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	<title>Immigration Matters &#187; UK Border Agency</title>
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		<title>Immigration News Weekly Round up 05 February 2012</title>
		<link>http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/immigration-news-weekly-round-up-05-february-2012.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/immigration-news-weekly-round-up-05-february-2012.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:33:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Charles Kelly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Britain to limit settlement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bulgarians]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Contribution-based system]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dependant visa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Human Rights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ILR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indefinite Leave to Remain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Migration Advisory Committee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Permanent Residence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Romanians]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scholarship in memory of murdered Indian student]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[senior carers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Settlement in UK to be linked to salary of £31]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[settlement UK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tier 2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transitional arrangement for ILR]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[working visa]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/?p=10261</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Immigration News Weekly Round up 05 February 2012 ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/uk-university-setting-up-a-memorial-scholarship-in-memory-of-murdered-indian-student.html">UK university setting up a memorial scholarship in memory of murdered Indian student</a></p>
<p>Lancaster University is to set up a scholarship in memory of Anuj Bidve the Indian student whose unprovoked murder in Manchester evoked widespread sympathy and outrage.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/how-will-the-new-%e2%80%98minimum-salary-for-residency%e2%80%99-proposals-affect-you.html">How will the new ‘minimum salary for residency’ proposals affect you?</a></p>
<p>Following yesterday’s announcement by the UK Immigration Minister, Damian Green, that under new proposals migrants seeking permanent settlement, or Indefinite Leave to Remain, will be required to earn between £31,000 and £49,000 per annum, Immigration Matters has been inundated with questions from worried work permit holders such as Senior Care Workers, Nurses and Domestic Workers.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/human-rights-decisions-led-to-ridiculous-and-damaging-situation-says-uk-immigration-minister.html">Human rights decisions led to ‘ridiculous and damaging’ situation, says UK Immigration Minister</a></p>
<p>The UK Immigration Minister Damien Green has warned that the way courts interpret the human right to family life has led to a “ridiculous and damaging situation” and risks a “dangerous” stand off between parliament and judges.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/settlement-in-uk-to-be-linked-to-a-minimum-salary-of-31000-says-immigration-minister.html">Settlement in UK to be linked to a minimum salary of £31,000 says Immigration Minister</a></p>
<p>The UK is set introduce a minimum earnings figure of £31,000 in order to qualify for permanent settlement or Indefinite Leave to Remain, the Immigration Minister announced. If applied to existing migrants, the minimum threshold would affect nurses, senior carers, chefs, care managers and many other occupations where the basic pay rate is less than £31,000.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/uk-university-applicants-drops-8-7-ucas-figures-reveal.html">UK University applicants drops 8.7% but non-EU students increase, UCAS figures reveal</a></p>
<p>The number of <a href="http://www.uk-universityservices.co.uk/" target="_blank">UK University </a>applicants has dropped by 8.7% compared with last year, official figures show. With student agents in Asia reporting that students are now more attracted to study in Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the US, UK Universities may have to do more to attract overseas non-EU students to fill places – or start closing campuses and making redundancies.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/ukba-postal-biometric-appointments-and-residence-permit-reporting-change-to-online-service.html">UKBA Postal biometric appointments and residence permit reporting change to online service</a></p>
<p>As announced last month the UK Border Agency has now closed their telephone booking line for postal applicants in the UK who want to make appointments to enrol their biometric information.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/romanian-workers-offered-uk-jobs-while-2-7-million-claim-benefits.html">Romanian workers offered UK jobs while 2.7 million claim benefits</a></p>
<p>British employers are offering thousands of jobs to Romanian workers as UK unemployment soars to a record high, the Daily Star claims. A recruitment agency in Bucharest is advertising 2,434 vacancies for British jobs according to the report. The news that employers are recruiting in Romania will surprise many as, despite being members of the European Union, <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/uk-border-agency-rules-for-bulgarian-and-romanian-nationals.html" target="_blank">Romanians cannot work in the UK as employees without permission</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/sham-marriage-vicar-john-magumba-jailed.html">Sham marriage vicar John Magumba jailed</a></p>
<p>Another Church of England vicar has been jailed for carrying out sham marriages to allow immigrants to gain residency rights to remain in the UK, the BBC reports</p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/britain-will-limit-settlement-to-%e2%80%98brightest-and-best%e2%80%99-migrants-under-new-plans.html">Britain will limit settlement to ‘brightest and best’ migrants under new plans</a></p>
<p>Britain is set to change the rules in order to give priority to the “brightest and the best” immigrants who can ‘contribute’ under new plans to cut the number of foreigners settling in the UK, the Immigration Minister has said.</p>
<p>If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an <a href="http://www.visaappeals.com/" target="_blank">appeal</a> against a refusal please email: <a href="mailto:info@immigrationmatters.co.uk">info@immigrationmatters.co.uk</a> or visit <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/" target="_new">www.immigrationmatters.co.uk</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How will the new ‘minimum salary for residency’ proposals affect you?</title>
		<link>http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/how-will-the-new-%e2%80%98minimum-salary-for-residency%e2%80%99-proposals-affect-you.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/how-will-the-new-%e2%80%98minimum-salary-for-residency%e2%80%99-proposals-affect-you.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:42:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Charles Kelly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[appeal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Article 39 of the EC Treaty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bison UK]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[BR1]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Britain will limit settlement to ‘brightest and best’ migrants]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Bulgarians]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Care jobs available in UK]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Comprehensive Sickness Insurance for bulgarian and romanian]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[free support with forms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Guidance for Nationals of Bulgaria and Romania on Obtaining Permission to Work in the United Kingdom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare workers needed now]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HOW TO FIND APPLICATION FORMS FOR A YELLOW OR BLUE CARD REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[http://www.majesticcollege.org]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ILR]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[job placement]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Romainan and Bulagrian workers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Romania]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Romanians]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Senior Care Worker]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Settlement in UK to be linked to salary of £31]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[STILL CONFUSED BY YELLOW CARD RULES]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/?p=10266</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Following yesterday’s announcement by the UK Immigration Minister, Damian Green, that under new proposals migrants seeking permanent settlement, or Indefinite Leave to Remain, will be required to earn between £31,000 and £49,000 per annum, Immigration Matters has been inundated with questions from worried work permit holders such as Senior Care Workers, Nurses and Domestic Workers.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Following yesterday’s announcement by the UK Immigration Minister, Damian Green, that under new proposals <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/settlement-in-uk-to-be-linked-to-a-minimum-salary-of-31000-says-immigration-minister.html">migrants seeking permanent settlement, or Indefinite Leave to Remain, will be required to earn between £31,000 and £49,000 per annum</a>, Immigration Matters has been inundated with questions from worried work permit holders such as Senior Care Workers, Nurses and Domestic Workers.</p>
<p>Mr Green also announced that he wanted to break the link between temporary and permanent migration and look at the way courts interpret the <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/human-rights-decisions-led-to-ridiculous-and-damaging-situation-says-uk-immigration-minister.html">human right to family life, which he said has led to a “ridiculous and damaging situation”</a> and risks a “dangerous” stand off between parliament and judges.</p>
<p>The government is also proposing to set a minimum income level for any sponsor seeking to bring in a foreign spouse &#8211; and said the recommended level was between £18,600 and £25,700.</p>
<p>The news will be of grave concern to the thousands of skilled workers on Work Permits and Tier 2 Working Visas who are earning less than £31,000.</p>
<p>Whilst the UK has never guaranteed working migrants permanent residency under the terms of their work permits, most were expecting to one day qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after working in Britain for 5 years.</p>
<p>The Minister has not announced any transitional arrangements for those already here. But if the new rules are applied to all existing migrants, the minimum threshold would not be reached by most nurses, senior carers, chefs, care managers and many other occupations where the basic pay rate is less than £31,000.</p>
<p>Some of the questions being asked are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Will the new earnings test apply to all existing work permit holders or new entrants after a certain point?</li>
<li>Does my dependant husband’s income count towards the minimum salary requirement?</li>
<li>How long do I have to be earning £31,000 for or is it my current salary level that counts?</li>
<li>If I cannot qualify for ILR will I be able to extend my work permit after 5 years?</li>
<li>If I have children born in the UK do I have a right to stay under Article 8?</li>
</ul>
<p>The answer to most of these questions are only known to ministers and Home Office officials at this stage because full details of the reforms have not yet been revealed.</p>
<p>The government is committed to reducing net migration to the ‘tens of thousands’ by 2015 and major reforms to the immigration points based system will be needed to reach these targets.</p>
<p>The changes do not affect EU migrants from Eastern European countries such as Poland and Slovakia, or Bulgarians and Romanians exercising Treaty Rights to obtain <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/7-tips-for-completing-a-yellow-card-br1-application-to-work-and-study-in-the-uk.html" target="_blank">Yellow Cards</a>.</p>
<p>See also:</p>
<p><a title="Permanent Link to Settlement in UK to be linked to a minimum salary of £31,000 says Immigration Minister" href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/settlement-in-uk-to-be-linked-to-a-minimum-salary-of-31000-says-immigration-minister.html">Settlement in UK to be linked to a minimum salary of £31,000 says Immigration Minister</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/human-rights-decisions-led-to-ridiculous-and-damaging-situation-says-uk-immigration-minister.html">Human rights decisions led to ‘ridiculous and damaging’ situation, says UK Immigration Minister</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/romanian-workers-offered-uk-jobs-while-2-7-million-claim-benefits.html">Romanian workers offered UK jobs while 2.7 million claim benefits</a></p>
<p>If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an <a href="http://www.visaappeals.com/" target="_blank">appeal</a> against a refusal please email: <a href="mailto:info@immigrationmatters.co.uk">info@immigrationmatters.co.uk</a> or visit <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/" target="_new">www.immigrationmatters.co.uk</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Human rights decisions led to &#8216;ridiculous and damaging&#8217; situation, says UK Immigration Minister</title>
		<link>http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/human-rights-decisions-led-to-ridiculous-and-damaging-situation-says-uk-immigration-minister.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/human-rights-decisions-led-to-ridiculous-and-damaging-situation-says-uk-immigration-minister.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:23:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Charles Kelly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[appeal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Britain will limit settlement to ‘brightest and best’ migrants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[citizenship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Contribution-based system]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dependant visa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ILR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indefinite Leave to Remain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Migration Advisory Committee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[senior carers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Settlement in UK to be linked to salary of £31]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[settlement UK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tier 2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transitional arrangement for ILR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UK Border Agency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UK naturalisation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Work Permit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[working visa]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/?p=10257</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The UK Immigration Minister Damien Green has warned that the way courts interpret the human right to family life has led to a "ridiculous and damaging situation" and risks a "dangerous" stand off between parliament and judges.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The UK Immigration Minister Damien Green has warned that the way courts interpret the human right to family life has led to a &#8220;ridiculous and damaging situation&#8221; and risks a &#8220;dangerous&#8221; stand off between parliament and judges.</p>
<p>Mr Green said the situation is “not healthy for anyone” and calls the whole concept of human rights in to question.</p>
<p>The Government is currently examining how parliament can provide clearer guidance on how Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights show be interpreted with a view to restricting its use.</p>
<p>It follows concerns that foreign criminals and other illegal immigrants are able to use the right too easily to fight deportation.</p>
<p>In 2010, more than 400 criminals were allowed to stay in the UK after winning appeals, mainly on human rights grounds such as the right to family life.</p>
<p>Last month, it emerged Theresa May, the Home Secretary, is drawing up plans to stop illegal immigrants using time spent in Britain unlawfully to bolster their claims to stay.</p>
<p>She aims to stop those facing deportation demanding a right to family life because of the length of time they have been in the country, when most of it was spent here illegally.</p>
<p>In a speech to the think tank Policy Exchange in London, Mr Green said most people would not agree that rights had been breached in many recent high profile cases.</p>
<p>“That leads to the ridiculous and damaging situation where the whole concept of Human Rights is called into question,” he said.</p>
<p>“This is not healthy for anyone. It is also dangerous for there to be a long-term stand-off between Parliament and the judges, which is why we want to give better Parliamentary guidance on what should be considered in these kind of cases in future.”</p>
<p>In a wide ranging speech on immigration, Mr Green also revealed some high earning migrants may be allowed to take up jobs in the UK without them first being advertising to others.</p>
<p>Under the resident labour market test, employers looking to recruit from outside the EU must first advertise for a month in jobcentres.</p>
<p>But Mr Green is keen to make it easier for the most talented migrants to come and has asked the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to look at the issue.</p>
<p>He is also considering allowing talented “entrepreneurial” international students the ability to stay on and continue to develop their ideas after their studies.</p>
<p>It is part of the Government’s bid to redefine the foundation of immigration policies to ensure the brightest and best can still come.</p>
<p>He said immigrants must &#8220;add to the quality of life in Britain&#8221; if they wish to live here and not just “benefit by Britain”.</p>
<p>The Government has pledged to cut net migration from the current 242,000 to the &#8220;tens of thousands&#8221; last seen in the 1990s, with crackdowns on forced and sham marriages, bogus students and an annual cap on immigrants coming from outside the EU.</p>
<p>The MAC, the Government&#8217;s immigration advisers, found there were up to 23 fewer jobs for British workers for every additional 100 working migrants coming from outside the EU. Source: The Telegraph.</p>
<p>The UK is set introduce a <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/settlement-in-uk-to-be-linked-to-a-minimum-salary-of-31000-says-immigration-minister.html">minimum earnings figure of £31,000 in order to qualify for permanent settlement</a> or Indefinite Leave to Remain, the Immigration Minister announced yesterday.</p>
<p>Mr Green also told the BBC that he was proposing to set a minimum income level for any sponsor seeking to bring in a foreign spouse – and said the recommended level from MAC (Migration Advisory Committee) was between £18,600 and £25,700.</p>
<p>See also:</p>
<p><a title="Permanent Link to Settlement in UK to be linked to a minimum salary of £31,000 says Immigration Minister" href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/settlement-in-uk-to-be-linked-to-a-minimum-salary-of-31000-says-immigration-minister.html">Settlement in UK to be linked to a minimum salary of £31,000 says Immigration Minister</a></p>
<p>If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an <a href="http://www.visaappeals.com/" target="_blank">appeal</a> against a refusal please email: <a href="mailto:info@immigrationmatters.co.uk">info@immigrationmatters.co.uk</a> or visit <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/" target="_new">www.immigrationmatters.co.uk</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Settlement in UK to be linked to a minimum salary of £31,000 says Immigration Minister</title>
		<link>http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/settlement-in-uk-to-be-linked-to-a-minimum-salary-of-31000-says-immigration-minister.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/settlement-in-uk-to-be-linked-to-a-minimum-salary-of-31000-says-immigration-minister.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:21:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Charles Kelly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[appeal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Britain will limit settlement to ‘brightest and best’ migrants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[citizenship]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[How will the new ‘minimum salary for residency’ proposals affect you?]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Indefinite Leave to Remain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Migration Advisory Committee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[senior carers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Settlement in UK to be linked to salary of £31]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Tier 2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transitional arrangement for ILR]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[working visa]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/?p=10247</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The UK is set introduce a minimum earnings figure of £31,000 in order to qualify for permanent settlement or Indefinite Leave to Remain, the Immigration Minister announced. If applied to existing migrants, the minimum threshold would affect nurses, senior carers, chefs, care managers and many other occupations where the basic pay rate is less than £31,000.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The UK is set introduce a minimum earnings figure of £31,000 in order to qualify for permanent settlement or Indefinite Leave to Remain, the Immigration Minister announced today.</p>
<ul>
<li>Further changes to family migration</li>
<li>Reforms to settlement and greater selectivity</li>
<li>Breaking the link between temporary and permanent migration</li>
<li>Completing changes to eliminate abuse of the student visa route</li>
<li>review of the annual limit on skilled economic Tier 2 migrants</li>
<li>Contribution-based system rather than points-based</li>
</ul>
<p>As expected, the UK Border Agency has confirmed <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/britain-will-limit-settlement-to-%e2%80%98brightest-and-best%e2%80%99-migrants-under-new-plans.html" target="_blank">earlier rumours published by Immigration Matters</a> on reforming the route to settlement with the creation of a ‘sustainable selective immigration system that encourages the brightest and best to come to the UK’.</p>
<p>At a speech at the Policy Exchange, the Immigration Minister Damian Green expressed a desire to &#8216;raise the tone of the immigration debate&#8217; and start building a national consensus on how immigration can be made to work for Britain.</p>
<p>He will be pressing on with sweeping reforms that impose restrictions on those migrants the country does not need, while developing a greater selectivity to attract those migrants the country wants.</p>
<p>Damian Green said:</p>
<p>&#8216;We need to know not just that the right number of people are coming here, but that the right people are coming here. People that will benefit Britain &#8211; not just those who will benefit by Britain.</p>
<p>&#8216;We have laid the foundations for a sustainable system where we get numbers down and keep them down. Now we shall make it work for Britain.&#8217;</p>
<p>The government has committed to reduce net migration numbers from hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands. In the latest published quarterly figures, compared to a year previously, there are early signs of a positive impact on numbers following restrictions imposed by this government on non-EEA workers and students.</p>
<p>The government will soon be announcing further changes to family migration and reforms to settlement, breaking the link between temporary and permanent migration or <a title="UK Naturalisation" href="http://uknaturalisation.com/" target="_blank">UK naturalisation</a> and citizenship. It will also be completing its changes to eliminate abuse of the student visa route and is currently reviewing the annual limit on skilled economic migrants.</p>
<p>In his speech the Minister expressed his intention that the long-term transformation of British immigration policy will introduce greater selectivity.</p>
<p>He added that the &#8216;points based system&#8217; of the past should ultimately be replaced by a &#8216;contribution-based system&#8217; where migrants are checked to ensure they will add to quality of life in the UK.</p>
<p>This is already starting with the development of more selective routes for entrepreneurs, investors and those with exceptional talent alongside existing routes for entertainers, trainees and researchers.</p>
<p>The Minister confirmed the introduction of a new route for international graduate entrepreneurs &#8211; international students who have engaged in innovative entrepreneurial activity during their studies and want to stay on afterwards to develop their business ideas.</p>
<p>The government will also improve the system for some short-term business visitors and entertainers to ensure world-class performers are encouraged to come to the UK. Source: UK Border Agency.</p>
<p>In an earlier interview with BBC Radio Kent Mr Green said he wanted ‘to be much more intelligently selective about who we let come here&#8221;.</p>
<p>He added:</p>
<p>‘Anyone individual seeking permanent settlement should be able to command a salary of between £31,000 and £49,000.’</p>
<p>Mr Green also told the BBC that he was proposing to set a minimum income level for any sponsor seeking to bring in a foreign spouse &#8211; and said the recommended level from MAC (Migration Advisory Committee) was between £18,600 and £25,700.</p>
<p>The news will come as a bitter blow to the thousands of skilled workers on Work Permits and Tier 2 Working Visas who were expecting to one day qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), although the Minister has not announced any transitional arrangements for those already here.</p>
<p>If applied to existing migrants, the minimum threshold would affect nurses, senior carers, chefs, care managers and many other occupations where the basic pay rate is less than £31,000.</p>
<p>See also:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/how-will-the-new-%e2%80%98minimum-salary-for-residency%e2%80%99-proposals-affect-you.html">How will the new ‘minimum salary for residency’ proposals affect you?</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/britain-will-limit-settlement-to-%e2%80%98brightest-and-best%e2%80%99-migrants-under-new-plans.html">Britain will limit settlement to ‘brightest and best’ migrants under new plans</a></p>
<p>If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an <a href="http://www.visaappeals.com/" target="_blank">appeal</a> against a refusal please email: <a href="mailto:info@immigrationmatters.co.uk">info@immigrationmatters.co.uk</a> or visit <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/" target="_new">www.immigrationmatters.co.uk</a></p>
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		<slash:comments>7</slash:comments>
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		<title>UKBA Postal biometric appointments and residence permit reporting change to online service</title>
		<link>http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/ukba-postal-biometric-appointments-and-residence-permit-reporting-change-to-online-service.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/ukba-postal-biometric-appointments-and-residence-permit-reporting-change-to-online-service.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:22:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Charles Kelly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[7 tips for completing a Yellow Card BR1 application to work and study in the UK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[biometric appointment booking service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Biometric residence permits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bulgarian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fees for immigration appeals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Romanian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UK Border Agency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[visa appeal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yellow Card]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/?p=10235</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As announced last month the UK Border Agency has now closed their telephone booking line for postal applicants in the UK who want to make appointments to enrol their biometric information.

]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As announced last month the UK Border Agency has now closed their telephone booking line for postal applicants in the UK who want to make appointments to enrol their biometric information.</p>
<p>The agency said:</p>
<p>‘You must now book these appointments online, except in very limited circumstances. You can find out how to register online and book an appointment on the <a href="http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/contact/enrol-biometric/book-appointment/">Booking an appointment (postal applications)</a> page.</p>
<p>‘We have also introduced an email service to replace our biometric residence permit helplines (0300 123 2412 and 0300 123 4699).’ </p>
<p>Applicants should now email:</p>
<p><a title="Use this email address if there is an issue with the delivery of your biometric residence permit." tabindex="3" href="mailto:BRPDelivery@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk">BRPDelivery@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk</a> if there is an issue with the delivery of your biometric residence permit;</p>
<p><a title="Use this email address to notify us of an error on your biometric residence permit." href="mailto:BRPError@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk">BRPError@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk</a> if there is an error on your biometric residence permit;</p>
<p><a title="Use this email address to report the loss or theft of your biometric residence permit." href="mailto:BRPLost@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk">BRPLost@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk</a> to report the loss or theft of a biometric residence permit; and</p>
<p><a title="Use this email address to check that a biometric residence permit is valid, if you are an employer or sponsor." href="mailto:employerBRPverification@ukba.gsi.gov.uk">employerBRPverification@ukba.gsi.gov.uk</a> if you are an employer or sponsor and you want to confirm that a biometric residence permit is valid.</p>
<p>If you do not have email access, you can send your enquiries by Freepost to:</p>
<p>Freepost RRYX-GLYU-GXHZ<br />
Returns Unit<br />
PO Box 163<br />
Bristol<br />
BS20 1AB</p>
<p>Source: UK Border Agency</p>
<p>See also:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/changes-to-english-language-tests-for-applications-under-tiers-1-2-and-4-of-the-points-based-system-announced-by-ukba-today.html">Changes to English language tests for applications under Tiers 1, 2 and 4 of the points-based system announced by UKBA today</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/new-fees-for-immigration-and-asylum-appeals.html">New fees for immigration and asylum appeals</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/7-tips-for-completing-a-yellow-card-br1-application-to-work-and-study-in-the-uk.html">7 tips for completing a Yellow Card BR1 application to work and study in the UK</a></p>
<p>With <a href="http://www.majesticcollege.org/" target="_blank">Yellow Card student applications </a>for Bulgarians and Romanians taking 3 to 6 months to process, getting it right first time is vital. <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/uk-border-agency-rules-for-bulgarian-and-romanian-nationals.html">Bulgarians and Romanians</a> 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 <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/7-tips-for-completing-a-yellow-card-br1-application-to-work-and-study-in-the-uk.html">Full story…</a></p>
<p>If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an <a href="http://www.visaappeals.com/" target="_blank">appeal</a> against a refusal please email: </p>
<p><a href="mailto:info@immigrationmatters.co.uk">info@immigrationmatters.co.uk</a> or visit <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/" target="_new">www.immigrationmatters.co.uk</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Romanian workers offered UK jobs while 2.7 million claim benefits</title>
		<link>http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/romanian-workers-offered-uk-jobs-while-2-7-million-claim-benefits.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/romanian-workers-offered-uk-jobs-while-2-7-million-claim-benefits.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:06:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Charles Kelly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[APPLICATION FOR A REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Article 39 of the EC Treaty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bison UK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blue Card Registration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BR1]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BR1 form]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BR1 Registration document]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bulgarian and Romanian Accession]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Care jobs available in UK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Comprehensive Sickness Insurance for bulgarian and romanian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[employers looking for staff]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Free Movement of EU nationals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Free Movement of EU nationals explained]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[free support with forms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Guidance for Nationals of Bulgaria and Romania on Obtaining Permission to Work in the United Kingdom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare workers needed now]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HOW TO FIND APPLICATION FORMS FOR A YELLOW OR BLUE CARD REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[http://www.majesticcollege.org]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Job Centre Plus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[job placement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Majestic College]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[national vocational qualification]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NQF]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NQF Level]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NVQ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NVQ course]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[QCF]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Romainan and Bulagrian workers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Romania]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Senior Care Worker]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Senior Carer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[special packages for EU students]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[STILL CONFUSED BY YELLOW CARD RULES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[student visa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tier 2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tier 4]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Treaty Rights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UK Border Agency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[visa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[visa appeal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vocational course]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[work and study in UK on Yellow Card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Work Permit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[www.majesticcollege.org]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yellow Card Visa]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/?p=10229</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[British employers are offering thousands of jobs to Romanian workers as UK unemployment soars to a record high, the Daily Star claims. A recruitment agency in Bucharest is advertising 2,434 vacancies for British jobs according to the report. The news that employers are recruiting in Romania will surprise many as, despite being members of the European Union, Romanians cannot work in the UK as employees without permission.


]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>British employers are offering thousands of jobs to Romanian workers as UK unemployment soars to a record high, the Daily Star claims.</p>
<p>A recruitment agency in Bucharest is advertising 2,434 vacancies for British jobs according to the report.</p>
<p>The Romanian agency ‘tjobs.ro’ revealed that many of the UK-based posts were for medical staff, tourism workers and skilled staff.</p>
<p>And 25% of the unfilled roles on offer were for labourers and unskilled workers. The news comes as the number of jobless Brits hit a record 17-year high of 2.68million.</p>
<p>And yesterday Sir Andrew Green, chairman of campaign group Migration Watch UK, said: “One has to ask why employers feel the need to go abroad to recruit for these jobs.”</p>
<p>Unemployment in Britain currently stands at 8.4%, the worst figure since 1994.</p>
<p>The Daily Star revealed this month how 23 British jobs were lost for every 100 migrants let in.</p>
<p>A hard-hitting report by the Migration Advisory Committee showed 160,000 UK-born workers had missed out on employment since 1995 as a result of immigration.</p>
<p>The study looked at the problems immigration was causing for Britain’s stretched public services.</p>
<p>Researchers found average earnings have remained the same, but wages at the bottom have fallen. Source: Daily Star.</p>
<p>The question we should be asking is why British firms are advertising jobs in another EU country when so many unemployed workers are supposedly available to work on their doorstep?</p>
<p>The newspaper article does not point out that there are hundreds of thousands of job vacancies in the UK being advertised on a regular basis, and not all of these jobs vacancies are filled by local workers.</p>
<p>For instance, despite high UK unemployment healthcare support workers or care assistants are still desperately needed by employers who cannot fill vacancies locally.</p>
<p>Even though millions of British people are unemployed and the country’s economy in the doldrums, the care industry still has massive problems in finding care or support workers for the 20,000 plus homes. </p>
<p>A recent search on one Government Job Centre Plus website, <a href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Jobseekers/LookingForWork/DG_10030134?PRO=hp&amp;CRE=Jobsimage" target="_blank">Job Seekers Direct Find a Job Now</a>, revealed over 300 job vacancies within a 75 mile radius of central London region alone. </p>
<p>Some employers are offering as much as £10.50 per hour, £4.57 above the national minimum wage, for a Health Care Assistant for a dementia care unit in London. </p>
<p>The website quoted in the article offers jobs all over Europe. They appears to be mainly advertising vacancies for Au Pair, baby sitting and care jobs in the UK, all of which are hard to fill locally.</p>
<p>The news that employers are recruiting in Romania will surprise many as, despite being members of the European Union, <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/uk-border-agency-rules-for-bulgarian-and-romanian-nationals.html">Romanians cannot work in the UK as employees without permission</a>.</p>
<p>Employers wishing to hire a Romanian, or fellow EU2 member citizens from Bulgaria, need to apply for a work permit and low skilled jobs do not normally qualify.</p>
<p>However, in the case of temporary low skilled workers, such as seasonal agricultural workers where there are always shortages, employers or agencies can apply to the UK Border Agency for a six month SAWS (Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme) permit.</p>
<p>SAWS allow farmers and growers in the UK to recruit low-skilled overseas workers to do short-term agricultural work only. The scheme works on a quota basis. Farmers and growers who participate in the scheme can employ a fixed number of overseas workers though the scheme each year. In 2010 and 2011 the quota is 21,250 places.</p>
<p>To be able to apply to come to the UK under the SAWS, you must be a national of Bulgaria or Romania. Workers get a work card which gives them permission to work in the UK under the scheme for a maximum of 6 months.</p>
<p>There is also a scheme for Au Pairs coming from Romania and Bulgaria, but this type of work is low paid and traditionally taken by <a href="http://www.uk-universityservices.co.uk" target="_blank">students</a> wishing to learn English.</p>
<p>Bulgarians and Romanians coming to the UK on <a title="Yellow Card Form" href="http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/bulgariaromania/formbr1.pdf" target="_blank">Yellow Card</a> registration permits can study and work full time on vocational courses such as <a href="http://www.majesticcollege.org/">NVQ or QCF courses in Health and Social Care</a> or customer service by exercising their Treaty Rights under Article 39.  They can also apply for a self employed yellow card, but the application must be supported by a genuine case for setting up a business.</p>
<p>UK <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/employment-restrictions-for-bulgarians-and-romanians-extended-until-end-of-2013.html">work restrictions on Bulgarian and Romanian nationals were recently extended until the end of 2013</a> by Immigration Minister Damian Green.</p>
<p>See also:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/employment-restrictions-for-bulgarians-and-romanians-extended-until-end-of-2013.html">Employment restrictions for Bulgarians and Romanians extended until end of 2013</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/7-tips-for-completing-a-yellow-card-br1-application-to-work-and-study-in-the-uk.html">7 tips for completing a Yellow Card BR1 application to work and study in the UK</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/uk-border-agency-rules-for-bulgarian-and-romanian-nationals.html">Immigration Rules for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/foreign-workers-more-uk-jobs-as-number-of-britons-in-work-plunges.html">EU and non-EU workers take more UK jobs as number of Britons in work plunges</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/care-workers-still-needed-in-britain-despite-high-unemployment.html">Health care workers needed in UK now</a></p>
<p>If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an <a href="http://www.visaappeals.com/" target="_blank">appeal</a> against a refusal please email: <a href="mailto:info@immigrationmatters.co.uk"><strong>info@immigrationmatters.co.uk</strong></a> or visit <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/" target="_new"><strong>www.immigrationmatters.co.uk</strong></a> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.majesticcollege.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Majestic College</strong></a> 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.</p>
<p>For more information call Joanna on 0208 207 1020 or email <a href="mailto:info@majesticcollege.org"><strong>info@majesticcollege.org</strong></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>UKBA tighten English language test requirement on Tier 1 and 2 working visa applications in the UK</title>
		<link>http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/ukba-tighten-english-language-test-requirement-on-tier-1-and-2-applications-in-the-uk.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/ukba-tighten-english-language-test-requirement-on-tier-1-and-2-applications-in-the-uk.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:49:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Charles Kelly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Common European Framework of Reference]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[English language ability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[english language test]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ESOL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ETS TOEFL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Free service launched to help overseas students]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spouse or partner applications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The test of English for international communication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tier 1]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tier 2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tier 2 working visa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tier 4]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TOEFL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TOEIC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trinity College]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UK Border Agency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UK University Services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UKUS]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/?p=10200</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has announced that from 6 April 2012 they will be removing the provision for applicants in the UK to apply for permission to stay here (leave to remain) before they have taken or received the results of an English language test. The revised policy applies to applicants applying under Tier 1 (General), Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) and Tier 2 (Working Visa) of the points-based system.

]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has announced that from 6 April 2012 they will be removing the provision for applicants in the UK to apply for permission to stay here (leave to remain) before they have taken or received the results of an English language test.</p>
<p>The revised policy applies to applicants applying under Tier 1 (General), Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) and Tier 2 of the points-based system.</p>
<p>The UKBA said:</p>
<p>‘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.</p>
<p>‘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.’</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>For more information on the relevant requirements, please refer to the appropriate UKBA guidance notes:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/t1-general-guidance.pdf%20">Tier 1 (General) &#8211; Paragraph 139 onwards</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/tier1entrepreneurguidance1.pdf%20">Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) &#8211; Paragraph 141 onwards</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/tier2-guidance.pdf">Tier 2 &#8211; Paragraph 145 onwards</a></p>
<p>Earlier this week the UKBA announced a number of <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/changes-to-english-language-tests-for-applications-under-tiers-1-2-and-4-of-the-points-based-system-announced-by-ukba-today.html">amendments to the list of approved English language tests for applications made under Tier’s 1, 2 and 4 of the points-based system</a> 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.</p>
<p>See also:</p>
<p><a title="Permanent Link to Changes to English language tests for applications under Tiers 1, 2 and 4 of the points-based system announced by UKBA today" href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/changes-to-english-language-tests-for-applications-under-tiers-1-2-and-4-of-the-points-based-system-announced-by-ukba-today.html">Changes to English language tests for applications under Tiers 1, 2 and 4 of the points-based system announced by UKBA today</a></p>
<p><a title="Permanent Link to Change to postal biometric appointment procedure and residence permit help" href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/change-to-postal-biometric-appointment-procedure-and-residence-permit-help.html">Change to postal biometric appointment procedure and residence permit help</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/free-service-launched-to-help-overseas-students-study-at-uk-universities.html">Free service launched to help overseas students study at UK Universities</a></p>
<p>If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an <a href="http://www.visaappeals.com/" target="_blank">appeal</a> against a refusal please email: <a href="mailto:info@immigrationmatters.co.uk">info@immigrationmatters.co.uk</a> or visit <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/" target="_new">www.immigrationmatters.co.uk</a></p>
<p><strong>Looking for a Tier 4 college or University or need advice?</strong></p>
<p><a title="UK University Services" href="http://www.uk-universityservices.co.uk/" target="_blank">UKUS</a> is a free University and College Admissions and advice service based in London, UK. Students interested in studying abroad can complete the <a href="http://www.uk-universityservices.co.uk/register-with-ukus">Online UKUS Registration Form</a> for more details.</p>
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		<title>Illegal immigrant criminal returns home with £1500 from the British taxpayer and sets up a business selling UK passports</title>
		<link>http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/illegal-immigrant-criminal-returns-home-with-1500-from-the-british-taxpayer-and-sets-up-a-business-selling-uk-passports.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/illegal-immigrant-criminal-returns-home-with-1500-from-the-british-taxpayer-and-sets-up-a-business-selling-uk-passports.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:35:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Charles Kelly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Article 8]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bison UK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fees for appeals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fees for immigration and asylum appeals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[First Tier Tribunal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Immigration and Asylum Chamber]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[immigration and asylum refusals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Immigration appeals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Immigration Judge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ministry of Justice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pagan appeal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[paper consideration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UK Border Agency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Visa Appeals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[visa refusal]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/?p=10193</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In a bizarre story, according to several overseas press reports, an illegal immigrant who was caught arranging a sham marriage in Britain was able to leave jail early with £1,500 of taxpayers’ money, which he used to set up a business in Pakistan offering UK passports.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In a bizarre story, according to several overseas press reports, an illegal immigrant who was caught arranging a sham marriage in Britain was able to leave jail early with £1,500 of taxpayers’ money, which he used to set up a business in Pakistan offering UK passports.</p>
<p>Convicted sham marriage fixer Ashar Ali Rathore, age 33, was apparently released from prison early with a pay-off, which he then used as capital to set up a business in his homeland selling passports.</p>
<p>The scam artist first found himself in jail after he tried to arrange fake marriages, involving Polish citizens and Asians, in order to gain UK residency. His plan backfired and he was jailed for conspiring to breach UK Immigration Laws.</p>
<p>Upon release he was given £1,500 for agreeing to leave the country and return home. This is part of a government scheme that is supposed to help rehabilitate foreign nationals.</p>
<p>In addition for receiving the cash just for going home, it is said that he only had to serve seven months of his two-year sentence. When he returned home, media reports show that he used the taxpayers’ money to set up Xpress Solutions, a company that provides UK passports and visas.</p>
<p>Whilst it may seem strange to most people that the government ‘pays’ foreign criminals to leave the country, the cost of deporting an illegal immigrant is far higher, especially when an appeal is lodged. </p>
<p>Convicted criminals, such as violent rapists, have successfully <a href="http://www.visaappeals.com/">appealed against deportation</a> decisions on ‘Article 8’ grounds, which cost the UK taxpayer many thousands of pounds in legal aid bills and court time.</p>
<p>See also:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/%e2%80%98pagan%e2%80%99-woman-wins-immigration-appeal-after-denying-polygamy.html">‘Pagan’ woman wins immigration appeal after denying polygamy</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/new-fees-for-immigration-and-asylum-appeals.html">New fees for immigration and asylum appeals</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/human-rights-distorted-british-pm-warns-the-european-court-as-many-in-the-uk-call-for-withdrawal.html">Human Rights distorted, British PM warns the Council of Europe, as many in the UK call for withdrawal from ECHR</a></p>
<p><a title="Permanent Link to Judge attacks immigration ‘merry-go-round’ after Pakistani man made 16 applications to remain in UK at a cost of £250,000 to taxpayer" href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/judge-attacks-immigration-merry-go-round-after-pakistani-man-made-16-applications-to-remain-in-uk-at-a-cost-of-250000-to-taxpayer.html">Judge attacks immigration ‘merry-go-round’ after Pakistani man made 16 applications to remain in UK at a cost of £250,000 to taxpayer</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/student-wins-article-8-human-rights-appeal-after-claiming-he-played-cricket-with-friends.html">Student wins article 8 human rights appeal after claiming he played cricket with friends</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/pakistani-student-allowed-by-immigration-judge-to-remain-in-uk-despite-buying-a-fake-english-certificate.html">Student allowed by Immigration Judge to remain in UK despite buying a fake English certificate</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/%e2%80%98pet-cat%e2%80%99-immigrant-in-row-was-shoplifter.html">‘Pet cat Human Rights Appeal’ overstaying student was a shoplifter</a></p>
<p>If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an <a href="http://www.visaappeals.com/" target="_blank">appeal</a> against a refusal please email: <a href="mailto:info@immigrationmatters.co.uk">info@immigrationmatters.co.uk</a> or visit <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/" target="_new">www.immigrationmatters.co.uk</a></p>
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		<title>‘Pagan’ woman wins immigration appeal after denying polygamy</title>
		<link>http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/%e2%80%98pagan%e2%80%99-woman-wins-immigration-appeal-after-denying-polygamy.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/%e2%80%98pagan%e2%80%99-woman-wins-immigration-appeal-after-denying-polygamy.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:17:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Charles Kelly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bison UK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fees for appeals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fees for immigration and asylum appeals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[First Tier Tribunal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Immigration and Asylum Chamber]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[immigration and asylum refusals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Immigration appeals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Immigration Judge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ministry of Justice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pagan appeal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[paper consideration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UK Border Agency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Visa Appeals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[visa refusal]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/?p=10189</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A pagan woman who lives with her lover and his wife, but denies it is a polygamous arrangement, has won a ‘right to family life’ immigration case]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A pagan woman who lives with her lover and his wife, but denies it is a polygamous arrangement, has won a ‘right to family life’ immigration case.</p>
<p>Emily DiSanto’s legal victory means she can stay in the UK. The Government disagrees with the ruling and has vowed to overhaul the rules on immigration.</p>
<p>Miss DiSanto was originally refused permission to remain in the UK because the UK does not recognise polygamy, or arrangements that are essentially the same thing.</p>
<p>However, the polygamy argument was later dropped from the immigration case.</p>
<p>The married pair claim they are not permitted to divorce under their pagan beliefs. The man, his wife and his lover live together in one home.</p>
<p>Both women have had children with the man, and the court ruled that Miss DiSanto should be allowed to stay for the sake of the children.</p>
<p>The UK Government disagrees with the ruling and it criticised the use of the Article of the European Convention on Human Rights which was behind the decision.</p>
<p>A Home Office spokesman said: “We are disappointed by the court’s decision in this case.</p>
<p>“For too long Article 8 has been used to place the family rights of immigration offenders above the rights of the British public.</p>
<p>“This is why we will change the immigration rules to reinforce the public interest in seeing those who have breached our immigration laws removed from this country.” Source: The Christian Institute.</p>
<p>Speaking at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg this week, British Prime Minister David Cameron warned that the concept of <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/human-rights-distorted-british-pm-warns-the-european-court-as-many-in-the-uk-call-for-withdrawal.html" target="_blank">human rights was being “distorted” and “discredited” by controversial decisions in Europe</a>.</p>
<p>In December 2011 the UK government brought in new <a title="Appeals" href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/new-fees-for-immigration-and-asylum-appeals.html" target="_blank">appeal charges</a> for some asylum, immigration and <a href="http://visaappeals.com/" target="_blank">visa appeals</a> and introduced new procedures for submitting appeals against refusals.</p>
<p>Fees of £80 for a ‘paper consideration’, a decision made by an Immigration Judge on papers without a hearing, and £140 for a full oral hearing at a tribunal will be applied to appeals against decisions taken on or after 19 December 2011.</p>
<p>The new fees should not deter people who want to refuse immigration decisions which they feel are genuinely unfair or have not followed the Immigration Rules. However, it should cut the thousands ‘let’s have a go anyway’ appeals which have absolutely no hope of succeeding and no genuine grounds and merely clog up the system and cost millions of pounds.</p>
<p>Professional immigration appeals specialists will only take on appeals which have a fair chance of succeeding. OISC registered Level 3 Immigration Advisers such as <a href="http://recruitnurse.com/">Bison UK</a> will not submit appeals unless there are grounds of appeal and they feel there is a good chance of overturning the refusal decision.</p>
<p>Whilst you can submit your own appeal without using an adviser or lawyer, applicants should consider taking advice before firing off an appeal form, as this will later be taken into account as part of your case. Most advisers will offer an initial consultation for a small fee where you can get professional advice on your case for you submit your appeal.</p>
<p>Oral appeals, which are heard before an independent Immigration Judge at a full hearing in the First-tier Tribunal, usually have a greater chance of success than an ‘on papers’ appeal, especially if the form is poorly drafted.</p>
<p>At a hearing you, or your legal representative, will have the opportunity to submit a ‘bundle’ outlining your case and argue your case before a Judge.</p>
<p>See also:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/new-fees-for-immigration-and-asylum-appeals.html">New fees for immigration and asylum appeals</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/human-rights-distorted-british-pm-warns-the-european-court-as-many-in-the-uk-call-for-withdrawal.html">Human Rights distorted, British PM warns the Council of Europe, as many in the UK call for withdrawal from ECHR</a></p>
<p><a title="Permanent Link to Judge attacks immigration ‘merry-go-round’ after Pakistani man made 16 applications to remain in UK at a cost of £250,000 to taxpayer" href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/judge-attacks-immigration-merry-go-round-after-pakistani-man-made-16-applications-to-remain-in-uk-at-a-cost-of-250000-to-taxpayer.html">Judge attacks immigration ‘merry-go-round’ after Pakistani man made 16 applications to remain in UK at a cost of £250,000 to taxpayer</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/student-wins-article-8-human-rights-appeal-after-claiming-he-played-cricket-with-friends.html">Student wins article 8 human rights appeal after claiming he played cricket with friends</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/pakistani-student-allowed-by-immigration-judge-to-remain-in-uk-despite-buying-a-fake-english-certificate.html">Student allowed by Immigration Judge to remain in UK despite buying a fake English certificate</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/%e2%80%98pet-cat%e2%80%99-immigrant-in-row-was-shoplifter.html">‘Pet cat Human Rights Appeal’ overstaying student was a shoplifter</a></p>
<p>If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an <a href="http://www.visaappeals.com/" target="_blank">appeal</a> against a refusal please email: <a href="mailto:info@immigrationmatters.co.uk">info@immigrationmatters.co.uk</a> or visit <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/" target="_new">www.immigrationmatters.co.uk</a></p>
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		<title>Changes to English language tests for applications under Tiers 1, 2 and 4 of the points-based system announced by UKBA today</title>
		<link>http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/changes-to-english-language-tests-for-applications-under-tiers-1-2-and-4-of-the-points-based-system-announced-by-ukba-today.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/changes-to-english-language-tests-for-applications-under-tiers-1-2-and-4-of-the-points-based-system-announced-by-ukba-today.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:09:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Charles Kelly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cambridge English Legal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cambridge ESOL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CEFR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[City & Guilds test]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Common European Framework of Reference]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[English language ability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[english language test]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ESOL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ETS TOEFL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Free service launched to help overseas students]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spouse or partner applications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The test of English for international communication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tier 1]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tier 2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tier 4]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TOEFL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TOEIC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trinity College]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UK Border Agency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UK University Services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UKUS]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/?p=10172</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The UK Border Agency has 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.

]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The UK Border Agency has 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.</p>
<p>The amendments include:</p>
<ul>
<li>the City &amp; Guilds test scores now show &#8216;pass&#8217; and there is a separate English language test for spouse/partner applications.</li>
<li>for City &amp; Guilds tests the documents required for a migrants application have been amended.</li>
<li>ETS have changed the way that the scores for their TOEFL ibt (internet based test) map against the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).</li>
<li>the ETS TOEFL ibt (internet based test) now includes scores for spouse and partner applications.</li>
<li>there is a change to the web address for the TOEIC (The test of English for international communication) English language test.</li>
<li>Cambridge ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) have amended the title of one of their tests from &#8216;International Legal English Certificate&#8217; to &#8216;Cambridge English Legal&#8217;.</li>
<li>for Cambridge ESOL tests the minimum grade requirements are clearer.</li>
<li>Trinity College tests now have a 2 year expiry date.</li>
</ul>
<p>You can <a href="http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf">download the revised list</a> in full from the UK Border Agency website.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>See also:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/free-service-launched-to-help-overseas-students-study-at-uk-universities.html">Free service launched to help overseas students study at UK Universities</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/change-to-postal-biometric-appointment-procedure-and-residence-permit-help.html">Change to postal biometric appointment procedure and residence permit help</a></p>
<p>If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an <a href="http://www.visaappeals.com/" target="_blank">appeal</a> against a refusal please email: <a href="mailto:info@immigrationmatters.co.uk">info@immigrationmatters.co.uk</a> or visit <a href="http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/" target="_new">www.immigrationmatters.co.uk</a></p>
<p><strong>Looking for a Tier 4 college or University or need advice?</strong></p>
<p><a title="UK University Services" href="http://www.uk-universityservices.co.uk/" target="_blank">UKUS</a> is a free University and College Admissions and advice service based in London, UK. Students interested in studying abroad can complete the <a href="http://www.uk-universityservices.co.uk/register-with-ukus">Online UKUS Registration Form</a> for more details.</p>
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