TIER 4 POINTS-BASED SYSTEM FOR STUDENT VISAS
The best decision ever made by UKBA
Prior to March 2009 when the points-based system was introduced, UK educational establishments were required to register with the Department for Education and Skills/Department for Innovation, Education and Skills, which would then simply add the education providers’ details onto the database on provision of documents that can be purchased on the high street.
There was no form of inspection of the providers’ facilities or any means of ascertaining whether or not tuition was taking place as expected. There was no control over how many students were enrolled by education providers. Even if they were operating from a one-bedroom flat, they could issue visa documents running into thousands per annum to international students who did not have any intention of studying on arrival in the UK.
This business became a licence to mint money. Today, many of such ‘students’ have become British citizens by exploiting loopholes in our immigration system. Many of them continued to renew their visas as students for years on end until they became eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain, usually after being in the country for 10 years or by changing their status by marrying British citizens within a short time of arriving in the UK. The strain that this abuse has put on our public services goes beyond quantifying.
With the introduction of the Tier 4 points-based system in March 2009, leading to the implementation of the licensing system by the UK Border Agency for educational establishments, thousands of education providers (both sham and genuine) have been wiped off the list of UK Register of Licensed Sponsors, thereby making it impossible for these establishments to bring in international students into the UK or to renew visas for in-country students.
The licensing process is very strict and thorough, without room for any applicant to influence the decision of UKBA. In fact, many affected education establishments took the UKBA to court so their decisions could be quashed, without any luck.
As part of the licensing process, UKBA staff now visits education establishments to inspect their facilities, check their student records, check students’ attendance records and students’ examination success rates, among other things. The inspection process also involves unannounced visits, even after an education provider has been granted licence by UKBA. Many colleges have been caught out in this and have ended up losing their licence as a result of the spot inspection undertaken by UKBA officials.
An overhaul of the points-based system has been ongoing ever since its introduction. The overhaul has resulted in the introduction of both the ‘Highly Trusted’ status for education providers and the educational oversight by UKBA-appointed agencies. Continuous fine-tuning of the system will ensure the complete blockage of every loophole that has been exploited by international students and educational establishments alike.
The system is a laudable achievement for the UKBA.
