Phase 3 launch date announced for
Tier 4 of the points-based system
17 September 2009
The UK Border Agency has confirmed that phase 3
of Tier 4 of the points-based system for
immigration is set to go live on 5 October 2009.
Phase 3 is the voluntary trial period of the
sponsorship management system for Tier 4
sponsors. This trial period allows sponsors to
continue using visa letters while gradually
adopting the use of the sponsorship management
system to issue confirmations of acceptance for
studies. Confirmations of acceptance for studies
will become mandatory in February 2010.
Between 5 October 2009 and February 2010,
sponsors will be able to issue confirmations of
acceptance for studies, visa letters, or a
combination of both to would-be students who are
applying from within the United Kingdom.
Would-be students applying from outside the
United Kingdom
will still have to apply with a visa letter
until February 2010.
For further details on the implementation of
Tier 4, you can download the Tier 4
implementation plan from the right side of this
page.
UK Border Agency launches online
booking for appointments
18 September 2009
The UK Border Agency is improving its customer
service by offering a flexible new way for
applicants to book appointments.
You can now go online to book your appointment
if:
-
you want to
apply in person and get a
same-day decision at one of our seven public
enquiry offices - this is acalled a 'premium
application', and you will need to pay a
higher application fee; or
-
you have applied by post but you need to to
enrol your
biometrics at one of 11
biometric enrolment centres so that you can
get an identity card for foreign nationals as
part of your immigration application .
Online booking is a fast, simple and convenient
way of securing an appointment slot, allowing
you to book when it suits you and freeing up our
contact centre agents for other calls. The
existing telephone booking service will continue
to operate for large family groups of 11 or more
applying together, and for people who do not
have access to the internet or who just prefer
to call.
The service is now live for premium
applications. Postal applicants who need to
obtain an identity card and whose postal
applications are received on or after 18
September will be sent a letter telling them
that they can book an appointment online.
Closure of Calais migrant camp -
UK Border Agency response
18 September 2009
The UK Border Agency has responded to an
announcement by the French government that it
will close down the illegal migrant camp in
Calais
known as 'the jungle' next week.
A UK Border Agency spokesperson said:
'The decision to close illegal encampments in
and around Calais, and the timing of these
operations, are matters for the French
government.
'The UK supports action to tackle illegal
immigration and to break up trafficking routes.
The UK government has an agreement with France
to secure the border at Calais and is committed
to working together to ensure that illegal
immigrants are not able to cross our juxtaposed
border. This goes hand in hand with work to
reduce the pressure at the border and reduce the
flow of illegal migrants into Europe.
'People seeking asylum should do so in the first
safe country they come to. Those who are not in
need of protection will be expected to return
home.
Biggest-ever heroin seizure at
Heathrow
18 September 2009
UK Border Agency officers at Heathrow Airport
have made what is thought to be their
biggest-ever seizure of heroin, and sparked an
investigation into an international drugs gang.
Following an operation on 9 September around
165kg of the Class A drug, with an estimated
street value of £8 million, was discovered by UK
Border Agency detection teams hidden in a
consignment of souvenirs from South Africa.
The find was referred to the Serious Organised
Crime Agency (SOCA), which began an
international investigation. Following that, two
men were arrested, and a further 80kg of heroin
was seized at an address in Dartford, Kent.
35-year-old Nicholas Fullbrook from Leigh in
Kent was charged with conspiracy to import
controlled drugs and possession with intent to
supply. He was remanded in custody following a
court hearing at Maidstone Magistrates on 12
September 2009. A second man has been released
on bail pending further enquiries.
Information was also passed on to police in
South Africa,
who subsequently arrested a further five people,
including three United Kingdom nationals.
Another 115kg of heroin, and more than 6,500kg
of herbal cannabis and cannabis resin, were also
found.
The total amount of drugs seized during the
operation is estimated to be worth around £25
million. It is thought that all of it was
destined for Britain.
Philip Astle, the UK Border Agency's Heathrow
director, said:
'This latest detection of heroin at Heathrow,
believed to be our biggest ever, highlights our
success in preventing class A drugs entering the
UK.
'We continue, through intelligence gathering and
the abilities of our expert teams of officers,
to have a high impact on the drugs trade and
disrupt smuggling activities.
'Drugs devastate lives and communities and my
officers, along with colleagues from other law
enforcement agencies, are determined to stop
them reaching our streets.'
SOCA deputy director Andy Sellers said:
'Protecting the UK from the harm caused by drug
trafficking means going beyond the UK's borders
and targeting the people behind the trade.
'These seizures are a great example of what can
happen when partners work together. Both ends of
this international chain have been attacked, and
a significant amount of heroin and cannabis has
been kept off the UK's streets.'
Anyone with information about illegal smuggling
activities should call the Customs Hotline on
0800 59 5000.
Funds for Tier 4 Student Visa Applications:
International
students requiring a Tier 4 student visa will
need to show a minimum of £ 5400 for their
living expenses to cover the first 9 months of
stay in the UK if attending TASMAC London
According to the TIER 4 of the Points Based
System – Policy Guidance published at
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk "The Money you
need to show covers your course fees for your
first year of study and living costs for up to a
maximum of nine months. Your money must be held
in cash. Shares, bond, pension funds .
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