Abiola Olatunji-Orelope, 34, was arrested along with his wife Folashade, 28, after their home in Claxton Path, Lewisham, was raided by the UK Border Agency on 9 September 2010.

Officers uncovered 50 counterfeit passports in various stages of construction purporting to be Ghanaian, Nigerian, Irish, Czech and even British issue.

They also seized 20 counterfeit German, Dutch and French Identity cards, around 40 fake Home Office and other National Government rubber visa stamps and ink pads, cutting boards, razor blades, paint thinners, glue, laminates, forged visas and around 30 blank birth and marriage certificates.

Officers even found a book containing a list of orders from clients and passport sized photos ready to be used in the forgeries.

Abiola Olatunji-Orelope pleaded guilty to fraud, deception and possessing false identity documents.

On Monday 23 May at Croydon Crown Court he was sentenced to three years in prison. His wife admitted possessing false identity documents and was given a one year suspended sentence plus 140 hours community service.

Alex Ttaris, from the UK Border Agency’s criminal and financial investigation team, said:

‘This was a sophisticated criminal operation, and I have no doubt that these fake documents would have been used to flout immigration rules, gain employment, open bank accounts and obtain other goods and services by deception.’

Anyone who has information about immigration crime can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously. Source: UK Border Agency

See also:

Judges block UK Government’s attempt to deport terrorists

UK Border Agency say ‘unnecessary’ immigration appeals will end

More ‘radical’ reforms under way, says Immigration Minister

Immigration News Weekly Round up 22 May 2011

If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an appeal against a refusal please email: 

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk

Should the Home Secretary have the power to exclude from entering the United Kingdom those people she has reasonable grounds for thinking pose a threat to the safety and security of the rest of us? Most voters think the answer to that question is “Yes”. Our judges, however, disagree. Since they decide whether the law has been properly complied with, they feel they should have the last word on whether any individual should be deported in order to secure “the public good”.

As we report today, the latest skirmish in that long conflict has ended in another defeat for the Home Secretary, who has once again been obliged to allow an individual believed to be involved in terrorism to remain at liberty here. The Court of Appeal ruled that a Tunisian identified only as “MK” must be allowed to stay in Britain while his appeal against deportation is heard: that process has so far taken nine months, and counting. “MK” has one conviction for a terrorism-related offence in Tunisia, and another for forging documents in Italy. There is evidence that he has been involved in “extremist radicalisation”. That, however, did not carry any weight with the judges. They stated that the wording of the relevant statute “does not provide a power to exclude [an individual] in the limited circumstances contemplated”.

Poor drafting of the 2002 Nationality, Asylum and Immigration Act, another of Labour’s misbegotten legislative legacies, may be responsible: a large part of the ruling centred on the meaning of the word “while” in the phrase “while he is in the United Kingdom”. Yet an issue as fundamental as whether or not an individual poses a threat to Britain’s security should surely not be decided on so flimsy a basis. This is not the essence of the rule of law: it is the essence of pedantry.

It is important to be clear that the issue here is not whether the Home Secretary should have unfettered discretion to throw out whomever she chooses. The dispute is rather about how far the judiciary should be able to substitute their judgement for hers on the matter of whether or not public safety is compatible with the continued presence of someone believed to be involved in terrorism. We find it extremely difficult to understand why the judges cannot appreciate that, when the Home Secretary makes a determination that an individual’s presence is not conducive to the public good, the decision has been made after careful consideration of all the relevant facts. There should be a presumption against overturning it – even if there is some interpretation of the statutes which suggests that she did not exercise her power precisely as conferred.

It is notable that Britain’s judges appear to be alone in Europe in their determination to overturn decisions by government officials about the dangers posed by individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism. In France and in Italy, there is no question of someone whom the state wishes to deport being allowed to remain in the country because he has to be able to launch an appeal. Our present Government could no doubt introduce new primary legislation that would close the loophole – but while the judges maintain their present attitude, it is hard to believe that they would not find a way round it, and again allow suspected terrorists to stay in the UK. The judiciary has repeatedly demonstrated an alarming lack of awareness of the seriousness of the problem posed by terrorism. The safety of our country is too important to be left to their decisions. Source: The Telegraph.

What’s your view?

Do you agree that the Government should have the power to exclude terrorists from entering the United Kingdom?

Do you agree with the Telegraph’s view that Judges have gone too far and are abusing their position or are they just upholding the law?

See also:

UK Border Agency say ‘unnecessary’ immigration appeals will end

More ‘radical’ reforms under way, says Immigration Minister

Immigration News Weekly Round up 22 May 2011

If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an appeal against a refusal please email: 

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk

From Monday 23 May, immigration and asylum appeal tribunals will not consider evidence submitted after an application has been made, in appeals relating to applications made in the UK under the points-based system.

UK Border Agency statistics show that around two-thirds of appeals allowed by immigration judges are due to late evidence being submitted.

The rules change is designed to end unnecessary appeals and help make sure that applications are right first time. It will apply to all applications made within the UK through the points-based system.

Damian Green said:

‘For too long, the taxpayer has had to shoulder the burden of a system which allowed individuals to drag out their appeal by submitting new evidence at the last minute.

‘The changes I am making today will put an end to this practice for good.’

The minister added that this is one of a raft of improvements that will make the system ‘more robust, efficient and cost effective’.

The government has already introduced an annual limit on economic migrants from outside the EU, as well as making major reforms to the student visa system.

These measures are aimed at attracting the brightest and the best, while reducing net migration and tackling abuse of the system.

This week the UK Border Agency announced that from 23 May 2011, Section 19 of the UK Borders Act 2007 will restrict the evidence that an applicant can rely on at an appeal hearing.

See also:

UKBA announce restrictions on ‘new evidence’ on points-based appeals

More ‘radical’ reforms under way, says Immigration Minister

If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an appeal against a refusal please email: 

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk

The new rules means that any evidence submitted must have been produced at the time when the application was made and will apply to all appeals heard for the first time on or after 23 May against refusals of applications to remain in the UK under a points-based system category.

Appeals that have been part-heard or fully heard by the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) by this date will not be affected.

The agency warns applicants saying:

‘If you want to apply for permission to remain in the UK under a points-based system category, you should take particular care to consult and follow the relevant guidance and checklists on this website when making you application. You must ensure that you submit all required documentation with your application.

Any new evidence submitted at an hearing for the first time after 23 May 2011 will only be allowed if it is being used to prove, for example, that a document originally submitted was genuine, or if it is in support of grounds unrelated to the scoring of points under the points-based system.’ Source: UK Border Agency.

Earlier this week Immigration Minister Damian Green said the government will be introducing more radical reforms to the immigration system.

See also:

More ‘radical’ reforms under way, says Immigration Minister

If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an appeal against a refusal please email: 

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk

A series of television ads warning would-be immigrants against crooked immigration consultants is being blasted by a lobby group for consultants.

The student system ‘ain’t broke’, say The Economist

Plans to discourage foreign students threaten a successful British business according to the influential and highly respected publication The Economist.

Millions of migrant workers trapped in Libya

The BBC reports on the 1.5 million plus contract migrant workers currently deployed in Libya and their government’s plans to evacuate them.

European Commission orders Italy to end discrimination against workers with experience and qualifications from another EU country

The European Commission has ‘requested’ Italy to take professional experience and seniority acquired by doctors in another Member State into account when determining their rank or working conditions (like salary, grade career development) in the Italian public sector.

Free Movement of EU nationals explained

One employer told me that he thought it was alright to employ a Romanian waitress in his restaurant because she was ‘European and had a National Insurance (NI) number and tax reference’. But possession of an NI number does not mean a person has the right to work in the UK and is not a ‘statutory defence’ for an employer facing charges or a £10,000 fine for illegal employment.

Three million migrants came to UK under Labour Government

No amount of capping ‘shortage occupation listed’ skilled workers or clamping down of overseas Tier 4 students will stop the main flow of migrants from Eastern Europe.

Indian Restaurant owner jailed for employing illegal immigrants

Employers are advised to carry out an annual ‘health check’ or employee file audit to ensure that work permit holders and workers on student visas are still legal and avoid fines of up to £10,000 or even prison.

If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an appeal against a refusal please email: 

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk

MIGRATE TO CANADA

For more information on how you can LEGALLY migrate to Canada check out ‘My Immigration Consultant’ , an easy and cost efficient program designed to guide you *step By Step* towards successfully migrating to Canada.

For more information see link.

High-earning non-European professional migrant workers will be exempted from the British government’s annual UK immigration cap, which comes into effect in April. This week the Home Office announced a radical shake up of the Tier 2 working visa system, including the figures for the cap on migration.

UKBA ‘failing on Tier 2 visa controls’ report finds

The Tier 2 working visa system is a disaster waiting to happen.

Arsenal’s football team – playing the immigration game

However, since the Immigration Minister confirmed that employers filling a vacancy that attracts a salary of £150,000 or more will be exempt from the cap, footballers are unlikely to be affected by the limit on the number of certificate of sponsorship (CoS) that may be allocated. Many top players pocket this much in a single week.

Tier 2 Working visa reforms announced by UK Border Agency

The Home Office has unveiled details of a radical overhaul to the Tier 2 working visa route today, scraping much of the sponsorship scheme employers signed up to when the Work Permit scheme was replaced by the points based system two years ago.

Immigration visa cap grounds Airbus UK recruitment plans

Airbus UK has had repeated requests to bring engineering experts into the UK to test the aircraft wings ignored by the Home Office and UK Border Agency for almost two months, according to reports in the Telegraph.

U.S. conman duped British families’ out of £3m in American immigration scam

If you need UK immigration advice, make sure you use an OISC registered immigration adviser or a specialist immigration lawyer. OISC qualified immigration advisers must be competent before they can practice and remain competent by undertaking annual CPD and training.

If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an appeal against a refusal please email: 

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk

Immigration rules are changing all the time and whilst the above information will be correct at the time of going to press you should always check the UK Visas and UK Border Agency websites for updates.

Bison UK are offering a free initial immigration consultation for students – no appointment required. 

To benefit from this offer, email Evelie at Bison UK  evelie@recruitnurse.com or call her on 0208 9051822 (overseas clients call +44 208 905 1822). Website: www.recruitnurse.com

MIGRATE TO CANADA

For more information on how you can LEGALLY migrate to Canada check out ‘My Immigration Consultant’ , an easy and cost efficient program designed to guide you *step By Step* towards successfully migrating to Canada.

For more information see link.

The aerospace giant said there were only a handful of highly skilled engineers capable of doing the work on lightning sensitivity in the world and it urgently needed the two engineers to meet the recent surge in aircraft orders. It does not have the visas to bring them into the UK because of the Government’s temporary immigration cap.

The Home Office had failed to return calls, it said, while the Border Agency took seven weeks to respond to letters and even then could not resolve the matter.

The revelations come after a week in which the Government said it would prioritise assistance for large companies such as Airbus, which employs 10,000 people directly and 135,000 through its supply chain, that are creating jobs and increasing exports to emerging countries.

The Business Secretary, Vince Cable, has unveiled plans to allocate individual ministers to specific UK companies to drive exports and improve the co-ordination of cross-Whitehall support for business and industry.

Katherine Bennett, vice-president and head of political affairs for Airbus, said the company used “home grown talent” whenever it could and spent £3.5m training engineers each year. However, the business required the skills of specialists – from lightning engineers to composite structure testers – on its aircraft such as the recently re-engined A320 NEO, but it had no visa allocation to bring the non-EU nationals following the Government’s reforms last year.

Ms Bennett said: “The problem is that we have made offers to people and the Home Office are not answering calls. We have written a letter to the Border Agency which has not replied for seven weeks; we have made representations to ministers.

“I appreciate the issues about immigration but it is really affecting us who need highly-skilled people. Source: Telegraph

See also:

The Airbus revelations will come as no surprise to the many smaller employers, such as care home owners, who have been desperately trying to appeal to the UK Border Agency to give back their CoS (Certificate of Employment for Tier 2) allocation snatched from them last year when the interim cap was announced.

Although they told by the UK Border Agency that they could reapply for the certificates, which enable the employer to take on an overseas worker on a tier 1 working visa, in practice it has proven almost impossible for jobs with salaries below £20,000.

Like Airbus UK, care homes need the flexibility to employ non-EU staff for MAC (Migration Advisory Committee) listed shortage occupations such as Senior Carers.

This month the government announced a major shake-up of the Tier 2 shortage occupations list following a review by MAC.

MAC is the independent body which reports to the government on migration and labour issues, has recommended a new shorter list of occupations eligible under Tier 2 of the points-based system.

Hammering in another nail in the skilled migration coffin, the UK Border Agency listed 71 jobs which will be disqualified from Tier 2 working visas, as part of the government’s intention to raise the minimum entry level to NQF 4 from NQF 3.

See also:

Tier 2 Working visa reforms announced by UK Border Agency

71 shortage occupations to be removed from Tier 2 visas in points-based shake up

MAC’s new list of graduate level occupations for Tier 2

Immigration cap on foreign staff will compromise patient care says NHS

London Mayor’s new attack on UK Immigration Cap

Interim Immigration Cap unlawful High Court Judges Rule

If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an appeal against a refusal please email: 

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk

The problem with reports like this, daily fodder for the Mail, is that they harden the public’s attitude to any kind of immigration, even if it is legal and good for the country. Skilled migrant workers and international students add billions of pounds to the UK’s economy and help create jobs, yet they are too often tarred with the same ‘there’s too many immigrants’ brush.

MAC’s new list of graduate level occupations for Tier 2

Last week the UK Border Agency announced a shake-up of the Tier 2 shortage occupations list, with large numbers of jobs being disqualified as the government sets to raise the qualification entry level to NQF 4.

Taiwan stops hiring Filipino workers

As the row over Taiwanese deportations continues Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW’s) are losing out as Taiwan looks elsewhere for migrant workers.

Scottish Universities ‘at risk’ over immigration cap, UK accreditation body warns

Immigration Minister Damian Green last week said that the proposed crackdown on visas was designed to prevent bogus students from coming to stay in the UK, which he dubbed an “abuse” of the system.

YES, SENIOR CARERS ARE HAVING PROBLEMS OBTAINING ILR UNDER 5 YEAR RULE

Note down your immigration history and where there may be gaps including holidays outside the UK. Establish if you meet the 5-year rule by counting the exact amount of time you have been in the UK. If you are confident that you do meet the qualifying requirements, consult a registered immigration adviser to do the final checks. If you think you do not meet the 5-year qualifying period, wait until you do. If this is not an option, consult an adviser.

71 shortage occupations to be removed from Tier 2 visas in points-based shake up

Whilst these are ‘recommendations’ at this stage, Senior Carers with less than 5 years continuous work, or those forced to change employer, will be affected unless some sort of transition arrangements are put in place.

www.immigrationmatters.co.uk

Immigration rules are changing all the time and whilst the above information will be correct at the time of going to press you should always check the UK Visas and UK Border Agency websites for updates.

Bison UK are offering a free initial immigration consultation for students – no appointment required. 

To benefit from this offer, email Evelie at Bison UK  evelie@recruitnurse.com or call her on 0208 9051822 (overseas clients call +44 208 905 1822). Website: www.recruitnurse.com

MIGRATE TO CANADA

For more information on how you can LEGALLY migrate to Canada check out ‘My Immigration Consultant’ , an easy and cost efficient program designed to guide you *step By Step* towards successfully migrating to Canada.

For more information see link.

Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA) have registered their opposition to proposals from the UK Border Agency to limit the number of international students allowed to study in the UK, the Journal reports.

EUSA President Liz Rawlings discussed the Student Immigration System consultation document during a meeting with Scottish Government officials.

The document clearly suggests restricting the availability of post-study work visas, further English language tests for applicants and a ban on student visa holders bringing dependents to the UK if their course is less than 12 months long.

Ms Rawlings said: “The proposals in this consultation have not been thought through. Taking away the post-study work visa would be disastrous for current international students and would radically reduce the number of students coming to the UK to study in future.

“International students benefit Scotland and the rest of the UK both economically and culturally. They also significantly contribute to the diversity of Edinburgh University, which should be celebrated, not restricted.

“EUSA are opposing these proposals in the strongest possible way.”

Foreign students make up most of numbers increase

The meeting between Ms Rawlings and the Scottish Government came as figures released by UCAS on 20 January showed that the rise in student numbers in 2010 was entirely made up of foreign students.

Of the 5,475 extra places awarded at UK universities last year, EU students filled one third, with the rest taken up by students of other nationalities. The number of British students on courses in the UK fell during the previous year by 400.

According to Universities Scotland, which represents the university principals, the new immigration laws will mean that Scotland will have stricter visa rules and regulations than the United States, Canada, Australia and Germany, all of who are in close competition with Scotland for overseas students.

UCAS reported that there were 3,208 non-EU applicants accepted to Scottish universities in 2010, a number nearly equal to the 3,365 accepted applicants from the EU.

Universities Scotland has written to MPs and requested a separate immigration policy for Scotland, arguing that the current proposals may pose a “big threat” to universities in the country.

Alastair Sim, the director of Universities Scotland, complained about the restriction proposal that came at the same time as funding cuts to universities, stating: “At the same time as university funding is cut across the UK, and universities are told to increase their income from other sources, we face a set of proposals which will completely undermine our ability to succeed in what is already a highly competitive market.”

Overseas students often pay twice the amount or more in tution fees compared to UK and EU students. In 2006-2007, six per cent of students studying in Scotland were from countries outside the EU, and in 2007-2008 the total income from international student fees to all 20 Scottish universities was £188 million.

UKBA announced in December that it was seeking opinions on proposed reforms to Tier 4 visas, used by foreign students coming to the UK.

Immigration Minister Damian Green said: “I believe attracting talented students from abroad is vital to the UK but we must be more selective about who can come here and how long they can stay.

“People imagine students to be those who come here for a few years to study at university and then go home – that is not always the case. Too many students coming to study at below degree level have been coming here with a view to living and working, rather than studying. We need to stop this abuse.”

The consultation encompasses 11 possible changes to UK immigration law affecting students. One major concern is the proposed limits on employment rights, particularly for work placements and work between undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Ms Rawlings singled out the proposal to limit the rights of students to bring dependents to the UK as potentially being in violation of human rights legislation.

“It would be a disaster for single parent families, who have a right to a family life,” she told The Journal. Source: Journal-online.co.uk

See also: 

How to Obtain a Student Visa to Study in the UK

Scottish Universities fears over tough new Tier 4 visa rules

There are just a few days remaining to take part in the Student Immigration System public consultation which will help shape the future of international student visa rules in the UK for the next few years.

You can respond online to the consultation at: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/student-consult-online 

Immigration rules are changing all the time and whilst the above information will be correct at the time of going to press you should always check the UK Visas and UK Border Agency websites for updates.Bison UK are offering a free initial immigration consultation for students – no appointment required. 

To benefit from this offer, email Evelie at Bison UK  evelie@recruitnurse.com or call her on 0208 9051822 (overseas clients call +44 208 905 1822). Website: www.recruitnurse.com

In March 2009 the UK Border Agency implemented the Tier 4 points based system for student visa applicants. In the year that followed record numbers of international students obtained visas to study in the UK. 

One of the main reasons that around 300,000 students were granted visas was that for the first time entry clearance was granted purely on the basis of a qualifying points score rather than at the discretion of an entry clearance officer (ECO). The more relaxed regime resulted in far less refusals and visas being granted in a matter of days and weeks instead of months.

How do I qualify for a Tier 4 student visa?

To qualify for entry clearance to the UK under a student visa, you need to obtain a minimum score of 40 points for your application to be considered: 

• 30 points – awarded for taking a course with an approved educational provider
• 10 points – award for proving maintenance

The UK Border Agency awards 30 points if you are accepted to a suitable course in an ‘A’ or ‘B’ rated, or highly trusted educational institution listed on the Tier 4 Sponsors Register. Publicly funded educational institutions, universities and private colleges and schools are among those institutions allowed to sponsor non-EU students. If the institution is not on the Tier 4 sponsors register you will not get a visa. 

What is an acceptable level of course?

The UK Border Agency specifies that a course which leads to an approved qualification is:

• approved at level 3 or above on the National Qualifications framework (NQF), or at the same level in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), by the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales (ACCAC) or by the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland; or
• a short-term study abroad programme in the UK as part of your qualification at an overseas higher education institution, as long as UK NARIC confirms that the qualification is at or above the level of a UK degree – you can find UK NARIC’s contact details on the right side of this page; or
• an English language course at or above level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

For lower level courses you will need to show a minimum proficiency in English by taking a secure English Test.

The documentary evidence you need to submit to claim the 30 points is the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number (this replace the paper based Visa Letter), which will be given to you by your education provider. 

In as much as students under the Tier 4 visa can expect limited access to public funds, applicants are required to be able to present proof that they are financially able to support their studies and living costs while in the UK. Either a bank statement or a certification of financial capacity is the documentary proof a prospective student has a present to claim the 10 points for the maintenance requirement. 

English Language Requirement

Last year new immigration rules were introduced which now require prospective Tier 4 Student Visa applicants to present proof of English ability if they are enrolling on courses below NQF level 6 and its equivalents, but excluding those students who are enrolling on Foundation degrees and HND’s in Scotland. Proof of English should be at a minimum of CEFR level B1.

How do I apply for a student visa?

You may lodge your application for a Tier 4 Student Visa using an online application, which you can find by going to your local British Embassy or UK Visas website. You need to complete the points scoring as one of the appendices. The other appendices are the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies reference number to be given by the educational institution, and the certification that you have the required amount of maintenance based on the length of your course and the location of the educational institution. 

How much money do I need to satisfy the maintenance requirement?

If you will be studying on a course longer than 9 months in inner London, your monthly maintenance would be amount to the first year’s course fees plus £7200 to cover living costs for nine months. For outside the inner London area it will be the first year’s course fees plus £5400 to cover living costs for nine months. 

The maintenance requirements differ for those extending student visas whilst in the UK. For Inner London you need to show that you have a minimum of the first year of course fees and £1,600 to cover living costs for two months, and £1200 for outside the inner London area. 

However, the above figures only apply to those students who can demonstrate an ‘Established Presence’ in the UK – have you completed your previous course?

Effective October 1, 2010, the UK Border Agency has set the new fees for visa applications. For those outside of the UK, the mail applicant needs to pay a fee of £220. A £220 application fee will also be assessed for each family member (partner or children) applying at the same time or at a later time with that of the main applicant. Student visa processing is free of charge for Chevening, British Marshall, Fulbright and Commonwealth Scholarship or Fellowship Plan holders. 

If you are in the UK and submit the application by post, the fee is £357 for the main applicant. Additionally, partner or child under 18 will be assessed £100 each if they apply together with the main applicant; £500 each if they apply later and £500 each for children over 18 years old. 

Submissions made personally will cost £650 for the main applicant; £150 for each family member included in the main applicant’s application form as long as the child is under 18, £800 if submitted later; and, £800 for each child over 18. 

Can I work whilst I am studying in the UK?

Yes, you can work part time during your stay and, subject to the rules, you are allowed to:

• work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during term-time;
• work full-time during vacations;
• do a work placement as part of your course;
• work as a postgraduate doctor or dentist (if your course of study is a recognised Foundation Programme); and
• be a student union sabbatical officer for up to two years.

The immigration rules concerning work and vocational and lower level courses were changed by the UK Border Agency last April. In brief, the Immigration Rules now contain changes from last year’s Tier 4 review, including the rules governing the new Highly Trusted sponsor licence. Only sponsors who hold a Highly Trusted sponsor licence (mostly government and larger institutions) can now offer the following courses, known as ‘restricted courses’, to Tier 4 (General) students:

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

Following the changes, education providers who hold a standard Tier 4 sponsor licence are only able offer courses at or above NQF level 4 or equivalent, and cannot offer courses that include work placements unless those courses are degree-level courses or foundation degrees. 

If you are studying a restricted course at an institution that does not hold a Highly Trusted sponsor licence, or is temporarily suspended from bringing in new students, you can continue to study at that institution until you complete their course of study or your visa/permission to stay under Tier 4 expires, whichever is sooner.

In practice, most students coming to the UK choose to study higher level courses at level 5 and above.

I am in the UK and want to renew my student visa but confused about how all the recent rule changes will affect my application as I am changing college?

Probably the most common questions in our mailbox relate to student visas, visa extension refusals and working hours. Students, employers and even the occasional UK Border Agency officer are confused by the raft of immigration rule changes over the last few years.

A major concern is what students should do to stay on the right side of the law when moving college or changing course. The answer to these questions largely depends on when you arrived in the UK and what type of visa you hold. See Yes, there are many types of student visa so beware when changing college. 

Do I need an Immigration Adviser?

You do not have to use an adviser or lawyer to make a UK immigration or visa application, however, mistakes can be very costly so it can pay to take professional advice from a qualified registered Immigration Adviser before you apply. 

For instance, one mistake on a Student Tier 4 General form (or FLR form), or forgetting to submit the correct supporting documentation, could result in a refusal which may then involve a full appeal at the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT) or curtailment of your visa. You will also lose the fees paid to the UK Border Agency.

To provide immigration and visa assistance to students, Bison Management UK Immigration Law Practitioners are running a special ’promo’ for international Students who are due for visa extension. The special visa handling fee is now just £595 including VAT (was £650), which includes legal advice, assessment of supporting documents and completion of the 43 page Tier 4 Student form.  

Bison UK also offers a free initial immigration consultation – no appointment required. 

To benefit from this offer, email Evelie at Bison UK  evelie@recruitnurse.com or call her on 0208 9051822 (overseas clients call +44 208 905 1822). Website: www.recruitnurse.com

Immigration rules are changing all the time and whilst the above information will be correct at the time of going to press you should always check the UK Visas and UK Border Agency websites for updates.

There are less that two weeks left to take part in the Student Immigration System public consultation which will help shape the future of international student visa rules in the UK for the next few years.

You can respond online to the consultation at: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/student-consult-online