The revised policy applies to applicants applying under Tier 1 (General), Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) and Tier 2 of the points-based system.

The UKBA said:

‘The concession was put in place when the English language requirement was introduced to allow migrants to make a visa application for leave to remain before they had taken an English language test or received the results at a time when availability of tests was not known.

‘Since the initial introduction of the English language requirement, English Language test availability has increased and test providers have increased availability in-line with demand. Migrants should now be able to take a test in good time before needing to make a leave to remain application.’

You will still to be able to take advantage of the concession for visa applications received up to and including 6 April 2012. Visa applications made after 6 April 2012 must be accompanied with evidence that applicants have passed an approved English language test.

For more information on the relevant requirements, please refer to the appropriate UKBA guidance notes:

Tier 1 (General) – Paragraph 139 onwards

Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) – Paragraph 141 onwards

Tier 2 – Paragraph 145 onwards

Earlier this week the UKBA announced a number of amendments to the list of approved English language tests for applications made under Tier’s 1, 2 and 4 of the points-based system and for spouse or partner applications. Changes have also been introduced to their biometric appointment booking service removing telephone option and replacing it with an online system.

See also:

Changes to English language tests for applications under Tiers 1, 2 and 4 of the points-based system announced by UKBA today

Change to postal biometric appointment procedure and residence permit help

Free service launched to help overseas students study at UK Universities

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

Looking for a Tier 4 college or University or need advice?

UKUS is a free University and College Admissions and advice service based in London, UK. Students interested in studying abroad can complete the Online UKUS Registration Form for more details.

The amendments include:

• the City & Guilds test scores now show ‘pass’ and there is a separate English language test for spouse/partner applications.
• for City & Guilds tests the documents required for a migrants application have been amended.
• ETS have changed the way that the scores for their TOEFL ibt (internet based test) map against the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
• the ETS TOEFL ibt (internet based test) now includes scores for spouse and partner applications.
• there is a change to the web address for the TOEIC (The test of English for international communication) English language test.
• Cambridge ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) have amended the title of one of their tests from ‘International Legal English Certificate’ to ‘Cambridge English Legal’.
• for Cambridge ESOL tests the minimum grade requirements are clearer.
• Trinity College tests now have a 2 year expiry date.

You can download the revised list in full from the UK Border Agency website.

When you make an application in an immigration category that requires you to demonstrate your English language ability, you must show that you have passed an appropriate test on the list. Source: UK Border Agency.

See also:

Free service launched to help overseas students study at UK Universities

Change to postal biometric appointment procedure and residence permit help

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

Looking for a Tier 4 college or University or need advice?

UKUS is a free University and College Admissions and advice service based in London, UK. Students interested in studying abroad can complete the Online UKUS Registration Form for more details.

The agency said:

‘As part of our strategy to move our services online, we are replacing our phone line for postal applicants in the UK who want to book appointments to enrol their biometric information.’

From 1 February 2012, postal applicants will only be able to book these appointments online.

Before you can book an appointment online, you must register by creating a ‘customer account’ on the ‘Apply online’ service.

You will need a valid email address. The UKBA will then send you password details, which will allow you to access your account and book your appointment.

For more information, see the UKBA Booking an appointment (postal applications) page.

The UKBA also announced that from 1 February, an email service will replace thier biometric residence permit helplines (0300 123 2412 and 0300 123 4699). You will need to email:

• BRPDelivery@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk if there is an issue with the delivery of your biometric residence permit;
• BRPError@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk if there is an error on your biometric residence permit;
• BRPLost@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk to report the loss or theft of a biometric residence permit; and
• employerBRPverification@ukba.gsi.gov.uk if you are an employer or sponsor and you want to confirm that a biometric residence permit is valid.

If you do not have email access, you will be able to send your enquiries by Freepost to:

Freepost RRYX-GLYU-GXHZ
Returns Unit
PO Box 163
Bristol
BS20 1AB

You can still use the phone services until 31 January. Source: UK Border Agency.

See also:

Bulgarian and Romanian applications – UKBA issue new application form and guidance

Immigrants on benefits figures revealed

Immigration critic calls Canada “Super Visa” a sham

New procedure announced for Arts Council England endorsement under Tier 1 Exceptional talent applications

7 tips for completing a Yellow Card BR1 application to work and study in the UK

With Yellow Card student applications for Bulgarians and Romanians taking 3 to 6 months to process, getting it right first time is vital. Bulgarians and Romanians exercising treaty rights as students under Yellow Card registration certificates are reporting that their applications are taking between three and six months to be processed and approved by the UK Border Agency Full story…

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

Majestic College offer special packages for EU students. They also have a number of employers looking for staff right now and are willing to employ Bulgarians and Romanians.

For more information call Joanna on 0208 207 1020 or email info@majesticcollege.org

If you are seeking ACE endorsement, you must now complete ACE’s new competent body application form and submit it with your visa application. You must also submit supporting documents which show that you meet ACE’s eligibility criteria. You can download the form and the criteria from the Exceptional talent – request for endorsement page of the UK Border Agency website.

Until now, applicants seeking ACE endorsement needed to submit the supporting documents but did not need to submit the form.

There is no change to the procedure for Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) applicants who want their application to be endorsed by the Royal Society, the British Academy or the Royal Academy of Engineering. As before, they must submit a completed ’science bodies’ competent body application form and documents showing that they meet their competent body’s eligibility criteria. See the Exceptional talent – request for endorsement page for more information. Source: UK Border Agency.

See also:

New fees for immigration and asylum appeals 

Important UK Border Agency update for Tier 4 sponsors – educational oversight and other changes

Immigration Rules for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals

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

As the Government’s Student Immigration System consultation period draws to a close on Monday, more education leaders are warning that universities cannot afford to lose the fees of non-EU overseas students, the Guardian reports this week.

Immigration helps Canada’s population grow as job prospects improve

Canada is the largest country in the Western Hemisphere and second only to Russia is size. China, Brazil and the US have a similar land mass, but all have much larger populations. Unlike many countries in the west, Canada has plenty of room to grow and needs lots of skilled workers to migrate to Canada.

Edinburgh Students Union oppose UKBA’s student cull

Figures released by UCAS on 20 January showed that the rise in student numbers in 2010 was entirely made up of foreign students.

Thirteen immigration offenders seized in Wales raid

Thirteen immigration offenders have been caught following a series of raids across Wales by immigration officers, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) reports this week. But thousands of illegal immigrants get indefinite leave to remain under the little known ‘14 year rule’

Outgoing CBI boss attacks UK Government on immigration cap

Mr Lambert joins Government Minister Vince Cable, London Mayor Boris Johnson and a host of business leaders all warning against the damaging effects of a cap on immigration.

EU residency for sale at your nearest Latvian Estate Agency

Yes, you can now legally buy EU residency from Latvian Estate Agents!

Immigration cap on foreign staff will compromise patient care says NHS

Thousands of employers, for instance in the care sector which looks after the most vulnerable people in our society, are still being blocked from recruiting skilled migrants from outside the UK under the interim cap, even when the job is listed on the official shortage occupations list, such as Senior Care Workers.

There are just a few days 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.

If you want your voice to be heard log on now and take part.

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

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 recent Tier 4 Student Visa immigration policies instituted by the British government were primarily designed to streamline the entry clearance process for foreign nationals wishing to study in the United Kingdom.

Brothel owning pimp to be deported back to China

A pimp who ran a brothel above an Essex takeaway has been jailed and faces deportation, the Essex Echo reports.

Equality Act – what does it mean in practice?

The Equlity Act has been presented as a ‘tidying up exercise’, consolidating nine separate pieces of legislation and making it easier to understand. However, there are a number of significant changes that have a real impact on employers and employees.

Reduce women overseas workers to avoid abuse, says POEA

GMA News in Manila reports that as a segment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) more prone to abuse and maltreatment, women should be restricted to work as domestic helpers and factory workers abroad, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) said Wednesday.

Scottish Universities fears over tough new Tier 4 visa rules

Herald Scotland reports that Scotland will have one of the most restrictive visa regimes in the world for overseas students under Westminster Government plans to crack down on immigration, universities have warned.

New Countries Eligible to Participate in H-2A and H-2B Programs announced by USCIS

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced this month that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State, has identified 53 countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B programs for the coming year.

UK Minister Vince Cable says skilled Indian workers and students are welcome

Whilst this article and Vince Cable’s apparent assurance may bring welcome relief to migrants, his own coalition government’s policies, like their plans to abolish the Tier 1 Post Study Work Visa, do not mirror his views and appear to conflict with his earlier statements.

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.

Tier 1 is for highly skilled workers, investors and entrepreneurs, but the study reveals that around a third of the 1,184 people sampled are being employed in lower-skilled jobs such as shop assistants and supermarket cashiers.

Immigration Minister Damian Green said:

‘While it is important that low-skilled jobs are filled, there are hundreds of thousands of British people who could be doing them instead of a migrant.

‘Those coming into the UK under the highly skilled migrant route should only be able to do highly skilled jobs – it should not be used as a means to enter the low-skilled jobs market.

‘Investors and entrepreneurs aside, this report questions the value of this route into the UK, and the findings will play a key part in discussions on how the annual limit will be shaped.’

Tier 1 visas are issued to applicants who meet the correct criteria. Factors such as qualifications, previous earnings and age are taken into account.

Unlike those who come into the UK under Tier 2 of the points-based system, Tier 1 migrants do not need a job offer before they arrive in the UK.

The report’s findings come in advance of the government’s announcement on the new permanent annual limit arrangements, including who will be included in the limit and at what level it will be set.

Degree level and above student graduates can also stay in the UK under the Post Study Work Tier 1 visa.

You can find the study in the Statistics section of the UK Border Agency’s website.

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 permits will replace the stickers (known as ‘vignettes’) which these most migrants currently hold in their passports.

Subject to parliamentary approval of the regulations (passing them into Law), migrants who apply to extend their stay in the UK under Tier 1 or Tier 5 (Temporary worker) of the points-based system will need to enrol their biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) as part of their application from 14 December 2010.

The UK Border Agency has published an impact assessment and an equality impact assessment for the changes. You can find these under ‘Policy and law’ on the UK Border Agency website.

To find out how biometric information applies to you, visit the ‘Do I need a biometric residence permit?’ section of the UK Border Agency website, which explains how to apply for a permit and enrol your biometric information. Source: UK Border Agency

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

Applicants submitting a postgraduate certificate or diploma awarded by a UK listed body in order to score points for your qualifications or English language skills, must include a letter of equivalency issued by UK NARIC with your application.

If you do not do this, the the UK Border Agency warn that the decision on your application may be delayed and/or a negative decision may be taken.

UK NARIC are the body normally associated with providing official comparisons between UK and overseas qualifications, not UK based certoficates and diplomas.

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

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

This week a cabinet minister, UK Business Secretary Vince Cable, unusually spoke out against official government policy.

Labour trafficking suspects arrested

The UK Border Agency reports that three Indian men have been arrested by immigration officers, in conjunction with Northamptonshire Police, in Kettering as part of an investigation into suspected labour trafficking.

Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Britain

Pope Benedict XVI arrived this morning in Edinburgh at the start of the first papal visit to the UK for 28 years.

Lord Bingham ‘the greatest judge of our time’ dies aged 76

Britain lost one of its greatest judges this week when Lord Bingham past away.

Sham marriage fixer guilty

A Portuguese man admitted acting as a ‘fixer’ in a sham marriage at a Bristol church, The UK Border Agency reports.

Former Immigration Minister Phil Woolas campaign ‘to make white folk angry’

The BBC reports that the former immigration minister Phil Woolas set out to “make the white folk angry” in his election campaign, a specially convened court heard.

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

For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE