The visa application centres in Pakistan accept UK visa applications from customers in Pakistan and Afghanistan
18 May 2011: No change to Immigration requirements for getting married or registering a civil partnership in the UK. On 9 May the UK Government abolished the requirement to obtain a certificate of approval before marrying in the UK. This means that those subject to immigration control no longer need to show that certificate or their entry clearance when they give notice to marry in the UK. whilst notice to marry requirements have changed, Immigration entry requirements for the purpose of marrying or registering a civil partnership in the UK are unchanged by the ending of the certificate of approval scheme. For further details, please visit the UK Border Agency website.
12 May 2011: New list of English language providers - Transitional arrangements. On 6 April 2011 the UK Border Agency published a new list of English language test providers. For Tiers 1 and 2 of the Points Based System, tests that have been booked or taken with the existing list of providers can be used in applications as long as they are received by the UK Border Agency on or before 17 May 2011. From 18 May 2011 only tests taken with providers on the new list can be used for Tier 1 and 2 visa applications. For spouse or partner visa applications, you may use a test with an existing provider in an application received on or before the 17 July 2011. From 18 July 2011 all spouse or partner visa applications must be submitted with evidence from a provider on the new list. For further details please visit the UK Border Agency website.
6 May 2011: The online visa application system will be temporarily unavailable on Tuesday 10 May. The UK Border Agency online visa application system will be unavailable between 08:00 until 14:00 (UK Time) on Tuesday 10 May for maintenance work. You will not be able to apply online, or access your visa application, during this time. If you have booked an appointment using the online visa application systemfor the 10 May you will need to print off your appointment confirmation and a copy of your visa application before this date. If you require urgent travel to the UK, for example to attend a funeral or for urgent medical treatment, you should contact your nearest UK Border Agency office. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
20 April 2011: Important: New English Language requirements for Tier 4 (General) Student Visas. The following English Language requirements apply to students whose Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is dated from 21 April 2011 onwards:
- If you are applying for a Tier4 (General) visa to study a course below degree level (at NQF level 3-5), including English as a foreign language, foundation or pre-sessional courses, you will require a Secure English Language Test at B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
- If you are applying to study at degree level and above you require a minimum English language level at B2 on the CEFR. If your sponsor is a Higher Education Institution (HEI), the sponsor may choose its own method of assessing your English language ability but if your sponsor is another type of institution you will require a Secure English Language Test to prove your B2 language ability. HEI´s are typically universities and other publicly funded further education colleges. Where HEI sponsors consider a student to be gifted, the English language requirement may be waived for that student.
- Please visit the UK Border Agency website for further details and information on English language requirements, exemptions and Secure English Language Test providers.
19 April 2011: New list of English language providers to be mandatory from 18 May. On 6 April 2011 the UK Border Agency published a new list of English language test providers for points-based system Tiers 1 and 2, and partner visa applications. From 18 May 2011, only tests taken from providers from the new list will be accepted. Transitional arrangements have been put in place for applicants who may have recently taken, or booked, a test with a provider from the old list. For further details please visit the UK Border Agency website.
19 April 2011: UK Border Agency Issues New Guide for UK Visa Holders. The UK Border Agency has launched an updated guide - Your Stay in the UK -.for travellers to the UK who have been issued with a UK visa. Your Stay in the UK contains information about the UK visa and what it permits UK visa holders to do whilst they are in the UK. It also has a section containing information on UK regulations around illegal working, banned foods and other restricted goods. It is intended to help travellers to the UK enjoy a trouble free arrival and stay in the UK.
The UK Border Agency’s Regional Director for Gulf, Iran and Pakistan, Carol Doughty said:
“We welcome genuine travellers to the UK and want them to enjoy their experience in the UK by understanding and complying with their visa conditions and UK customs regulations. This guide is designed to answer many of the most common questions we are asked by UK visa holders travelling to the UK.”
The Your Stay in the UK guide can be downloaded from the UK Border Agency website.
6 April 2011: Tier 1 and 2 changes come into effect. Today new Tier 1 and 2 rules are introduced. On 23 November 2010 the UK Government announced plans to reform Tiers 1 and 2 of the points-based system. This included introducing a Tier 2 limit, a new exceptional talent category, limited to 1,000 visas in 2011/12, and making changes to the investor and entrepreneur routes. The government subsequently published a statement of intent on Tier 1 and Tier 2, explaining how these plans would be implemented.
5 April 2011: Important: new visa application fees begin tomorrow. The visa application fee increases announced on 28 Feb 2011 will take effect tomorrow (6 April). We will be updating all country fee pages to reflect this. Any payments made after 00:01 (UK time) on 6 April 2011, either online or by using any other acceptable payment method, should be paid using the revised fees given on the country fee page.
31 March 2011: Changes to the student visa system- further details published. On 23 March the UK Government announced its proposed changes to the student visa policy. These changes will be introduced over a period of time in order to allow overseas students and the UK education sector time to adjust. The first round of changes will come into effect on 21 April 2011, with further changes taking effect in summer 2011 and in April 2012. For further information please see the full news report on the UK Border Agency website.
23 March 2011: The UK government announce changes to the student visa system. In December 2010, the UK Government launched a consultation on the improvement of the student immigration system. They announced on the 22 March, major changes to the student visa system based on the results of the consultation. For details of these changes please visit the UK Border Agency.
22 March 2011: New visa rules for Entrepreneurs and Investors. The UK Government recently announced new visa rules for Entrepreneurs and Investors. Under the new rules, those who come to the UK and invest large sums of money will be given the right to settle permanently in the UK faster. Entrepreneurs will also be able to settle in the UK more quickly if they create ten jobs or a financial turnover of £5 million (GBP) in a three year period. It was also announced on the 16 March, that a new visit visa will be created for prospective entrepreneurs. Further details will be released when this visa is available. The UK Government has also published a statement of intent outlining how the new ‘exceptional talent’ route under Tier 1 of the Points-based system will operate from April this year. For further information and to view the statement of intent please see the full news report on the UK Border Agency website.
28 February 2011: Important: Visa application fee changes on 6 April 2011. From 6 April 2011 the visa application fees for certain visa categories will increase. These include for long term visits, settlement and some points-based system categories, including Tiers 1, 2 and 4. You should bear this in mind if you want to submit your visa application on or after 6 April 2011. For further information please see the UK Border Agency website.
Providers of tests for migrants applying under the points-based system or as partners
If a migrant wants to enter or remain in the UK under the points-based system, or as the partner of a settled person or British citizen, they may need to pass an English language test before they apply to us. This English language test must be provided by one of our approved test providers.
We recently conducted an exercise to produce a new list of approved test providers. The new list will replace all existing lists by July 2011. You can download the new list from the right side of this page.
If you have any queries about the exercise, please email TemporaryMigrationProjects@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.
LATEST NEWS: VISA SERVICES
No change to Immigration requirements for getting married or registering a civil partnership in the UK
17 May 2011
On 9 May 2011 the UK Government abolished the requirement to obtain a certificate of approval before marrying in the UK. This means that those subject to immigration control no longer need to show that certificate or their entry clearance when they give notice to marry in the UK.
However whilst notice to marry requirements have changed, Immigration entry requirements for the purpose of marrying or registering a civil partnership in the UK are unchanged by the ending of the certificate of approval scheme.
Any person wishing to come to the UK to marry or register a civil partnership will still need to
obtain the correct entry clearance before they travel to the UK to marry or register a civil partnership (or give notice), such as, entry clearance as fiance(e) or proposed civil partner, or entry clearance as a visitor for marriage or civil partnership.
Failure to obtain the correct entry clearance may result in admission to the UK being refused. Further information about entry clearance requirements can be found on this website.
Migrants who are subject to immigration control will also still need to:
give notice to marry or register a civil partnership in a designated register office;
meet other existing requirements for giving notice, for example, evidence of nationality, name and surname and date of birth and that they are free to marry.
Contact the registration service for more details about these requirements.
Therefore you still require the correct entry clearance to enter the UK to marry or register a civil partnership which you must show to the immigration officer but you no longer need to show that entry clearance to the registrar when you give notice to marry. Registrars will however still need to see evidence of your nationality (for example, by your passport) and other evidence when you give notice; and if you are subject to immigration control you will need to give notice in a designated office.
UK Eyes ‘Tougher Entry Criteria’ for Foreign Students
The British government is reviewing its policies in the granting of student visas to prevent entry of foreign nationals, including Filipinos, who end up living and working in the UK instead.
The UK immigration office has launched a consultation program to introduce reforms to Tier 4 of the Points Based System, or the UK student visa.
Tier 4, for overseas students who wish to study in UK, requires applicants to secure a certificate of sponsorship from an educational institution.
The new student visa system aims to impose “tougher entry criteria” for adult students and ensure that they return to their home countries after completing the course.
The criteria also limit the students’ entitlement to work to subsidize their expenses, and to sponsor dependents.
The other proposed key areas of reform are raising the level of courses students can study, with only Highly Trusted Sponsors able to offer courses to adult students below degree level; simpler procedures for checking low-risk applications; and stricter accreditation procedures for education providers in the private sector.
UK Border Agency Regional Manager for East Asia Ed Mackie said the British remains committed to encouraging genuine students to come to the UK and pursue studies in its academic institutions.
“However, we also want students who come to the UK genuinely to study and then return to their home country with enhanced career prospects. We welcome views on our consultation to ensure our final policy achieves this balance,” Mackie said.
British immigration minister Damian Green also said that while attracting talented overseas students is vital for the UK, the country needs to be selective in deciding who can avail of the student visa and how long they can stay.
“People imagine students to be those who come here for a few years to study at a university and then go home — that is not always the case. Too many students coming to study at below degree level have been coming here to live and work, rather than studying,” Green said in a statement issued by the British embassy in Manila.
“Today’s proposals follow a major review of the system, and are aimed at a more selective system and, crucially, reducing the numbers to meet our target of reducing net migration to sustainable levels. This Government wants high caliber students with the genuine desire to study to come to our country for temporary periods, and then return home,” he added.
The British Embassy noted that the student route accounts for two-thirds of migrants entering the UK each year.
The consultation on the new rules of issuance of student visa runs until January 31, 2011 and can be found here.
Filipino recruitment consultant Emmanuel Geslani earlier explained that under the Tier 4 student visa category, students are also made to undergo an on-the-job training for 17 hours as part of their curriculum.
They are also allowed to work for 20 hours per week to subsidize their living expenses.
“More than 25,000 Filipino student nurses now in UK have benefited from a study and work program under the UK Borders and Immigration rules, and many of these nurses have found opportunities which have allowed them to become permanent residents,” Geslani said.
