0330 390 9021
info@commonwealthcontractors.comew figures from the Universities & Collages Admissions Service (UCAS), the body that is responsible for managing University admissions in the United Kingdom, have shown that over the past few years there has been a steady increase in the number of International Students choosing a course of study in the UK, while the number of resident Students has seen a marked decline. However, that could all be about to change if the Coalition Government (as expected) drastically changes the Tier 4 Student scheme in order to reduce (marginally) the net migration figures.
The Executive Director of 1994, Paul Marshall, said that “Higher education is one the UK’s most successful export industries and today’s figures show that it is going from strength to strength. However, this progress could be brought to an alarming halt if ministers follow through on plans to scrap all visas for international students taking courses below degree level. ”
The Government Consultation into Tier 4 of the Points Based System is currently open and accepting submissions (until the end of April 2011) from parties who may be affected by changes to the scheme.
Economic Impact of Tier 4 Reforms
Recently a cross party group of MPs raised ‘’profound concerns’’ to Theresa May (the Home Secretary) over the economic implications of tough new plans to reform Tier 4 of the Points Based System. The group of MPs which included Conservative and Liberal Democrat ministers raised concerns that the reforms will force may English Language colleges to close meaning the loss of thousands of jobs across the country and a significant amount of revenue (it is estimated that overseas students contribute £100m annually to the local economy in Brighton alone).
Tony Milns, who represents English UK, said that “A lot of MPs with language colleges or schools in their constituencies are concerned. They realise the economic and other benefits to their constituents of having foreign students spending money.” And a representative of Universities UK went on to say that “We do not think that international students should be counted as migrants. They are not here for economic reasons, their time in the UK does not count towards any later application for settlement, unlike workers, and they have no recourse to public funds.”
Tier 4 Student Proposals
- Reduction in the number of people coming to the UK to study below degree level
- Introduction of a tougher English language requirement
- Provisions to ensure that students wishing to extend their studies show evidence of academic progression
- Limits on students’ entitlements to work and their ability to bring in dependants
- An enhanced accreditation process for education providers, alongside more rigorous inspections.
Commonwealth Contractors
Commonwealth Contractors is a collection of highly skilled professionals from the Commonwealth and beyond. We partner with OISC Registered Immigration Partners capable of professionally representing a Tier 1 Visa Application / Extension and Tier 2 Licensed Consultancy & Associated Trust Partners who may be prepared, where required, to sponsor a doctor on a Tier 2 Visa (formerly UK Work Permit).
To find out more call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0330 390 9021 or Submit your Details and we will get back to you. Please be prepared to send a copy of a recent CV so that we can pass to interested partners.
