REPORT CLAIMS UK IMMIGRATION UNFAIRLY REJECTING VISA APPLICANTS

A recently released independent report claims that UK Border Agency staff processing visa applications from Africa had been "acting unfairly" and were wrongly refusing people entry to the UK.

The reported carried out by John Vine, Chief inspector to the UKBA, claimed that many visas were unfairly rejected after employees "disregarded or misinterpreted" evidence. According to Vine, some UK visa applicants had been refused entry for not failing to provide information that had not been originally requested.

The UKBA responded to the report saying they took the findings "seriously" and would look into it.

The report detailed Vine's inspection from May 2011 to July 2011 and examined the applications processed at four UKBA visa centres in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Croydon, south London.

Various reasons for visa rejections were cited in the report, including one case, where an applicant wishing to visit his uncle in the UK was denied entry because they had different family names.

Vine said there has been little progress made by the UKBA despite recommendations made in previous inspections.

"This is especially frustrating", he said, "considering the agency has accepted the recommendations, and yet I continue to identify the same issues. I would now like to see these recommendations being embraced by the agency without delay to ensure that there is a real improvement in the quality and consistency of decision making."

"We take the independent chief inspector's findings seriously and are making reforms, which include providing detailed guidance to applicants and improving the training for staff handling visa applications," a UKBA spokesman said. "The UKBA must offer a high quality service for genuine applicants while ensuring that those who do not meet the immigration rules are prevented from entering the UK."
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UK Immigration Rules

As of 9 July 2012, a number of changes to the UK Immigration Rules came into effect. These changes affect all non-European Economic Area (non-EEA) nationals applying to enter or remain in the UK under the family migration route.

The changes include:

- Introducing a new minimum income threshold of £18,600 for sponsoring settlement in the UK of a non-EEA spouse or partner, fiancé(e) or proposed ci

vil partner. If you wish to sponsor a child you will have to meet the higher threshold of £22,400 instead of £18,600. Each additional child will cost £2,400 to sponsor.

- Publishing a list of factors associated with genuine and non-genuine relationships, to help UK Border Agency officers make accurate decisions.

- Extending the minimum probationary period for settlement for non-EEA spouses and partners from two years to five years, to test the genuineness of the relationship.

- Abolishing immediate settlement for migrant spouses and partners where a couple have been living together overseas for at least four years.

- Allowing adult and elderly dependants to settle in the UK only where they can demonstrate that, as a result of age, illness or disability, they require a level of long-term personal care that can only be provided by a relative in the UK. Also requiring them to apply from overseas rather than switch in the UK from another category.

- Restricting family visit visa appeals, initially by narrowing the current definitions of family and sponsor for appeal purposes, and then, subject to the passage of the Crime and Courts Bill, removing the full right of appeal against refusal of a family visit visa.

- Please note, if you already have leave to enter or remain in the UK, on the basis of being the spouse or partner of a settled person, you will need to meet the rules which were in force before 9 July 2012 if you apply for settlement. The requirements before 9 July 2012 are much more straightforward and you only need to wait two years to gain indefinite leave to remain in the UK as a spouse or partner.

On 11 June 2012, The UK Government announced these changes as part of their plans to reform the UK's immigration rules. The changes are the government's response to recommendations made by the Migration Advisory Committee.

Guy Taylor, of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI), claims the changes are highly discriminatory. JCWI is currently lobbying parliament to have the laws relaxed.

"Young people, women, disabled and older people are going to be disproportionately affected by this rule," Taylor said, citing the fact that adult and elderly dependants can settle in the UK only where they can demonstrate that, as a result of age, illness or disability, they require a level of long term personal care that can only be provided by a relative in the UK.

Also, from October 2013, the UKBA will require all applicants for settlement to pass the Life in the UK Test and an intermediate level English language test at B1 level or above, unless they are exempt. Previously only those applying for citizenship had to meet these requirements.

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Worldwide Trends in Studying Abroad

Students today cannot escape the reality that having an understanding of other parts of the world and openness to other cultures is likely to play a part in their future career. Whether working in the private or publicly, chances are there will be some aspect of their job that will involve working with people in other countries or with people who have come from other cultures. As a result, students worldwide are studying abroad more frequently both on their own initiative and because higher education institutions are putting a greater emphasis on international studies. This article discusses the trends that are occurring in the study abroad arena.
English as Language of Instruction
Countries all over the world are increasing the availability of coursework taught in English, usually for the purpose of attracting a greater breadth of international students. Since English is a common second language for many students, coursework taught in English is accessible to a great many more students than courses taught in a language spoken in only a few countries.
Dual and Joint Graduate Degrees
Increased collaboration between graduate schools from different countries has resulted in an increase of dual and joint degree programs that are being offered. These programs allow students to earn either one degree or two degrees simultaneously at two different universities in different countries. These are most commonly master's level degrees but can be doctoral level degrees as well. Undergraduate dual and joint degrees are less common but are also growing in number.
Business degrees are the most common type of dual or joint degree program.
The US, Europe, China and India have the highest numbers of these collaborative degree programs. Business degrees are the most common type of dual or joint degree program, followed by engineering, physical sciences and social sciences. These programs increase the number of students studying abroad at schools that offer this option.
Worldwide University Collaboration
More opportunities for study and research abroad is likely to result from an increasing focus on collaboration among higher education institutions from countries all over the world. There have been two Bologna Policy Forums which have included representatives from far beyond Europe. The 2nd conference, held in March 2010, was attended by 73 countries and focused on globalization of higher education through cooperation and collaboration among the world's higher education institutions.
More opportunities for study and research abroad is likely to result from an increasing focus on collaboration.
There have also been an increasing number of global organizations that are actively working towards the development of globalization of higher education. Organizations such as the International Association of Universities, UNESCO, the Global Colloquium of University Presidents and the European University Association are all looking at ways to increase cooperation and collaboration among the world's universities and colleges.

Schools are increasingly contracting with education placement agencies.

In their efforts to attract more students from a wider spectrum of countries, schools are increasingly contracting with education placement agencies to help recruit foreign students to their schools. These agencies receive a commission fee from the school for each student that attends, or in some cases they work independently and receive payment from the student. These agencies provide a way for schools to recruit students from countries where they don't send their own recruitment staff.
Schools around the world have ramped up the services available to support international students.
In recent years, schools around the world have ramped up the services available to support international students. Schools may hope to attract more international students by making it as easy as possible for international students to feel welcome by providing as much assistance as they need. Typical services support students with both administrative and social aspects of their experience. Administrative services may include expertise and advice regarding:
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Overview of World Regions for Studying Abroad

A very simple thing that Pakistani students have to consider when deciding where to study abroad. With locations in America, Europe, Canada, Australia becoming more open to international students, the options are more varied than ever. Understanding higher education in various regions of the world will help Pakistani students narrow down their choices. This effort may be most helpful for Pakistani students considering direct admissions to higher education institutions in the regions that are the most commonly chosen by study abroad students. 

Europe

With its well-respected history of higher education, Western Europe has remained the most popular region.

A bonus for EU students is that the Bologna Agreement of 1999 standardized degrees so that all degrees are comparable among the signatory countries, making it easier to attend graduate school and find jobs after graduation.

Home to centuries-old universities and a long, well-respected history of higher education, Europe has remained the most popular region for students to pursue international studies. Well over a million students from around the world leave home to study in a European country each year. Many of these students are European Union residents who can now enroll in any other EU country's university and pay local tuition rates.

Each country has its own admissions policies and within each country, institutions often have their own admissions policies as well. Students typically need to prove their fluency in the foreign language that classes are taught in and are typically required to possess health insurance.

Admission to the highest ranking universities in Western Europe can be very intense as they are some of the best in the world. In some cases, students will need to have completed some higher education before being admitted. Quotas that limit the number of non-EU international students that can study in a country exist in a number of countries.

America & CANADA

America is a very popular region for study-abroad students given its reputation for high quality universities and colleges. The United States hosts over 500,000 foreign students a year while Canada hosts over 100,000 students annually. Admissions to American universities are run by each institution individually but they almost universally require submission of results from some tests. Fluency in English is required except in some Canadian schools where fluency in French is needed instead.

Tuition in the United States is among the highest in the world so international students who study independently in the US need to take this into consideration.

Australasia

Australia and New Zealand offer high-quality education and a familiar culture.

Australia and New Zealand are appealing locations for English speakers to study abroad, offering high-quality education and a familiar culture for United States  and United Kingdom students. In recent years, about more than 18 percent of higher education students in Australia were from abroad - the highest percentage in the world. Since these countries are in the Southern Hemisphere, their school year runs from late January through early December. Students from the Northern Hemisphere need to plan carefully when scheduling a short-term study abroad experience into their regular school schedule. Tuition for international students is only slightly lower than what they may pay at a school in the US. 

For further information about higher education in individual countries, visit Future Concern Associates (Pvt) Ltd 

What are Entry Clearance, Rules, Admission in Educational Institute/Universities UK

Future Concern Associates is leader in immigration and student visa consultants in Pakistan.Future Concern Associates takes immigration rules and regulations very carefully and guide people who are interested in immigration. Here   Future Concern discusses important immigration pre-requisites

What is an entry clearance?

A United Kingdom entry clearance is a visa or an entry certificate which you apply for before you travel to the United Kingdom. Even when you hold an entry clearance you will still need to pass through immigration control at the United Kingdom port of entry, e.g. Heathrow or Gatwick. But if you are holding an entry clearance you will not be refused permission to entry the United Kingdom unless there has been some change in your circumstances or you gave false information (discouraged by Future Concern) or did not disclose important facts when you obtained the entry clearance. Holders of entry clearances may also be refused on medical grounds, if they have a criminal record, if they are subject to a deportation order or if there are other exceptional reasons why they should not be admitted.

When you arrive in the United Kingdom, you may be questioned by an Immigration Officer so take all relevant documents in your hand luggage.

The Rules

According to   Future Concern you must be able to support and accommodate yourself and any dependants and pay for your studies without working in the UK and without recourse to public funds. It is acceptable for support and accommodation and the cost of your studies to be provided by relatives or friends in the UK. Future Concern also states that it is not necessary to have finalized your arrangements but you must intend to study at a university, a college of further education, independent school or other genuine private educational institution. You must also be able to follow your intended course.

  Future Concern also states that your course of study should occupy the whole or a substantial part of your time (as a general rule at least 15 hours a week organized day-time study of a single subject or of directly related subjects leading to a particular qualification). You must intend to leave the UK when your studies are completed.For this u can visit at Future Concern Blog

How to apply for a student entry clearance?

•   Future concern helps you in applying for an entry clearance you should fill in form IM2A (and related forms if applicable).
•   Future Concern will submit your application form on your behalf by hand or by post together with:
• Your passport* (required by Future Concern as per requirement)
• Two recent passport-sized photographs (required by   Future Concern as per requirement)
• The entry clearance fee which is non-refundable (required by   Future Concern as per requirement)
• Any relevant diplomas or educational certificates which you hold (required by   Future Concern as per requirement)
• A letter from the University, College or School confirming your acceptance for the course of study in the UK and a statement of charges for the course (arranged by Future Concern as per requirement)
• Evidence of Government sponsorship (if appropriate) (required by   Future Concern as per requirement).

You should not buy a ticket or pay all or part of the cost of a course of studies if delay or refusal of your application will result in financial loss. The entry clearance officer may ask you for other documents: production of those listed above does not guarantee that entry clearance will be issued.

  Future Concern takes every care in preparing this information. It is intended only for general guidance, and may, in certain circumstances, have been overtaken by events. Applicants should always clarify their position with The British Mission before travelling.

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Softened Rules for Admission in Educational Institute/Universities UK for Pakistani Students

  Future Concern  is leader in immigration and student visa consultants in Pakistan.
  Future Concern Associates takes immigration rules and regulations very carefully and guide people who are interested in immigration. Here Future Concern discusses important immigration pre-requisites
  Future Concern came to know that the UK visa rules will be softened for the Pakistani nationals to extend increased opportunities in the UK. This has been revealed by the UK immigration minister. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, UK immigration minister said that the move is for attracting and inviting the best and the brightest talent from Pakistan to the UK.
  also stated that the new rules for UK immigration will see issuance of UK business visas to be issued within a short span of just five days.
  Future Concern estimated the normal time taken for issuance of UK business visas ranges between 8 to 10 days.
Meanwhile   Future Concern also warns that there will be zero tolerance for undocumented immigrants living in the UK and the nation is likely is take stern steps against such people.
According to   Future Concern it may be noted that the strict UK visa rules had been posing difficulties for the aspiring Pakistani citizens wanting to get UK visas last year. And majority of such people included students from Pakistan.
Now   Future Concern updates that the UK immigration prolonged the issuance of UK student visas for as long as six months. It’s being hoped that relaxation of UK visa norms will make it easier for Pakistanis to move to the UK without facing unnecessary delays.
  Future Concern also stated that Pakistanis based in overseas nations are a source of great strength for the nation and they are desirous of working for the prosperity of their nation and for the welfare of their fellow beings.
Now   Future Concern is also guiding the Pakistanis based in the UK can register their complaints at a special cell set up with the collaborative efforts of the Coast Guards, police and the Federal Investigation Agency, as revealed by Pakistan Ministry.
According to   Future Concern the Pakistani Minister also asserted that people must come forward openly to reveal about the agents guilty of cheating them or promising to send them to the UK through illegal ways.

Regarding the rules   Future Concern states that you must be able to support and accommodate yourself and any dependants and pay for your studies without working in the UK and without recourse to public funds. It is acceptable for support and accommodation and the cost of your studies to be provided by relatives or friends in the UK.   Future Concern also states that it is not necessary to have finalized your arrangements but you must intend to study at a university, a college of further education, independent school or other genuine private educational institution. You must also be able to follow your intended course.
  Future Concern also states that your course of study should occupy the whole or a substantial part of your time (as a general rule at least 15 hours a week organized day-time study of a single subject or of directly related subjects leading to a particular qualification). You must intend to leave the UK when your studies are completed.
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