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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Selecting a Country for Studying Abroad

While planning which country to study in is an amazing experience. It is easy for images of living in a foreign country, visiting famous landmarks and studying in historic or exotic locals to overshadow more practical considerations such as the cost of living, quality of education and visa requirements. Most students will probably have an idea of what countries they would like to study abroad in but may not have thought through all the issues that should be considered at when making this decision. This article discusses topics that students should consider when choosing a country in which to study abroad.

Visa Requirements

In some places, obtaining a visa can be arduous and time-consuming.

Most countries require that international students obtain a visa which is usually specific to students and typically defines a maximum amount of time the student may stay. Some countries have a separate visa for short-term students and for those studying in the country for more than a year. Visa requirements vary by country and in some places, the process can be arduous and time-consuming. Some typical requirements are discussed below:

 Fluency of language – Some countries including Australia, Canada UK require students prove English fluency by obtaining a minimum score on a English language test. Some schools set language requirements as an admissions requirement. Most students can take foreign language exams in their home country to prove language proficiency.

Medical Insurance – Required almost all countries in the world to have proof of medical insurance and proof that the insurance is valid in that country. Some countries offer students the option of buying health insurance within the country.

Financial Resources - proof of student has the financial resources required to study and live in that country. Documents required may include a bank financial statement etc

Residency requirements – Residency requirements for students who want to enroll as a full-degree student are rare but in some countries, students who want to study as a full-degree undergraduate student need to reside in the country for several years before they can enroll. In other countries, international students are limited to short-term studies.

  

Cultural Differences

Someone who finds it difficult to acclimate should choose a similar culture to their own.

Individuals assimilate to other cultures with differing amounts of ease – some are very flexible while others find it very stressful. Being cognizant of one's own level of comfort in new situations will help students choose a country that suits their personality. For instance, someone who finds it difficult to acclimate should choose a culture similar to their own while someone else may get the most out of their experience by choosing a country where the culture is completely opposite from their own. 

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

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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