UKBA responds to media on education providers

The UKBA replies to media reports that some educational providers may be stopped from enrolling foreign students.

This came after the MAC report on Tier 1 of the points based system. Tier 1 (post study work), allows migrants to to extend their stay and work inside the UK if they have completed a course of study in the country. The MAC report suggested that the UK Govt should re-assess whether some students enrolled in certain UK education providers' courses should still be allowed to remain in the UK on the post study work category, but the report did not suggest that these education providers or the students enrolled in these institutions were not legitamate.

Tier 4 of the UKBA points system puts responsibility on the Education Providers and ensures greater control of these educational institutions and the students enrolling in courses. The UKBA did confirm that any education provider on the list will still be able to register foreign students.

The UKBA will consider the MAC report on Tier 1 and should announce whether they will accept the changes in early 2010.

Points System Pilot Process Evaluation

This report presents results from extensive research into Highly Skilled Migrants who applied to work in the United Kingdom under Tier 1 of the Points Based System.

-There was a high level of satisfaction with the points based application process with about 82% claiming they were very or basically satisfied. Majority of applicants seem to find the information on the Tier 1 and process easy to follow and transparent and applicants that had previously applied to the UK under the previous routes would most likely see the Points Based System as a better option.

The report found that the guidance notes on the application process generally were found to be useful however there was dissatisfaction with the length of time it took to receive assistance and the usefulness of this assistance provided. Although most applicants found supporting evidence easy to submit, except some people found the previous earnings proofs difficult to produce and comments suggest that greater flexibility would be welcomed in this regard.

There was some demand to track the application via an online tool. A large percentage of in country applications would prefer to submit their applications online, which is not currently offered at all.