Monthly Archives: April 2010

New Tier 1 & Tier 2 Rules

Changes to Tier 1 (Highly Skilled) Bachelors Degree Qualifications have been reintroduced into Tier 1 General after a 12 month absence. In April 2009 following challenging economic conditions the UK Border Agency increased the minimum requirements for Tier 1 General from a Bachelors Degree to a Masters Degree. This change not only reduced applications from […]

Tier 4 Highly Trusted Sponsor Scheme up and running

The Highly Trusted Sponsor Scheme is now officially up and running for Tier 4 of the Points Based System (PBS) after its introduction yesterday (6th April 2010). Under the new rules UK Academic Institutions will only be able to offer “Restricted Courses” to migrant students if they hold a Highly Trusted Sponsor License. Tier 4 […]

Tier 4 Highly Trusted Sponsor Scheme up and running

Highly Trusted Sponsors can now offer the following ‘Restricted Courses’ to Tier 4 (General) Students: Courses at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 3 or equivalent, AND Courses below degree level that include a work placement (other than foundation degrees, which can still be offered with a work placement by any Tier 4 (General) sponsor) Those […]

GMC Chief Executive: Revalidation Going to Happen

The National Health Service (NHS) is expected to face difficult challenges over the coming years with greater pressure placed on budgets and greater bureaucratic burdens borne by doctors. However, Mr Dickson and the Chairman of the GMC, Peter Rubin, said that the process of revalidation should not create additional burden for doctors and that where […]

UK Economy Set to Grow

According to an OECD report the world will continue to emerge from global recession however some countries will find things turn around quicker than others. The OECD estimates annualised growth of 2% in the first quarter of 2010 for the UK and predicts annual growth of 3.1% for the second quarter. The report said that […]

UKBA: Knowledge of Language & Life Changes

In order for an individual to apply for Settlement in the United Kingdom he or she must demonstrate satisfactory knowledge of English Language and Life in the UK. To do this the applicant can either: Pass a ‘Life in the UK’ Test, OR (if the applicants level of English is below ESOL Entry Level 3) […]

NHS IT Supplier Misses Deadline

The Lorenzo Patient Administration System was due to go live at hospitals operated by the Morecambe Bay University Hospital NHS Trust in Kendell on the 31st March 2010, however the deadline was missed. The £12 Billion plus programme to drive forward NHS IT has been dogged by issues including missed deadlines, poor management & supplier […]

VFS Global & Worldbridge Security Concerns

The Computers Services Corporation and VFS Global (American and Swiss organisations respectively) are responsible for providing localised Visa processing centres, checking that all application forms have been completed properly, checking basic supporting documentation has been provided, taking the biometric information of applicants and submitting all documentation to a British Diplomatic Post for assessment. Between them […]