Appealing immigration and asylum decisions from (19 December 2011)

From today, the UK government's Ministry of Justice is introducing new fees for some asylum and immigration appeals, and changing the way customers can submit their appeals.

This new policy reflects the government's view that users of the appeals system, who can afford to pay, should contribute to the system's cost. Fees of £80 for a paper consideration and £140 for an oral hearing will be applied to appeals against decisions taken on or after 19 December 2011.

These are low-level fees that should be affordable for people who are required to pay. The proposed fees are not set at full cost recovery, but only recover around 25 per cent of the full cost of administering the appeal system. The government considers that it is an appropriate balance between low, affordable fees which enable access to justice, and a meaningful contribution towards the costs of the Tribunal.

Applicants who appeal decisions dated 19 December 2011 or later from outside the UK will be required to submit their appeals directly to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) in Leicester and will no longer be able to send them to the visa application centre overseas that made the initial decision. For more information about this process please see the Ministry of Justice website.

Applicants who want to appeal a decision dated before 19 December 2011 from outside the UK are still able to send their appeal to the visa section that made the initial decision. For further information about this process please see the Appeals section on our website.

A new online payment facility will be available shortly. This will allow applicants to make an appeal and payment online for decisions dated from 19 December 2011. Appellants must be able to pay using a MasterCard or a Visa credit or debit card or be submitting an appeal which does not require a fee to be paid. Appellants can ask another person to pay the fee on their behalf using their payment card details, with their permission. For more information about submitting appeals online please see the Ministry of Justice website.

UK opens its doors to exceptionally talented migrants (20 July 2011)

The government has today announced the way that it will encourage exceptionally talented leaders in the fields of science, humanities, engineering and the arts to come to the UK.

The new Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) category will open on 9 August 2011. This new category will facilitate not only those who have already been recognised but also those with the potential to be recognised as leaders in their respective fields. There is a limit of 1,000 places in the first year of operation. There will be 500 places available between the 9 August and 30 November and a further 500 places available from the 1 December to 31 March 2012. The number of places will be reviewed at the end of March 2012.

Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) will be overseen by world-renowned 'competent bodies', which will advise the UK Border Agency on these 'exceptionally talented' migrants to ensure that they are the brightest and best in their field:

• the Royal Society, a fellowship of the world's most eminent scientists, will be able to nominate up to 300 places;
• Arts Council England, the national development agency for the arts, will also be able to nominate up to 300 places;
• the Royal Academy of Engineering, Britain’s national academy for engineering, will have up to 200 places to nominate; and
• the British Academy, the national academy for the humanities and social sciences will be able to nominate up to 200 places.

Immigration Minister Damian Green said:

'The UK is a global leader in science, humanities and engineering and we are a cultural centre for the arts: we will continue to welcome those who have the most to offer and contribute to our society and economy.

'Our new exceptional talent route, available for up to 1,000 applicants, will ensure that we continue to attract the brightest into the UK and keep the UK a global leader.

'This comes at a time of major reform of the immigration system to bring net migration back down to the tens of thousands, tackle abuses and make sure that the immigration system meets the needs of the country.'

Migrants seeking entry to the UK under Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) will not need to be sponsored by an employer, but will need to be recommended by one of the competent bodies.

Alan Davey, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, said:

'We welcome the launch of this special visa scheme, which will enable the very best artists of international standing to live and work in the UK.

'The international exchange of artists enriches their art, and I’m sure audiences will welcome the opportunity to experience the finest artistic talent from across the world.'

It will be for each competent body to select those who will qualify for recommendation, and we have also published the criteria for their endorsement.

The President of the British Academy, Sir Adam Roberts, said:

'The Humanities and Social Sciences are flourishing in the UK and attract many excellent scholars from overseas. 

'The British Academy is ready to play its part in identifying those outstanding scholars for whom Tier 1 is the appropriate visa category.'

While the government has allotted a number of places to each body, it will be open to the bodies to transfer additional places to those with more demand if this becomes necessary.

The President of the Royal Society, Sir Paul Nurse, said:

'The UK is a global leader in science because we can attract the best minds from around the world to work with our own home-grown talent. 
  
'The government has listened to the science community’s concerns about jeopardising our international leadership by restricting the immigration of scientists and the Royal Society will play its part in ensuring that the very best international talent can continue to come to the UK to work.'

Those admitted under Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) category will initially be granted permission to stay for 3 years and 4 months. They will then be able to extend their stay for a further 2 years, and settlement may be available after 5 years’ residence in the UK.

President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Sir John Parker FREng, said:

'In order to safeguard the UK's future competitiveness, we must ensure that it remains an attractive destination for world class engineers.
'I am confident that this new visa route will help to encourage global excellence to come to the UK.'

Free Education in Germany, Norway & Finland

If you any one student shows the interest for going to free education in Germany & Norway I define in detail about two countries.

Germany Education

Germany, the largest economy in the European Union and third in the world, is home to some of the most renowned researchers of the history, like Albert Einstein, Max Planck or Alexander von Humboldt, just to mention a few of them. Germany is also a highly popular educational destination among students from other states of the European Union as well as from outside Europe. Whether you plan to study in Germany as an exchange student, free mover or a full degree student, you will benefit from low tuition fees and the world-known quality of the higher education in Germany.

Following a judgement of the Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht), students are charged registration and tuition fees at universities and colleges in Germany as of 2005. However, there are some federal states (Länder) where universities still do not charge tuition fees. In general, tuition fees are approximately 500€ per semester and registration fees are about 50€ per semester.

The lists below show you which federal states (Länder) charge registration and tuition fees so that you can prepare your bugdet to study in Germany:

Federal states (Länder) that charge tuition fees of approximately 500€ per semester:

Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Saarland

Federal states (Länder) that charge registration fees of approximately 50€ per semester:

Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Western

Pomerania, Lower Saxony, Thuringia

Norway Education

Would you like to study in Norway? Norway, the country of the fiords, perpetual snows, northern lights, trolls and vikings, offers a unique combination to enjoy your time as a student. Whether it is the large array of international study programs and courses, the informal atmosphere that makes it very easy to approach teachers, free tuition or the opportunity to meet students from other parts of the world, many students like you decide to study in Norway each year.

Students don´t have to pay tuition fees at public universities in Norway. However, they have to pay a small but compulsory fee of around 50€ per semester to the student union. Paying the student union fee will give you access to various benefits, like discounts in meals or public transportation system, as well as access to other services to help you while you study in Norway.

Requirement for Admission

1.       Secondary School Certificate & Transcripts

2.       Intermediate Certificate & Transcripts

3.       Bachelor Degree & Transcripts

4.       Master Degree & Transcripts

5.       Two Reference Letter from Last attending institute

6.       IELTS Certificate ( 5.0 to 6.0)

7.       Detail CV (Discus with our concern person)

8.       Motivation letter

If you need any further information requirement please contact with us.

Regards

Fawad Ullah

Chief Executive Officer

Brightspark Education Consultants (BEC)

Phone: +92 (0)91 570 2952 | Fax: +92 (0)91 570 2953 | Cell: +92 (0)313 859 9100

Email: fawad@brightspark.com.pk | fawad@brightsparkconsultants.co.uk

Website: www.brightspark.com.pk | www.brightsparkconsultants.co.uk

Registered office: 146 Halley Road London, United Kingdom, E7 8DU

Registration number: Registered in England and Wales No. 07498643

Changes to the new list of English language test and providers (8 July 2011)

On 6 April we published a new list of approved English language test providers for applications made under Tiers 1, 2, and 4 of the points-based system and for spouse or partner applications. Today, we have made some changes to this list.

The updated list includes:

• new acceptable test certificates for business language testing service (BULATS);
• clarification that we accept the test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL) ibt test (internet based test); and
• new test scores for tests conducted by Pearson.

You can download the revised list from the right side of this page.

Details of the list can be found in our news story published on 6 April 2011.

New application forms for Tier 4 and dependants under the points-based system (4 July 2011)

Today we have published new versions of application forms for Tier 4 (General), Tier 4 (Child) and dependants under the points-based system. These forms are for use by applicants who are already in the UK.

You can download the forms from the right side of this page, and should use them with immediate effect.

In line with paragraph 34(I) of the Immigration Rules, we will continue to accept applications made on the previous version of each form up to and including 24 July 2011. From today, we will consider all applications under the current Immigration Rules (which were also revised today), regardless of the application form that was used.

We have updated the Studying in the UK section of this website with current information for Tier 4 migrants, including changes to their right to bring their dependants to the UK.

Changes to student visa rules are now in force ( 4 July 2011)

Significant changes to the Tier 4 student route of the points-based system have come into effect today.

We have revised the Immigration Rules relating to Tier 4 in order to:

• restrict work entitlements, by only allowing students sponsored by higher education institutions (HEIs) and publicly funded further education colleges to work part-time during term time and full-time during vacations;
• restrict sponsorship of dependants to those of students sponsored by HEIs on postgraduate courses lasting 12 months or longer, and of government-sponsored students on courses lasting longer than 6 months;
• require institutions to confirm that courses represent genuine academic progression from any previous courses studied by the student in the UK; and
• create a streamlined application process for low-risk nationals sponsored by Highly Trusted sponsors.

These changes are aimed at delivering a strong migration system which tackles immigration abuse while allowing genuine students to study at genuine colleges.

We have also revised the application forms for Tier 4 (General), Tier 4 (child) and dependants under the points-based system. The new versions of these forms should be used with immediate effect.

The changes to the Immigration Rules were laid in Parliament on 13 June. A previous news story gives full details of all the changes and associated amendments that come into force today.

The latest revisions follow the Home Secretary's statement to Parliament about student visas, and the publication of a statement of intent, in March.

Next set of changes to student visa rules is announced (13 June, 2011)

The next set of changes to the Immigration Rules affecting Tier 4 - the student tier - of the points-based system has been laid in Parliament today. The changes will come into effect on 4 July 2011.

The Home Secretary announced changes to the Immigration Rules in a statement to Parliament on 22 March, following a major public consultation on reforming Tier 4. The first set of changes came into effect on 21 April.

The aim of the revised Immigration Rules is to deliver a strong migration system which tackles immigration abuse, while allowing genuine students to study at genuine colleges.

From 4 July we will:

• restrict work entitlements to migrants studying at higher educational institutions (HEIs) and publicly funded further education colleges only;
• restrict the sponsorship of dependants to those studying at postgraduate level at HEIs on courses lasting at least 12 months, and government-sponsored students on courses lasting at least 6 months;
• require education providers to vouch that a new course represents genuine academic progression;
• ensure that maintenance funds are genuinely available to the applicant, by introducing a declaration on the visa application form;
• commit to publish a list of financial institutions that we consider, on the basis of experience, do not verify financial statements to our satisfaction in more than 50 per cent of a sample of cases;
• introduce a streamlined application process for low-risk nationals applying to attend courses with Highly Trusted Sponsors;
• extend the list of courses for which students must receive ATAS clearance;
• restrict the ability to deliver accountancy courses accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) to those sponsors accorded platinum or gold status by ACCA; and
• clarify the position of overseas universities with campuses in the UK.

These changes were announced by Immigration Minister Damian Green in a written ministerial statement this morning. You can download this statement, and the statement of changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 1148) from the right side of this page.

A revised version of our policy guidance document for Tier 4 migrants, and a statement of intent summarising the new student visa policy, can also be downloaded from the right side of this page. You can find our revised guidance for Tier 4 sponsors in the Sponsor guidance section.

We have published an impact assessment for these changes in our Policy and law section.

We are also announcing today that the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) and the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) will extend their activities to cover privately funded providers, in line with our commitment that all privately funded sponsors would be inspected or reviewed by one of the publicly recognised bodies by the end of 2012.

There are also a small number of changes being made to bring into effect:

• a new provision for other family members of refugees and beneficiaries of humanitarian protection;
• a minor correction to the Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) provisions and clarify a requirement of the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) and Tier 1 (Investor) Rules; and
• a small number of minor corrections and technical changes to the Rules relating to English language requirements for partners and spouses.

1. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/news/sop4.pdf
2. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/news/sop4.pdf
3. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/news/wms-t4-13jun11.pdf

Clarification of English language requirement for Tier 4 sponsors and students ( 03 June 2011)

Following the recent announcement of changes to the English language requirements for students under Tier 4 of the points-based system, the UK Border Agency has produced a document clarifying the requirements for students and sponsors.

You can download the document, which provides answers to some frequently asked questions, from the right side of this page. We hope that sponsors and students will find it helpful.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/news/english-clarification.pdf 

PTE Academic accepted by Australian Government for Student Visa Applications (20 May 2011)

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has formally approved PTE Academic as fully satisfying the Government’s requirements for testing the English language proficiency of student visa applicants. The decision means that for the first time in ten years, Australian institutions and their potential students will have a choice of Government-approved English language testing options.

Mr Chris Bowen MP, Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, commented: “I am very pleased Pearson has been chosen as one of the new English test providers and I am confident they will provide a valuable service to student visa applicants.”

Fraser Cargill, Vice President Government Relations for Pearson Asia Pacific, explains: “Pearson is proud to achieve DIAC recognition. Australian institutions are facing a challenging time in the increasingly competitive international student recruitment market and it is important that they have the best possible tools available to recruit students. PTE Academic offers a secure, reliable and quick way for Australian institutions to confidently ensure that they are recruiting students who have the right level of English for their courses.” 

For more information, visit www.pearsonpte.com/diac

Asylum improvement project publishes progress report (26 May 2011)

The UK Border Agency has published a report on progress made by the asylum improvement project.

The asylum improvement project was set up to explore new ways to speed up the processing of asylum applications. The report outlines the progress we have made so far on 25 elements of the project and explains the next steps for asylum reform. It is too early to make a robust assessment of the impact of all 25 elements of the project, but we will do so over the coming months, as part of the next phase of asylum reform.

The asylum improvement project has made a good start by ensuring we can take a more sophisticated approach to scheduling each part of the process, a more consistent approach to how we approach each task and robust analysis of outcomes. Taken together, these things will ensure that we have a balanced system and continually improve our performance.

You can download the progress report from our Reports section.

Brightspark Education Consultants has approved Professional Partner for Pearson Test of English Academic

PTE Academic – Approved for Tier 4 (Student) visa applications 

PTE Academic is a computer-based test of English language proficiency approved by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) for Tier 4 (student visa) applications. If you are applying for a visa, please read the information on the right.

PTE Academic is an English language test for international students; it is widely available and offers fast results. The test is recognized by over 80% of universities and colleges in the UK.

PTE Academic is approved by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) for Tier 4 (student visa) applications when students are required to demonstrate English language competency at a minimum of CEF level B1 or B2.  It is also accepted for Tier 2 applications.

·         If you are applying for entry at undergraduate degree level or higher, check with the institution you are applying to for their PTE Academic score requirements. This is the score you will also need for your Tier 4 (student visa) application.

·         If you are applying for entry to a non-degree program,you will need to demonstrate your English language proficiency at CEFR level B1 for your Tier 4 (student visa) application. PTE Academic is approved for this with a score of at least 43. Note you will need to score 43 in each of the four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing. There is not a requirement to score 43 in the enabling skills.

Why take PTE Academic?

• Results within 5 business days
• Flexible test dates and late booking
• One single 3-hour test session
• Recognized by over 80% of universities and colleges in the UK

Brightspark Education Consultants has approved Professional Partner for Pearson Test of English Academic

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) delivers real-life measures of test takers' English language ability to universities, higher education institutions, government departments and professional associations requiring academic-level English.
The test will accurately measure the listening, reading, speaking and writing ability of test takers who are non-native speakers of English and who want to study at institutions where English is the principal language of instruction.
PTE Academic is robustly aligned with the Common European Framework (CEF), the worldwide benchmark for language ability. The framework was developed by the Council of Europe to enable language learners, teachers, universities or potential employers to compare and relate language qualifications by level. So with PTE Academic, institutions can be confident that they are getting accurate and proven measures of test takers' language ability. 
Pearson has developed PTE Academic to fulfill the need for an English language proficiency test, that will more accurately measure the communication skills of international students in an academic environment.
http://brightsparkconsultants.co.uk/accreditation.php 

Unnecessary immigration appeals to end (19 May 2011)

An end to late evidence in points-based system appeals will help stop misuse of the system, Immigration Minister Damian Green said today.
From Monday 23 May, tribunals will not consider evidence submitted after an application has been made, in appeals relating to applications made in the UK under the points-based system.
UK Border Agency statistics show that around two-thirds of appeals allowed by immigration judges are due to late evidence being submitted.
The rules change is designed to end unnecessary appeals and help make sure that applications are right first time. It will apply to all applications made within the UK through the points-based system.
Damian Green said:

'For too long, the taxpayer has had to shoulder the burden of a system which allowed individuals to drag out their appeal by submitting new evidence at the last minute.
'The changes I am making today will put an end to this practice for good.'

The minister added that this is one of a raft of improvements that will make the system 'more robust, efficient and cost effective'.

The government has already introduced an annual limit on economic migrants from outside the EU, as well as making major reforms to the student visa system.
These measures are aimed at attracting the brightest and the best, while reducing net migration and tackling abuse of the system.
The Minister announced the commencement of the rules change in a written ministerial statement, which you can download from the right side of this page.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/news/wms-section-19.pdf 

New rules for student visas come into force (21 April, 2011)

Changes have come into effect today affecting Tier 4 - the student tier - of the points-based system.

The changes to the Immigration Rules were announced by the Home Secretary in a statement to Parliament on 22 March. They follow a major public consultation on reforming Tier 4.

The aim of the revised Rules is to deliver a strong migration system which tackles immigration abuse, while allowing genuine students to study at genuine colleges.

Details of the changes were outlined in a news story on 22 March. You can also find a summary of the new student policy under 'Related documents' on the right side of this page.

New versions of our policy guidance documents for Tier 4 migrants and sponsors were published last month and come into effect today. You can find these in the Studying in the UK and Sponsoring migrants sections of this website.

Details of changes to student visas (31 March, 2011)

A statement of changes to the Immigration Rules has today been laid before Parliament, setting out how the student visa system will be reformed from next month. The reforms, which affect Tier 4 of the points-based system, were announced last week.

To accompany the statement of changes in the Immigration Rules bringing the first set of changes into force from 21 April 2011, we have published:

• a statement of intent containing full details of the reforms;
• revised policy guidance for Tier 4 migrants from 21 April 2011; and
• revised guidance for Tier 4 sponsors from 21 April 2011.

The laying of the statement of changes was anounced in a written ministerial statement by Immigration Minister Damian Green.

You can download the statement of changes, the written ministerial statement, the statement of intent and the revised guidance from the right side of this page.

# Student visas: statement of intent and transitional measuresPDF 154KB opens in a new window

http://ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/Tier4migrantguidance-new.pdf

http://ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/Tier4migrantguidance-new.pdf

IOE's prestigious Centenary Scholarships

Attention Students

The Institute of Education (IOE), part of the University of London, is the UK’s number one university for education and related social sciences. The IOE’s prestigious Centenary Scholarships, worth £22,000 per year of study and covering tuition fees and living expenses, are now open for applications. These scholarships offer an opportunity for highly talented students of education to study a Masters or a Doctoral degree in one of the world’s most prestigious graduate schools of education, based in the heart of central London. And with an unrivalled choice of postgraduate opportunities, these will be highly prized awards.

The closing date for applications is 16 May 2011.

·         For Centenary Scholarships for Masters degrees: http://www.ioe.ac.uk/studentInformation/41455.html

·         For Centenary Scholarships for Doctoral degrees: http://www.ioe.ac.uk/studentInformation/41456.html

Further information about the IOE is available at www.ioe.ac.uk/canada


Regards
Fawad Ullah
Chief Executive Officer
Brightspark Education Consultants (BEC)
Tel: +92 91 570 2952
Fax: +92 91 570 2953
Email 1: info@brightspark.com.pk | fawad@brightspark.com.pk
Email 2: info@brightsparkconsultants.co.uk |

UK Government outlines overhaul of student visas (22 March 2011)

Tougher entrance criteria, limits on work entitlements and the closure of the post-study work route are among the changes to the student visa system announced today by Home Secretary Theresa May.

The announcement follows a major public consultation on reforming Tier 4 of the points-based system, after a Home Office review revealed widespread abuse. A sample of Tier 4 students studying at private institutions revealed that 26 per cent of them could not be accounted for.

The main changes are as follows:

• From April 2012, any institution wanting to sponsor students will need to be classed as a Highly Trusted sponsor, and will need to become accredited by a statutory education inspection body by the end of 2012. The current system does not require this, and has allowed too many poor-quality colleges to become sponsors.
• Students coming to study at degree level will need to speak English at an 'upper intermediate' (B2) level, rather than the current 'lower intermediate' (B1) requirement.
• UK Border Agency staff will be able to refuse entry to students who cannot speak English without an interpreter, and who therefore clearly do not meet the minimum standard.
• Students at universities and publicly funded further education colleges will retain their current work rights, but all other students will have no right to work. We will place restrictions on work placements in courses outside universities.
• Only postgraduate students at universities and government-sponsored students will be able to bring their dependants. At the moment, all students on longer courses can bring their dependants.
• We will limit the overall time that can be spent on a student visa to 3 years at lower levels (as it is now) and 5 years at higher levels. At present, there is no time limit for study at or above degree level.
• We will close the Tier 1 (Post-study work) route, which allows students 2 years to seek employment after their course ends. Only graduates who have an offer of a skilled job from a sponsoring employer under Tier 2 of the points-based system will be able to stay to work.

The government has also pledged to develop a new entrepreneur route for bright and innovative students who have a business idea and want to make it work in the UK.

The Home Secretary said:

'International students not only make a vital contribution to the UK economy but they also help make our education system one of the best in the world.
'But it has become very apparent that the old student visa regime failed to control immigration and failed to protect legitimate students from poor-quality colleges.
'The changes I am announcing today re-focus the student route as a temporary one, available to only the brightest and best. The new system is designed to ensure students come for a limited period, to study, not work, and make a positive contribution while they are here.
'My aim is not to stop genuine students coming here - it is to eliminate abuse within the system. Our stricter accreditation process will see only first-class education providers given licences to sponsor students.
'I am delighted to announce that, alongside our stricter rules, we will ensure that innovative student entrepreneurs who are creating wealth are able to stay in the UK to pursue their ideas.'

The government has committed to reforming all routes of entry to the UK in order to bring immigration levels under control. The student changes will work alongside the annual limit on economic migration, and reforms to family and settlement routes planned for later this year.

You can find a summary of the new student policy under 'Related documents' on the right side of this page.

A statement of changes to the Immigration Rules will be published on this website on 31 March. We will publish an impact assessment on the same day.

http://ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/news/summary-student-policy.pdf 

Getting tough on NHS debtors

18 March 2011

Tough action to tackle health tourism was promised today, following the publication of 2 consultation reports on charging overseas visitors for NHS hospital care.

The UK Border Agency and the Department of Health carried out consultations last year following a 2009 review which set out to examine the rules on charging overseas visitors for access to NHS services in England. After considering the responses to the consultations, the government has now announced how these rules will change.

NHS measures for England include:

• extending the time that UK residents can spend abroad without losing their automatic entitlement to free hospital treatment, from 3 months to 6 months;
• allowing the small number of failed asylum seekers co-operating on registered Home Office support schemes (but not other failed asylum seekers who refuse to return home) to be exempt from charges; and
• guaranteeing free hospital treatment for unaccompanied children while they are under local authority care.

As part of the Home Office measures for the UK, anyone owing the NHS £1,000 or more will not be allowed to enter or remain in the UK until the debt is paid off. It is hoped that the £1,000 threshold, which will be implemented later this year, will capture 94 per cent of outstanding charges owed to the NHS.

To enforce this action, the NHS will provide information enabling the UK Border Agency to identify the debtors when they apply to return to or remain in the UK.

Anne Milton, Public Health Minister, said:

'The NHS has a duty to anyone whose life or long-term health is at immediate risk, but we cannot afford to become an international health service, providing free treatment for all.

'These changes will begin the process of developing a clearer and fairer system of access to free NHS services, which our review of the charging system will complete. I want to see a system which maintains the confidence of the public while preventing inappropriate free access and continuing our commitment to human rights and protecting vulnerable groups.'

Damian Green, Immigration Minister, said:

'The NHS is a national health service, not an international one. If someone does not pay for their treatment, we will not let them back into the country.
'We need robust controls to protect our public services.'

A full copy of the UK Border Agency consultation report can be found on this website. To find out more about the Department of Health consultation, see the Department of Health website.

Proposed fee increases to immigration and nationality applications from 6 April 2011

28 February 2011

Today, immigration Minister Damian Green has issued a Written Ministerial Statement (PDF 91KB opens in a new window) that proposes to increase immigration and nationality application fees for all those applying to study, visit, work or stay in the UK.

The new proposed fees (PDF 229KB opens in a new window) will be laid in Parliament in two separate regulations. These fees will not come into force untill they have been debated and approved in Parliament, but are due to take effect from 6 April 2011.

Under the current spending review, the Home Office is implementing a real terms reduction in budgets of up to a 20 per cent. The UK Border Agency is already seeking to offset this income gap with efficiency savings of approximately £500 million by reducing support costs, increasing efficiencies, boosting productivity and improving value for money from commercial suppliers. But these measures will not go far enough, and to address the funding shortfall the UK Border Agency will need to increase fees for financial year 2011/12.

The UK Border Agency believe the proposals to increase fees continue to strike the right balance between maintaining secure and effective border controls and ensuring that the fees structure does not inhibit the UK's ability to attract those migrants and visitors that make a valued contribution. This will help to support the immigration system, maintain public confidence and ensure that migration is managed for the benefit of the UK.