Sunday, December 31, 2017

A pilot which is looking at streamlining the process for international Masters students wanting to study in the UK has been extended to an additional 23 universities, the Immigration Minister announced today.

Currently in its 2nd year with the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Bath and Imperial College London, the pilot will streamline the process for international students looking to study on a Masters course of 13 months or less in the UK.

It also provides greater support for students who wish to switch to a work visa and take up a graduate role, by allowing them to remain in the UK for 6 months after they have finished their course.

Responsibility

Universities taking part are given responsibility for eligibility checks, meaning that students can submit fewer documents than required in the current process alongside their visa applications.

Applicants that do not meet immigration rules will be refused. All students will continue to require Home Office security and identity checks.

The additional 23 universities to benefit from the pilot include 2 in Scotland, 2 in Wales and 1 in Northern Ireland as well as universities from across England.

Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis said:

I am delighted to announce the expansion of this pilot which is part of our ongoing activity to ensure that our world-leading institutions remain highly competitive.

The UK continues to be the 2nd most popular destination for international students and the number coming to study at our universities has increased by 24% since 2010.

This is a clear indication that genuine students are welcome and there is no limit on the number who can come to study in the UK.

Increase

The most recent Home Office statistics show that the number of students applying for visas increased by 8% over the past year, and there has been a 9% increase in the number of students applying to Russell Group universities.

The 23 additional universities will be able to apply the pilot to their 2018/19 intake. The universities were selected as their visa refusal rates are consistently the lowest in their area or region.

The 23 universities to be added to the pilot are:

Cardiff University
Goldsmiths University of London
Harper Adams University
Newcastle University
Queen’s University Belfast
The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
University of Bristol
Durham University
University of East Anglia
University of Edinburgh
University of Essex
University of Exeter
University of Glasgow
University of Leicester
University of Liverpool
University of Manchester
University of Nottingham
University of Reading
University of Sheffield
University of Southampton
University of Wales Trinity St. David (Swansea Campus)
University of Warwick
University of York

from
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/twenty-three-universities-join-student-visa-pilot

News story: Twenty three universities join student visa pilot

It also provides greater support for students who wish to switch to a work visa and take up a graduate role, by allowing them to remain in the UK for 6 months after they have finished their course.

Responsibility

Universities taking part are given responsibility for eligibility checks, meaning that students can submit fewer documents than required in the current process alongside their visa applications.

Applicants that do not meet immigration rules will be refused. All students will continue to require Home Office security and identity checks.

The additional 23 universities to benefit from the pilot include 2 in Scotland, 2 in Wales and 1 in Northern Ireland as well as universities from across England.

Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis said:

I am delighted to announce the expansion of this pilot which is part of our ongoing activity to ensure that our world-leading institutions remain highly competitive.

The UK continues to be the 2nd most popular destination for international students and the number coming to study at our universities has increased by 24% since 2010.

This is a clear indication that genuine students are welcome and there is no limit on the number who can come to study in the UK.

Increase

The 23 additional universities will be able to apply the pilot to their 2018/19 intake. The universities were selected as their visa refusal rates are consistently the lowest in their area or region.

The 23 universities to be added to the pilot are:

Cardiff University
Goldsmiths University of London
Harper Adams University
Newcastle University
Queen’s University Belfast
The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
University of Bristol
Durham University
University of East Anglia
University of Edinburgh
University of Essex
University of Exeter
University of Glasgow
University of Leicester
University of Liverpool
University of Manchester
University of Nottingham
University of Reading
University of Sheffield
University of Southampton
University of Wales Trinity St. David (Swansea Campus)
University of Warwick
University of York

from
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/twenty-three-universities-join-student-visa-pilot

Thursday, December 14, 2017

The Clifton Suspension Bridge Harp

from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Cu033QomTA

Transparency data: Home Office: senior officials' business expenses and meetings, April to June 2015

Home Office publishes details of permanent secretaries’ external meetings and senior officials’ business expenses and hospitality on a quarterly basis.

This data is also available on data.gov.uk.

from
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-office-senior-officials-business-expenses-and-meetings-april-to-june-2015

Happy Holidays from the University of Bristol

Data on senior officials' business expenses and hospitality, and permanent secretaries' meetings with external organisations.

from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmEVIlR97Og

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Bristol's Chancellor Sir Paul Nurse talks research

from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9wYEwZQ0D0

India Unboxed: Indian Orchids at the Botanic Gardens

from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJozXyUTeuE

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Season's Greetings from Oxford University 2017

from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9olcvhYeSQw

Monday, December 11, 2017

10 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka Travel

from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3GeypE4FPY

9 Recommended Tips – Presenting your visa application

Merry Christmas to our friends in the UK and all over the world!

9 Tips on how to present a UK Visa application.

Your UK Visa Application

Allow plenty of time to make your application – If you are making an application inside the UK start thinking about your documents at least 60 days before the expiry date of your visa. This will give you time to collate all your documents in order. You may make your application for an extension up to 28 days prior to the expiry date of your current visa.
The rules and Immigration routes change frequently from year to year. Therefore you must ensure your application form is the right one for your case and that it is in date. Your application may be returned invalid if you use an incorrect form or if the form is old. Always refer to the UKVI website for new forms.
Try not to make any mistakes in your application form. If in doubt, start again.
Use block capitals in all areas you are required to complete and only use black or blue ink.
Make sure your passport photograph/s are the right size (refer to below diagram). Do not affix your photograph/s with glue, use a staple on the edge of the photograph avoiding the face and body area. Or use a transparent envelope and attach it.
Ensure all the information provided is pertinent to the application you are submitting. Add a cover letter setting your history and your documents in order. This will help the Home Office review your application more efficiently and may even speed up the consideration process.
Make sure you make a copy of your application and all the documents in the bundle and keep the copy in a safe place.
When sending your application and documents, make sure you send them via Royal Mail Signed for, so you can track your application and if required to do so, you can demonstrate that you have submitted an ‘in time’ application to UKVI.
If you are worried about whether you meet the suitability of the visa you are applying for or you need someone to look at your application, there are regulated advisers who can help. Please click on the following link for a list of regulated advisers: https://www.gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser.