What is Highly Trusted Sponsorship?
The principle of sponsorship – whereby those who benefit most directly from the great contributions migrants make to the United Kingdom (employers and education institutions) are expected to play their part in ensuring our migration system is not abuse – is an integral part of the skilled, temporary work and student tiers of the Points Based System for managed migration.
The highly anticipated Highly Trusted Sponsor programme for education providers in the UK was officially launched on 22 March 2010.
Since yesterday when the scheme went live, sponsors under Tier 4 of the points based system have been able to apply for a Highly Trusted Sponsor licence and to be included on the Register of Highly Trusted Sponsors, due to be first published 6 April 2010.
The UK has lifted a ban on student visas for applicants from Northern India. The ban was introduced last month after a surge in applications from this region.
As you may be aware the rules for getting a UK visa are going to change:
HOME OFFICE
Tier 4: Student visas
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (the Rt Hon Alan Johnson):
Following the Prime Minster’s announcement of a review of Tier 4 (the student route under our Points Based System for controlling migration) on 12 November 2009, I am today announcing a balanced and targeted package of measures to tackle the abuse of Tier 4 by economic migrants whilst at the same time continuing to safeguard the ability of genuine international students to come to the UK to benefit from our world class education system and bring benefit to our economy.
Tier 4 Review
Below is an open letter from the UK Border Agency to Tier 4 Sponsors in the UK, detailing the recent review of the visa system and the changes due to be implemented on 3 March 2010.
I love my country and have been a supporter of our current Government. However, the Home Secretary’s announcement on Saturday of a number of new tier 4 rules and announcing that they are effective immediately has left many scratching their head, including the UK Border Agency.
Please remember that on Monday 22 February 2010 the final phase of Tier 4 of the Points Based System (PBS) will be implemented.
It was announced yesterday by the UK Border Agency that further enhancements to the Points Based System Sponsor Management System would be made.