Written question asked by Lord Laird (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Wednesday, 30 November 2011.

Visas

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Henley on 16 November (WA 168–70), how many confirmations of acceptance for studies each of the 88 tier 4 B rated general educational providers assigned in the past 12 months.

Answer: From 5 September 2011, sponsors cannot be awarded a B rated (sponsor) licence. All new sponsors must now hold either an A rated (trusted) or highly trusted sponsor status. At the time of my response of 16 November, there were 88 B rated sponsors on the tier four sponsor register. As at today's date there are currently 82 B rated sponsors on the register. This number has decreased due to a number of factors including sponsors being re-rated to an A rating or being suspended from the register. The current B rated sponsors have assigned a total of 8,865 confirmations of acceptance for studies (CAS) in the past 12 months.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 13703; 733 c84WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Visas
Monday, 19 December 2011
Written questions
House of Lords; Visas
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Educational institutions Overseas students Visas Sponsorship
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk