targeting the removal of a record 5,000 foreign national prisoners in 2008, 110 per cent higher than two years ago. To speed up the removal process further still, the Government yesterday announced that the immigration detention estate would be increased from its current capacity by 60 per cent, with between 1,300 and 1,500 spaces for immigration offenders.Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said: "Today's figures show our shake-up of border security is delivering results with asylum applications falling yet again. While in Europe last year asylum applications rose by 13 per cent, in the UK they fell to their lowest point since 1993. "People in Britain welcome legal migrants who work hard and play by the rules. But we will not tolerate law breakers, which is why we will prioritise their expulsion from Britain. We are continuing to remove one person every eight minutes, last year that included a record number of foreign prisoners. "Our deportation numbers are going up and they need to carry on rising. That's why yesterday I announced plans for an increase in capacity of up to 60 per cent in the detention estate, with up to 1,500 extra spaces for immigration offenders." Earlier this year Liam Byrne announced his milestones for 2008, already these sweeping changes are coming in to effect with a tough new Australian style Points Based System (PBS) to allow only the workers Britain needs, the fingerprinting of any visa applicant from across the globe and from November compulsory ID cards for foreign nationals.
Tier 1 (General) news
Tier 1 (General) of the points-based system policy guidance 19 May 2008 Normally, when applying to Tier 1 (General) and claiming points for a professional qualification, we require applicants to show that they hold a qualification that is recognised by UKNARIC as being equivalent to a UK degree at either Bachelor, Masters or PHD level. They may also need to show this to claim points for UK Experience for initial applications. However, at this time UKNARIC is unable to verify the full range of professional qualifications. We have therefore put transitional arrangements in place for establishing the level of professional qualifications that are not included on the self-assessment tool . If applicants are unable to find their professional qualification on the self-assessment tool we will instead accept an original letter from the appropriate UK professional body confirming their qualification is equivalent to a UK degree at either Bachelor, Masters or PHD level. This letter must be original, on the official letter-headed paper or stationery of the appropriate UK professional body. It must have been issued by an authorised official of that organisation. The letter from the UK professional body must confirm: The name of the qualification including the country and awarding body;Which UK academic level it is equivalent to; andA named contact within the appropriate UK professional body. For applicants extending their leave under Tier1 from a preceding period of HSMP leave, we do not need a letter of equivalency from a professional body as outlined above if the applicant is claiming points for a professional qualification that we have previously accepted as equivalent to UK degree level or above. Please note that professional qualifications can not be used to claim points under the English Language Proficiency requirement.
Biometric Testing
Do you travel to the UK frequently, either on business or for leisure or family purposes? Like many other countries, the UK has introduced the collection of biometric data of all visa applicants. This is a quick and simple process involving a ten finger scan which enables us to keep you safe and identify you as someone that we know and trust. To demonstrate the value the UK places upon travellers who chose to visit the UK regularly, the UK Border Agency is providing the option of a long-term, multiple entry, premium visit visa. The long-term premium visa includes the following benefits: • allows unlimited entries to the UK, for up to six months at any one time, for the validity of the visa• saves you time - you only need to provide your biometric data once during the whole validity of the visa• identifies the holder as a person known and trusted by the UK government• helps to protect customers from identity theft• prevents mistaken identity (i.e. preventing confusing an individual with another person bearing the same or similar name)• protects the holder against any future visa fee increases for the validity of the long-term visa. A long-term premium visa demonstrates our long-term commitment to our valued and trusted customers. In addition, customers can apply to enrol in the automatic iris recognition system at UK ports, which facilitates 'fast track' admission by the use of automatic booths, avoiding queues.
New rules for skilled foreign workers
06 May 2008 Foreign workers hoping to fill skilled vacancies in Britain's labour market will have to meet strict new criteria, the Government announced today. The Home Office today published proposals for much tighter skilled and temporary worker tiers of its new Points Based System (PBS) . The schemes - known as Tier 2 and Tier 5 - sweep aside around 30 different routes to the UK, including the old work permit system . British-based companies will have to prove they cannot fill skilled posts with a resident worker and must show that the job vacancy has been advertised in the UK, unless the job is on the shortage occupation list. Would-be migrants will need a job offer before they even apply for a visa. To qualify, skilled foreign nationals will have to earn a certain number of points before being allowed to work in Britain. These points are awarded only if a person can prove they will be doing skilled work, speak a good standard of English, and are earning more than £24,000, or have a decent qualification. Employers will need a licence from the UK Border Agency to offer jobs to skilled workers. Alongside today's proposals, Home Office analysis showed if the tighter Tier 2 and 5 rules had been in place last year, close to ten per cent fewer skilled and temporary migrants from outside the EEA would have been allowed into Britain to work in equivalent categories - around 20,000 people. In addition the Home Office confirmed that from this year low skilled workers from outside the EU will be barred.Employers who break the rules and employ illegal workers are already facing much tougher sanctions. Figures released by the Home Office today show that in the first 80 days of the new illegal working regime - introduced at the end of February this year - 137 businesses were issued with Notices of Potential Liability worth almost half a million pounds. Under the old regime there were only 11 successful prosecutions last year. This means that the number facing punishment since the regime began is more than ten times greater than the entire number of prosecutions last year. Civil penalties were introduced to make it easier than ever to fine those employers who give jobs to people with no right to work without carrying out the proper checks.The Government also today revealed its proposals for Tier 5 of the PBS which covers those travelling temporarily to the UK for primarily non-economic reasons, such as sportspeople, entertainers and charity workers. To ensure entertainers continue to contribute to British cultural life, those coming to the UK for permit-free gigs or festivals - such as the Edinburgh Fringe - will be assessed outside of the PBS under visitor visa rules. The Government is due to publish details of the new visitor visa category in the near future. For applicants with a degree qualification, the Home Office still accept Tier 1 hsmp applications .
Ban on Indian trainee doctors unlawful
House of Lords Published May 1, 2008 Regina (BAPIO Action Ltd and Another) v Secretary of State for the Home Department and Another Before Lord Bingham of Cornhill, Lord Scott of Foscote, Lord Rodger of Earlsferry, Lord Carswell and Lord Mance Speeches April 30, 2008 Government guidance to National Health Service employers which had the effect of preventing overseas trainee doctors from being offered postgraduate training places in NHS hospitals was unlawful. The House of Lords so held (Lord Scott dissenting) in dismissing an appeal by the Secretary of State for Health against the decision of the Court of Appeal (Lord Justice Sedley, Lord Justice Maurice Kay and Lord Justice Rimer) ([2007] EWCA Civ 1139) allowing an appeal by the first claimant, BAPIO Action Ltd, a company established by the British Association of Physicians of India Origin, against the decision of Mr Justice Stanley Burnton ([2007] EWHC 199 (QB)) that the guidance was lawful. The judge made his order in proceedings for judicial review brought by BAPIO and a second claimant, Dr Imran Yousaf, since deceased, against the Secretary of State for the Home Department and the Secretary of State for Health challenging the guidance, which had been published on the NHS website, as well as Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules 2006 (HC 1016). Both the judge and the Court of Appeal held that (HC 1016) was not unlawful and that was not challenged in the House. Consequently, the Home Secretary no longer took any part in the proceedings. The statement of changes affected those who wished to train in the United Kingdom and then return home, whereas the guidance affected those who wished to train and remain in the UK. Prior to the guidance, international medical graduates could enter to undertake postgraduate medical training in the UK, which involved working in hospitals and receiving training as part of their employment, under the highly skilled migrant programme . That programme facilitated the entry of skilled workers who intended to make the UK their main home and who could support themselves by working. Their leave to enter would be periodically renewed to see if the conditions were still being met, with eligibility for indefinite leave to remain after five years. After a substantial increase in the number of British medical students, the Department of Health became concerned that the continued admittance of international graduates to training positions within the NHS would lead to domestic graduates being unable to obtain such positions and thus unable to complete their medical training in the United Kingdom. It had therefore published its guidance, to the effect that NHS trusts should offer training posts to international graduates only if there were no suitable candidates in the resident labour market. Mr Jonathan M. Swift and Mr Jonathan Moffett for the Secretary of State for Health; Mr Rabinder Singh, QC and Ms Janet Kentridge for BAPIO. LORD BINGHAM said that section 3 of the Immigration Act 1971 required that changes in the practice to be followed in the administration of the Act for regulating entry into, and stay in the United Kingdom of non nationals requiring leave to enter, including any rules about time limits or conditions, were to be made by immigration rules laid before Parliament. The secretary of state had argued that the guidance had been given to NHS employers to influence their conduct in the employment field. It did not purport to alter, nor did it in fact alter the immigration status of anyone. Counsel for BAPIO rejected that approach. The effect of the guidance was to subject those international graduates who had entered, or would enter, under the highly skilled programme to a new requirement, unexpressed in the immigration rules, that they should be employable as junior doctors only if they satisfied the resident labour market test. Effective access to the highly skilled programme would be impeded by inability to meet the new test and consequent inability to obtain employment and support themselves. His Lordship agreed. A new term, formally unauthorised, had been introduced into the permissions of international graduates who had entered under the highly skilled programme . The changes had not been made in the way which the 1971 Act required. LORD MANCE, concurring in the result, said that he disagreed that such a new term had been introduced. International graduates with highly skilled programme status remained free in law to seek and accept NHS employment, and NHS trusts remained free to offer them employment, without committing any offence. However, for those international graduates already in the UK with highly skilled programme status, the guidance would have undermined their legitimate expectations in a very fundamental way. They would have come here intending to make the UK their main home. Prior to the guidance, their leave to stay would have been renewed without difficulty provided the requirements for renewal were met. The introduction of a resident labour market test would have radically undermined that expectation. By issuing the guidance, the Secretary of State for Health, as one emanation of the Crown, had been exercising her prerogative to give informal guidance inconsistently with the legitimate expectations generated by the immigration rules and practice adopted by another emanation of the Crown, the Home Secretary. The inconsistency and its effects were so profound as to render such guidance invalid. His Lordship agreed that the appeal should be dismissed, but did so by a different route to that taken by Lord Bingham.
Poland Launches campaign to lure back migrant workers
1st May Immigration News: For nearly four years, Britain's construction and hospitality industries have flourished thanks to the influx of an estimated one million Polish workers – but now Poland wants them back. The Warsaw government is so worried about a national labour shortage in the professions that it plans to advertise in the UK to encourage expatriate Poles to return to the country that many of them left after it joined the European Union. According to Polish media reports, the adverts will soon appear in English and Polish-language newspapers in this country. They are part of a wider campaign by the newly elected government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who swept to power six months ago with a pledge to encourage migrant workers to return.However, there is mounting evidence that many Poles are already heading back east, particularly because the current weakness of Britain's currency means they are getting fewer zlotys for their pounds.Mr Tusk's administration has produced a brochure that it plans to give away with Polish newspapers and at the many Polish cultural centres across Britain. The Handbook for Re-Emigrants advises Poles how to find accommodation back home and apply for special loans. After Poland joined the EU in May 2004, an estimated two million people – about 10 per cent of the population – left to find work, predominantly in Britain and Ireland. But while the British and Irish economies benefited from the influx of cheap and willing labour, Poland suffered acute staff shortages, particularly in the building and and hospitality trades.Of major concern to Warsaw is the lack of skilled construction workers needed to build new football stadiums before the European championships in 2012, which Poland and the Ukraine will host jointly. The government estimates that up to 200,000 extra workers are needed to complete the multibillion-euro projects earmarked for the event. In the past year, the Polish government has introduced a series of measures aimed at encouraging Poles to return. It has abolished a rule which meant migrant workers were liable to pay taxes both in Britain and at home. Mr Tusk's government also wants to grant a five-year amnesty to those who have failed to pay taxes in Poland while working abroad. His opponents say this proposal is unconstitutional but, if approved, it will no doubt prove attractive to thousands of expats who have put off returning because they fear they will be receive a large tax bill when they arrive. Estimating how many Poles return home each year is difficult because the government does not record the figure. However, many analysts believe that east European immigration to Britain may already have peaked. The numbers of east European migrants approved to work in Britain dropped from 227,875 in 2006 to 206,905 last year – a fall of nearly 10 per cent. This may be because employment prospects in Poland have improved dramatically since it joined the EU. The current unemployment rate is 10 per cent – half what it was four years ago. Currency exchange rates may also have an effect on migration. When Poland entered the EU in 2004, £1 was worth seven zlotys; now it is worth only 4.2 zlotys. Wojiech Pisasrki, a spokesman for the Polish embassy in London, believes there is evidence to suggest that the number of Poles coming to the UK may be the same as the number who are going home. "The process of leaving has already started," he said. "Immigration to Britain is not as attractive a prospect as it was a few years ago."Jacek Winnicki, a Polish lawyer who has settled in London, said he doubted that an advertising campaign would encourage many of his countrymen to return. "Work is just one of many factors behind why people chose to live where they do," he added. "I don't think an advert saying 'come back to Poland' will work, but I do think it will make Poles think and maybe a few will be tempted to leave."
Spouse visa applicants need to provide biometrics
April 29th, 2008 Those who wish to remain in the UK with their British spouse or continue to study in the UK will now have to provide their Biometrics due to a pilot scheme being roled out by the Home Office at Lunar House [where International Work Permits get a premium service for certain UK visa applications This pilot scheme requires all Non-European Union nationals, who want to remain in the UK, to attend Lunar House in person where they will be subject to a Biometrics collection process. The Home Office have introduced this as part of their "Securing our Borders" drive as well as part of the managed Migration Programme. They will soon be rolling the scheme out to all people who wish to extend their leave to remain in the UK regardless of the reason. Also later this year plans for a face scanning system for E.U nationals will be launched at major ports. When the scheme is finally rolled out to highly skilled people who remain in the UK under the tier visa schemes; this provision will be even less welcomed.Over the next few months the schemes will be rolled out across the UK for all non UK citizens. Foreigners will be made to make available the most personal of details to the UK Authorities. Whether you are apposed to or not, people need to get used to the idea of Biometrics, as it is fast becoming a factor in all our lives. If in any doubt, contact us and we will try to assist.
Points Based System for those already in the UK
April 2008 The UK Government are in the process of introducing the points-based system for coming to the United Kingdom to work, train or study. Meanwhile they will delete many of our existing immigration categories. These changes will impact on migrants who currently have permission to stay in the United Kingdom in categories that are being deleted. Should your category be deleted, as long as you continue to comply with the terms of your permission to stay in the United Kingdom, you will be able to complete the period for which you have been granted permission to stay (known as leave to remain) in that category. Wherever possible, the Home Office will introduce arrangements to minimise the impact of the transition to the points-based system. These arrangements may differ from category to category. Tier 1 of the points-based system was introduced in the UK on 29 February 2008 and extended to India on 1 April 2008. Roll-out will extend globally this summer. At that point (which will not be before 30 June 2008) we will be deleting the following categories: writers, composers and artists;self-employed lawyers;innovators;the International Graduates Scheme ; andthe Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme.
High Court HSMP Verdict
09/04/2008Claims that the Immigration Ministry in the UK have discriminated against Highly Skilled Migrants has eventually been vindicated by the UK High Court, the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association's General Secretary Alison Harvey announced today.Since the introduction of the new points based Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) that came into being in November 2006, those already on the programme have continuously complained about various changes imposed on them, particularly when it came to extensions. This resulted in a Judicial Application being filed by the HSMP Forum Limited because of the fact that this was not the same scheme that some 49 000 migrants and their families had initially registered for. The HSMP came into being in 2002 with the intention of attracting highly skilled migrants to settle in the United Kingdom. However those that were already on the system since 2002 before the 2006 change feel they have suffered due to new laws. Lobbying by Members of Parliament, a petition to the Prime Minister and a meeting held with the Immigration Minister culminated in the HSMP Forum Limited taking the Secretary of State for the Home Department to court for unlawful changes. "The immigration department was obsessed with defending their decision and where not open to any reasoning," said Executive Director of the HSMP Forum, Amit Kapadia voicing his satisfaction in the court result. Since March 2008 those already working in the UK will be submitted under tier 1 of the points based system . Tier 1 visas are part of a five-tier immigration system which will be rolled out in the UK throughout 2008-2009. Tier 1 visas directly replace the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme and will be issued in four categories; General tier 1 visas , Entrepreneur visas, Investor visas and the Post Study Work .We offer Free Assessments of your application for tier 1 or HSMP: - Tier 1 (general) HSM calculator - HSMP visa application calculator
Tier 1 HSM waived the maintenance
This page explains the points we award under Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker of the points-based system for the maintenance (funds) you have available. Normally, when applying from within the United Kingdom, you will have to show that you have enough funds, by sending documentation showing you have had savings
