Students at the Manchester-based Oxford College of Management Sciences appeared to have “little or no knowledge of what, when and where they had studied” and could buy the certificates for between £250 and £450, an investigation by The Times found.

UK Border Agency (UKBA) officials said anyone applying for citizenship who claimed to have an English language qualification from the college had been automatically refused since April.

Lin Homer, UKBA chief executive, said: “I take allegations regarding any abuse of the immigration system extremely seriously and will ensure that action is taken by officers on intelligence received. This Government is committed to cracking down on this kind of abuse.”

The accusations will fuel concerns that bogus colleges are providing the English for Speakers of Other Languages (Esol) certificates, part of the requirement for UK citizenship, as they exploit weaknesses in the UK’s immigration controls.

In December last year, exams regulator Ofqual raised concerns that immigrants could use the certificates as a means of applying for permanent residency in the UK.

It warned that the certificates were “being issued with virtually no training or learning taking place and with insufficient rigour in the assessment process”.

Ms Homer added: “This college is not accredited and since April we have automatically refused any applicant with an English language qualification from this college.

“We have referred details of this college to the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator and City of Guilds to investigate as a matter of urgency.

More than 203,000 immigrants were granted British citizenship last year, a 58% rise on the previous year and the highest number since records were first published in 1962, Home Office statistics showed. Source: Press Association.

Comment

Whilst we all deplore the behaviour and criminal activities of bogus colleges, it should be remembered that the vast majority of private colleges are providing an excellent educational service to thousands of overseas students.

The colleges have been inspected by awarding bodies such as City and Guilds, OCR and Edexcel, officially appointed accreditation bodies, such as BAC and ASIC, before going through the rigorous Tier 4 Sponsors licensing process by the UK Border Agency.

However tight the government makes the immigration rules and borders or points based licensing process, inevitably a few rogues will slip through the net.

The international educational sector is worth over £8 billion to the UK economy. When introducing caps on migration, the government must be careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water.

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See also:

English language tests for Tier 4 Students

Weekly Immigration News Round up 15 August 2010

Secure English language requirement for Tier 4 students compulsory after 12 August

Immigration Minister announces crackdown on sham marriages and bogus colleges

English UK win High Court battle over Tier 4 student visas

If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email: 

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

The UK Border Agency is warning owners, masters and agents who did not apply that they now face fines and prosecution for any breaches of the immigration laws.

The three month application period for the concessionary visa ended on 31 May 2010.

Despite being widely publicised and the UK Border Agency receiving many enquiries, only 44 in-time applications for the concession were received, despite estimates that many more non European fishermen are employed in the industry.

Phil Taylor, regional director of the UK Border Agency in Scotland and Northern Ireland said:

‘We are disappointed with the low take up of this concession, which took considerable time and effort working with the industry and interested parties to develop. As we made clear when the concession was launched, we will not hesitate to take enforcement action against any business employing non-European fishermen employed in breach of the law.
‘Any non-European Economic Area crew members working in in-shore waters who have not obtained the correct visa must not be employed, and must return to their home country immediately.

‘Owners and masters should be aware that enforcement action will be taken where a breach is uncovered and crew found to be employed illegally will be dealt with as immigration offenders. Employers will face fines of up to £10,000 per employee under the UK Border Agency Civil Penalty scheme. In addition, employers may be prosecuted under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, which carries a maximum custodial sentence of two years, and an unlimited fine.

‘Any owner, master or agent involved in bringing non-EEA crew into the UK intending to use them in breach of the law may also face prosecution for facilitation which carries penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.’

See also:

UK is ‘no longer a soft touch’ for illegal immigrants Minister warns

If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email: 

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

This test must be taken with a UK Border Agency-approved provider before the applicant applies for a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) from the education sponsor.

Full details of these changes and a list of UK Border Agency approved providers can be found on the Secure English lanuage news story.

See also:

Secure English language requirement for Tier 4 students compulsory after 12 August

Immigration Minister announces crackdown on sham marriages and bogus colleges

English UK win High Court battle over Tier 4 student visas

If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email: 

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

Last month the government announced plans to introduce compulsory English language tests for all non-European migrants applying to come to the UK to join or marry their settled partner.

The UK Border Agency has confirmed that these plans will be implemented from 29 November 2010.

From this date, the UK Border Agency said:

‘any migrant who wants to enter or remain in the UK as the partner of a British citizen or a person settled here will need to show that they can speak and understand English, by taking an English language test with one of our approved test providers’.

The new rules will apply to anyone applying as the husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner, same-sex partner, fiance (e) or proposed civil partner of a British citizen or a person settled in this country. They will be compulsory for people applying from within the UK as well as visa applicants from overseas.

Further information about these changes can be found in a written ministerial statement, which you can download on the UK Border Agency website.

Source: UK Border Agency.

Last week the government announce new language tests for non-EU students coming to the UK after 12 August 2010.

See also:

Secure English language requirement for Tier 4 students compulsory after 12 August

If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email: 

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

A judge ruled that the Home Office policy meant people were being given “little or no notice” of removal and were deprived of access to justice.

The policy was challenged by Medical Justice, which provides medical and legal advice to people facing removal.

The Home Office said it was “disappointed” and would appeal.

Medical Justice and the Home Office each laid out their case at a hearing last month, and on Monday Mr Justice Silber ruled that the fast-track policy was “unlawful and must be quashed”.

He said those subject to a removal order must have the right to challenge it, but fast-tracking meant it was often not possible to obtain sufficient legal advice in time.

He said the policy must also be considered in context – many of those affected would have little or no English, would be “heavily stressed” at the prospect of removal and “desperate” to avoid it.

But Mr Justice Silber did give the Home Office permission to appeal against his decision, saying the case raised issues of general public importance, including the constitutional right of access to justice.

Dawn raids and late-night swoops

Originally, the Home Office practice was to give those facing deportation 72 hours’ notice of removal.

But an “exceptions policy”, introduced in March 2007 and widened in January this year, led to some removals happening much faster.

At last month’s hearing, Dinah Rose QC, appearing for Medical Justice, said that in some instances immigration officers arrived late at night to escort people to flights leaving only a few hours later.

Home Office lawyers argued that the deportation policy was “sufficiently flexible” to avoid any human rights breaches, and that detainees were given as much notice as possible before removal.

But BBC home affairs correspondent June Kelly said the court felt the government had failed to bring in adequate safeguards to ensure those deported at very short notice were not put at risk.

Emma Ginn, from Medical Justice, said she was “delighted” at the court’s decision.

“Quite apart from the affront to justice, the cost in human misery was a source of shame,” she said.

“It feels like UKBA [the UK Border Agency] chanced their arm to see what they could get away with, in the knowledge that many vulnerable victims’ voices would not be heard in the middle of the night.”

Home Office appeal

The Home Office will appeal against the decision and a spokesman said: “The policy of making limited exceptions in special circumstances to 72-hour notification of immigration removal has been an important element of our management of removals.

“The government remains committed to removing individuals with no right to be in the UK as quickly as possible.”

The Home Office confirmed that following today’s judgment, the policy of implementing exceptions to the 72 hour notice period will stop, pending the outcome of the appeal.

Fast-track deportation was introduced to deal with certain types of case, such as those involving unaccompanied children who could not be detained before removal and posed a risk of absconding.

It was also applied to individuals thought to be at risk of suicide once given their removal instructions, and instances where reduced notice was deemed necessary “to maintain order and discipline” at a detention centre.

Welcoming the ruling, Donna Covey, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said many people refused asylum in the UK “have serious grounds for appeal if given the chance”.

Source: BBC

See also:

UKBA announce changes to Tier 4 PBS student visa Immigration Rules

Secure English language requirement for Tier 4 students compulsory after 12 August

English UK win High Court battle over Tier 4 student visas

Weekly Immigration News Round up 25 July 2010

If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email: 

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

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

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

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

The changes to the English Language requirement will be set out in revised Tier 4 policy guidance and sponsor guidance, which will be published on Friday 23 July.

See also:

Immigration Minister announces crackdown on sham marriages and bogus colleges

English UK win High Court battle over Tier 4 student visas

If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email: 

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

He said the Government was determined to send out a signal the Britain was no longer a soft touch for those with no right to come to the UK.

And he defended the controversial policy of returning detainees to Iraq on charter flights.

Mr Green also defended payments of up to £4,000 to those in Calais seeking to cross the Channel illegally as the “least worst option”.

The minister told MPs on the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee: “Britain has been seen as something of a soft touch. One of the drivers of the new Government’s immigration policy is to send a message around the world that Britain is no longer a soft touch.”

He went on: “We are going to do a lot of enforcement over the next few months on sham marriages, bogus colleges, illegal work.

“I think it’s very important that we not only clamp down on all that but clamp down very publicly. It’s all part of sending a message.”

On flights to Iraq, Mr Green told MPs: “I am absolutely unrepentant about returning people who have no right to be in this country to Iraq.”

He told the committee he had continued the previous government’s policy of offering cash payments to those in Calais hoping to smuggle themselves into the UK.

“It looks unpalatable but it is the least worst option,” he said. “That’s much better for the taxpayer.”

Source: Press Association

Keith Vaz MP critical of UK’s proposed immigration cap

New guidance for Tier 2 employers on interim limit announced by UKBA

If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email: 

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

“The cap on non-EU migrants will place restrictions on friendly countries like India. What happens if India reciprocates by placing a cap on British companies entering India?” he asked, saying the immigration cap should pass the scrutiny of Parliament before it is brought into force. 

To this end, the select committee will begin consultations on the cap from Tuesday, he said.

It is still not clear whether Cameron is taking his Home Secretary along during his visit to India. However, Vaz said that the cap issue is bound to become “an important bilateral issue” during Cameron’s visit. 

The interim cap starting on 19 July precedes a permanent cap from 2011. Home Secretary Theresa May has launched a 12-week consultation process on the format of the cap. 

Vaz said the government had in the past lost its case related to non-EU immigration thrice in courts. “It is likely to happen again unless parliament’s views are taken into account this time,” he said. 

The select committee chairman wants every party concerned with the immigration cap to come forward with its opinions and evidence. 

Considering the fact that a substantial number of people affected by the cap would be Indians, he said: “Indian companies and investors should particularly come forward with their views.” 

See also:

Weekly Immigration News Round up 18 July 2010

UK immigration cap Q&A – your questions answered

Immediate cap on non-EU migrant workers to be introduced by Home Office

Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC

Home Office confirm UK migration limit

Government limit for Tier 2 (General) of the points-based system

Home Secretary’s statement to the House of Commons on immigration cap

If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email: 

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

Those who find work often can’t get the better-paying hospital positions they’d hoped for and instead are turning to nursing homes, home health care or other settings, says Carylin Holsey, president of the National Student Nurses’ Association.

An advisory for new grads published by the association warns that the market is “flooded” with experienced RNs who have come out of retirement, delayed retirement or gone from part-time to full-time employment because of the recession

The US nursing job market tightened noticeably last year. A June 2009 survey by the association of 2,112 spring RN graduates found 44% hadn’t yet landed a nursing job.

In metro Cincinnati, the job market for RNs is the tightest in the 20 years that a hospital workforce survey has been conducted by the Greater Cincinnati Health Council, says the council’s Mary Duffey. “Our May students are not finding positions.”

When the economy improves a wave of retirements is expected. “Unless we are very proactive … this could be catastrophic for the nation’s health care system,” says Beverly Malone, CEO of the National League for Nursing, a nursing educators’ group.

Large nursing shortages are still forecast as aging Baby Boomers need more care and millions of additional Americans get insurance in 2014 under the nation’s new health law. A Vanderbilt University analysis last year — before the health law passed — predicted that the U.S. will be short 260,000 nurses by 2025.

“It’s enough to do significant interruptions to the health care system and potentially even render it inoperable,” says Peter Buerhaus, the study’s author and director of Vanderbilt’s Center for Interdisciplinary Health Workforce Studies. He says it’s critical for policy leaders to find a way to keep new nursing graduates in the profession through the recession so projected shortages aren’t even worse.

Two or three years ago, new grads often had multiple job offers, says Kathleen Ann Long, dean of the University of Florida College of Nursing. “I would describe this as a temporary blip in a very long-term trend that indicates a severe shortage of nurses in this country,” she says.

To get jobs now, new RNs may need to be flexible about location and shifts and look beyond their preferred jobs in hospitals. Jobs are easier to find in some parts of the country than others. “Our students are getting jobs, it’s just that they’re not getting their first or second choice,” says Janet Allan, dean of the University of Maryland nursing school.

To combat the likely shortage in coming years, nursing schools several years ago began increasing their class sizes.

In Arizona, the expansion has more than doubled the new nurses entering the state’s workforce each year, from 1,254 graduates in 2002 to 2,805 in 2009, says Pamela Randolph, associate director at the Arizona State Board of Nursing. About 21% of new Arizona RNs licensed in the past year lacked nursing jobs, according to a board survey released in May. The most often cited reason: “Not enough jobs for new RN grads in the area.”

Newly licensed RN Kristin Fauss has been waiting tables in Omaha while she looks for her first nursing job. “It’s been kind of rough,” she says. Source: USA Today.

See also:

NPTE Exam suspended ‘effective immediately’

New Green Card Form I-9 Documentation

American town bans renting property to illegal immigrants

US Green cards face fee hikes

Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package

If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email: 

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

For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!

There are fears a proposed cap on non-EU immigration could cause problems for businesses, including those in the agricultural sector.

But Security Minister Baroness Neville-Jones said exceptions would be made for some skilled workers.

The coalition had had representations from sheep shearers and was sympathetic to that profession, she added.

Questioned by the Lords Merits of Statutory Instruments Committee, Baroness Neville-Jones said: “We have to make sure that the system doesn’t actually create a situation in which skills of that kind can’t be imported…

“Some of those will clearly come in the ’scarce’ category and there will be the ability for scarce category skills to be accommodated.”

In June, the government announced that the number of skilled workers allowed into the UK from outside the EU would be cut by 1,300.

The figure will fall to 24,100 by April 2011, 5% less than in 2009, Home Secretary Theresa May said.

Government limit for Tier 2 (General) of the points-based system

Emigrating to Canada growing as the appeal widens

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