Britain Rolls out New Visa Rules, up Marriage age for immigrants

By United Kingdom Home Office Site

British High Commission has unveiled a delivery plan for  student tier of the Australian-style points system.

According to a statement released by the Home Office yesterday, under the new system, which will be rolled out from March next year, “colleges and universities who want to teach non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals must have a licence issued by the UK Border Agency. Licenced institutions can then sponsor non-EEA students to come to study in the UK.

“The system will clamp-down on bogus students and ensure only those who benefit Britain can continue to come. Before they can study here, foreign students must be sponsored by a UK Border Agency-licenced education institution, supply their fingerprints and meet new criteria.”

The statement disclosed that from March next year, “all colleges and universities that want to recruit foreign students will need a sponsor licence; every student will need a licenced sponsor; and stricter rules to protect the UK’s labour market.
From autumn 2009, the system will be tightened further with the introduction of a ‘sponsor management system’ – dedicated technology that will make it easier for universities and colleges to inform the UK Border Agency if students fail to enroll or miss more than 10 sessions.”

According to the Borders and Immigration Minister, Phil Woolas, “international students contribute £2.5 billion to the UK economy in tuition fees alone. The student tier of the points system means Britain can continue to recruit good students from outside Europe. Those who come to Britain must play by the rules and benefit the country. This new route for students will ensure we know exactly who is coming here to study and stamp out bogus colleges who facilitate the law breakers,” the statement said.

Since January 1, 2005, almost 300 bogus colleges have been removed from the Department for Universities and Skills Register of Education and Training Providers.Britain’s labour market will be protected by tough new rules, which mean visas will only be granted to students who show a proven track record in education and are applying for a course that meets a minimum level of qualification. Students must also be able to demonstrate they can financially support themselves and any of their dependants.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has also up the age of immigrants coming in for marriage to 21.