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Written question asked by Lord Johnson of Marylebone (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 February 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 15 February 2022. It was answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford (Conservative) on Tuesday, 15 February 2022 on behalf of the Home Office.

Visas: Overseas Students

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to assist universities in identifying (1) where in-country recruitment agents are failing to detect fraud, or (2) where agents are themselves engaged in malpractices, by publishing visa refusal rates by recruitment agent.

Answer

The Government wishes to attract international students to study in the UK as they enhance our educational institutions both financially and culturally.

The Student Route has robust safeguards to prevent the types of historic immigration abuse seen a decade ago on the previous Tier 4 route, with international students now being a highly compliant cohort.

UKVI decision-makers can carry out verification checks on documents submitted with an application and may interview applicants to assess their credibility and intentions. Anyone who has used false documents, misrepresented their personal circumstances or practiced deception by any other means, will have their application refused and may face a ban on making further applications for up to 10 years.

All policy, including around financial and credibility requirements, is kept under review. UKVI also carry out a range of activities to assist sponsors in maintaining the integrity of the route, allowing them to identify possible risks and establish best practice.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL5848
Session
2021-22
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Fraud Finance Overseas students Visas
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk