Hanoi Fair: Working for the Asia Pacific e Hanoi Fair: Working for the Asia Pacific Visas 11 October 2012 Erica Thurbon Communications UK Border Agency

2 UK Border Agency International Operations and visas is the department responsible for visa issues overseas at diplomatic missions. 2,400 staff in 130 countries around the world Over 100 nationalities require visas Over 300 places to enrol biometrics 162 VACs in 106 countries and overseas territories 59 decision making centres in 54 countries and overseas territories. UK Border Agency International Operations and Visas (background)

3 Commercial Partners Globally we work with VFS and CSC (World bridge) who run our visa application centres (VACs). The VACs play no part in the decision making process The VACs collect fees and input the applicant data, including the enrolment of biometrics They also deliver applications to the visa office and collect them when the decision has been made.

4 Visa application process Checks normally take hours “Hub and spoke” model improves efficiency and consistency Application made – online or at Visa Application Centre (VAC) Documents sent to visa section or “hub” Biometric and biographical details checked in UK Further checks conducted on key documentation Entrance Clearance Officer makes decision with all information available All applicants must attend VAC or visa section to provide biometrics Vignette added and passport returned to VAC Visa granted Visa refused Passport and key documents returned to VAC Right of Appeal (non-PBS cases) Admin review (PBS cases)

5 The UK Border Agency’s position is (and has been for many years) that any visitor wishing to undertake a course of study (whether it be recreational or academic) must apply as a student visitor. Please note; It is not the case that a general visitor who is admitted as a tourist, changes their intentions once in the UK and then seeks to enrol on a course of study can do so, since this was not the category under which they were admitted. We are aware that it is difficult to identify different categories of visitors who are non-visa nationals since they all get the same endorsement in their passports. Some officers will write in the passport ‘SV’ or ‘GV’ but it’s not a legal requirement for them to do so. Visitor visas review

6 Student visitors Visitors are not permitted to undertake a course of study without permission. Visitors who intend to undertake a short course or period of study may apply as a student visitor For short courses up to six months No permission to work Extension not permitted in the UK. Accreditation can be from one of the previously recognised bodies e.g. BAC, Accreditation UK, ABLS and ASIC

7 Extended Student Visitors In January 2011, the UK government introduced the Extended Student Visitor route, targeted specifically at the English language sector. For students on 100% English language courses only For courses over 6 months but not exceeding 11 months The visa is valid for 11 months. Students must apply for a visa prior to travelling to the UK – this includes all non-visa nationals. Other requirements and restrictions - same as 6 month student visitor route

8 Applications for consecutive student visitors Can you apply for consecutive SVVs? There is nothing stopping students applying for a second SVV. The ECO does, however, need to be satisfied with the student’s whole application including their reasons for coming back into the UK as a visitor Intentions: Students must clearly explain their intentions to the ECO; if the ECO questions the student’s intentions, it can be grounds for refusal Documentation: As with all applications, students must provide evidence to support claims made in an application. An application MUST be well-supported with documentation. The final decision on a consecutive SVV is down to both the student, by providing relevant evidence and documents, and how the ECO interprets the situation.

9 Website and contact (International Group) Visit and subscribe to our website for all our latest news and updates as they happen: Partnership and Engagement Team Mailbox – International Group (London):