Immigration Law Update - December 2009

Temporary student workers under tier 4 - heightened risk warning for employers

If you employ foreign students on a temporary basis, it is important that you read this information.

Unlike tier 2 sponsors, tier 4 sponsors have been unable to use the Sponsor Management System (SMS) to issue electronic approvals (known as Confirmations of Acceptance of Studies) in relation to entry clearance applications for students. This has meant that educational providers which are approved and trusted sponsors have instead had to issue paper-based visa letters to prospective students and concern is growing that this temporary measure may have been subject to significant abuse.

Specifically there is growing anxiety amongst employers, educational service providers and genuine students that individuals may be applying to study courses solely in order to obtain a visa letter from a trusted sponsor which can then be used to secure entry clearance and enter the UK in order to work. In