Written question asked by David Rendel (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 27 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 4 February 2005. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Friday, 4 February 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how long, on average, it took to process an application by an international student for leave to remain in the last period for which figures are available. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Rendel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long, on average, it took to process an application by an international student for leave to remain in the last period for which figures are available. [213281] Mr. Browne: Since the introduction of charges on 1 August 2003, we have been completing approximately 70 per cent. of postal applications within three weeks of receiving them in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND). We may not be able to complete applications within three weeks of receipt if they need further documents, inquiries or an interview, or if they are complex. We should normally deal with these within 13 weeks at most. A very small minority which are particularly complex or sensitive may take a little longer. Those international students who use the Student Batch Scheme through their Student Advisors have their applications decided within three weeks or earlier. The percentage of Batch Scheme cases decided at the Initial Consideration Stage is much higher than average-- approximately 90 per cent.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 430 c1147-8W; 213281
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Applications Administrative delays Fees and charges Immigration Entry clearances Overseas students Standards Immigration and Nationality Directorate
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk