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, what data he collects on the quality of service international students receive while processing a visa extension. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Rendel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what data he collects on the quality of service international students receive while processing a visa extension. [213305] 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 c1149W; 213305
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Applications Administrative delays Fees and charges Immigration Entry clearances Overseas students Standards Visas Immigration and Nationality Directorate
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk