UK Border Agency announce changes to the points-based system

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has recently published a number of changes to the points-based system, and has revised its guidance for employers and education providers who sponsor migrant workers and students.

The UKBA said:

“We have made these changes in response to concerns that our customers have raised, and to ensure that the points-based system continues to facilitate the trade and travel that benefits the United Kingdom whilst also ensuring that the immigration system is not open to abuse.”

The changes to the system include:

• Creating an escalation route for University Vice-Chancellors and Academic Registrars through the use of a dedicated mailbox for urgent incidents requiring immediate attention, with a guaranteed response within 72 hours.
• Modified rules on students’ maintenance requirements.

Additionally, the UKBA are:

• Developing new guidance for ‘milkround’ recruitment campaigns, to provide a truer test of the resident labour market whilst meeting the needs of businesses;
• Outlining plans to develop our IT system, making it even easier for customers and sponsors to use;
• Looking at developing a new employer led route for interns to sit alongside and complement our existing Government Authorised Exchange schemes
• Making a number of changes to our guidance for points-based system sponsors.

You can download a full list of the changes to the sponsor guidance and information on the UKBA website or visit:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/news/table-of-changes-7-August

If you need any immigration advice or help with Studying in the UK, Settlement, Citizenship, Sponsorship, extending Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:

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