Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 10 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 January 2005. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 January 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when the guidelines to entry clearance officers on the granting of visas to foreign students were last revised; and for what reasons. - Inc ref to Diplomatic Service Procedures Volume 1 Chapter 12 on "Entry for Studies".

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the guidelines to Entry Clearance Officers on the granting of visas to foreign students were last revised; and for what reasons. [208333] Mr. Mullin: The Diplomatic Service Procedures Volume 1 provides guidelines for Entry Clearance Officers on the granting of visas and includes a Chapter (Chapter 12) on "Entry for Studies". Volume 1 is currently being reviewed to ensure that the guidance in all the chapters is consistent with ongoing changes to the Immigration Rules. The revised version will be available on the UKvisas website (www.ukvisas.gov.uk) shortly. Chapter 12 of Volume 1 was last reviewed in June/ July 2004 to ensure that the guidance in all the chapters were consistent with changes to the Immigration Rules.

Secondary information