Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the press release entitled 'Thousands of children with SEND to benefit from assistive tech', published 27 June 2025, if she will confirm the change in EHCPs for children under the age of 8 in the same period as the data referred to in the press release.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

The June 2025 press release announced the department’s investment of over £1.6 million in an assistive technology lending library pilot through the ‘SEND and alternative provision change programme’. The press release referenced that the number of children with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) had increased by 11% to 638,700, referring to the data from the 2024 to 2025 academic year.

For the same period, the number of EHCPs specifically for children under the age of 8 at the start of the academic year increased by 14%, rising to 124,148.

The government is committed to ensuring that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support at the earliest opportunity, and that local authorities and education settings have the expertise and resources needed to meet their needs effectively. As part of this work, the pilot enabled up to 3,800 mainstream settings across 30 local authorities to borrow and trial assistive technology before making purchasing decisions.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many successful asylum claimants have claimed to have the same partner since July 2024.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

This information is not published and could only be collected and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.

All asylum claims are considered on their individual merits, and decision makers assess the credibility and reliability of evidence submitted in support of a claim in accordance with published asylum guidance.

The Home Office is committed to ensuring that the asylum system is not open to abuse. It is the responsibility of everyone claiming asylum in the UK to co-operate with the Home Office and tell us the truth. It is a crime to make an asylum application that involves trying to deceive the Home Office. If anyone does this and is found guilty of it in a court, they may receive a custodial sentence after which they may be deported.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether they carry out checks to assess whether Bangladeshi asylum seekers claiming to have been a member of the Awami League held membership of that party.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

All asylum claims are considered on their individual merits, and decision makers assess the credibility and reliability of evidence submitted in support of a claim in accordance with published asylum guidance.

In line with established case law and Home Office guidance, enquiries may be undertaken in limited circumstances to verify the authenticity of documents where appropriate. Consistent with established principles, it is for the claimant to demonstrate that evidence submitted in support of their claim can be relied upon. The reliability of evidence is assessed in the round and the weight attached to that evidence is a matter for the decision maker.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many asylum claims have relied on paperwork from the same judge and magistrate since July 2024.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The information requested is not held in a reportable format and could only be obtained through examination of individual case records at disproportionate cost.

All asylum claims are considered on their individual merits, and decision makers assess the credibility and reliability of evidence submitted in support of a claim in accordance with published asylum guidance.

Decisions are not made based solely on a letter from judges or magistrates. Guidance states that caseworkers should consider “all the evidence” including the credibility of the claimant and the consistency of their statements.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to monitor the activities of successful asylum applicants.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

We do not routinely monitor those who are granted asylum or leave to remain but refugees, and those granted protection in the UK, have equitable access to the resources and support necessary to fully integrate into life here, achieve self-sufficiency, provide for themselves and their families, and contribute to the UK economy.

Integration outcomes of asylum refugees and refugees resettled under the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme and Vulnerable Children Resettlement Schemes is available on GOV.UK at: Refugee Integration Outcomes (RIO) Insights - GOV.UK. RIO aims to create a comprehensive dataset of refugee outcomes by linking Home Office data with administrative data from across government.

Under our new Core Protection model, we have moved away from the presumption of permanent protection, and instead will provide protection for the duration of need. Where a person no longer requires protection, including where their personal circumstances or a country situation has changed, they will be expected to return home.

Everyone is expected to abide by the law; this includes refugees and other foreign nationals. This Government is clear that those who commit serious crimes and pose a danger to the community and those who otherwise pose a threat to national security will have their refugee status revoked because they no longer deserve our protection and the generous benefits that come with such status. Instead, they will be removed from the UK at the earliest opportunity. Where evidence comes to light that demonstrates that a person obtained their protection status fraudulently, we will seek to revoke their status.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the average time is between initial screening interviews and substantive interviews in the asylum system.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The information requested is not held in a reportable format and could only be obtained through examination of individual case records at disproportionate cost.

However, the Home Office does publish data on the number of asylum claims awaiting an initial decision by duration. This data can be found at table Asy_D03 of the Immigration system statistics data tables - GOV.UK.

Additionally, data on the percentage of applications processed within six months is published in table ASY_01 of the 'Immigration and Protection' data of the Migration transparency data - GOV.UK.

We are committed to progressing asylum cases in an efficient and cost-effective way. Over 70% of asylum claims received during Q4 2025 were decided within 6 months, the highest percentage in 11 years.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many successful asylum seekers have claimed to have been (a) President, (b) Vice President and (c) General Secretary of the Awami League since July 2024.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

This information is not published and could only be collected and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.

All asylum claims are considered on their individual merits, and decision makers assess the credibility and reliability of evidence submitted in support of a claim in accordance with published asylum guidance.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate she has made of the average time spent on responding to an asylum claim which is (a) rejected and (b) accepted.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The information requested is not held in a reportable format and could only be obtained through examination of individual case records at disproportionate cost.

However, the Home Office does publish data on the number of asylum claims awaiting an initial decision by duration. This data can be found at table Asy_D03 of the ‘Asylum and resettlement summary tables’ at: Immigration system statistics data tables - GOV.UK.

Additionally, data on the percentage of applications processed within six months is published in table ASY_01 of the ‘Immigration and Protection’ data in the Migration transparency data - GOV.UK.

We are committed to progressing asylum cases in an efficient and cost-effective way. Over 70% of asylum claims received during Q4 2025 (including grants and refusals) were decided within 6 months, the highest percentage in 11 years.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many substantive interviews in the asylum system have been delayed as a result of applicant illness in each of the last three years.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The information requested is not held in a reportable format and could only be obtained through examination of individual case records at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate her Department has made of the proportion of visa holders whose whereabouts are easily identifiable.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

No estimate of the proportion of visa holders whose whereabouts are easily identifiable is held.

All sponsors of migrants coming to the UK in order to work and study are required as part of their licensing arrangements to report to the Home Office on changes of circumstances of the migrants they are sponsoring.

The Home Office remains committed to making improvements where they can be achieved within existing resources. This includes a programme of continuous improvement in data management and caseworking platforms as part of the Home Office’s delivery of its digital immigration system. The introduction of eVisas and Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) means the Home Office knows more about everyone coming to the UK, improving data quality and enabling upstream interventions. As the Home Office moves to a fully digital system, eVisas will increasingly update in real time when status changes, automatically revoking access to work, benefits, housing, and services, unlike physical documents that can be misused after expiry. Immigration status information is available automatically through system-to-system checks with public authorities and government departments.

Alongside this, the Home Office is developing a new digital capability, to be implemented in 2026, to help determine whether individuals have complied, or are complying, with conditions on the time they may stay in the UK. This will also make it easier to share travel and immigration compliance data with caseworkers and downstream services for a variety of analytical and operational needs.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department checks whether letters of support provided for multiple asylum seekers come from the same individual.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

This information is not published and could only be collected and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.

All asylum claims are considered on their individual merits, and decision makers assess the credibility and reliability of evidence submitted in support of a claim in accordance with published asylum guidance.

The Home Office is committed to ensuring that the asylum system is not open to abuse. It is the responsibility of everyone claiming asylum in the UK to co-operate with the Home Office and tell us the truth. It is a crime to make an asylum application that involves trying to deceive the Home Office. If anyone does this and is found guilty of it in a court, they may sentenced to a custodial sentence, after which they may be deported.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many claims of asylum have been granted to Bangladeshi nationals on the basis of their membership of the Awami League since July 2024.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

This information is not published and could only be collected and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.

All asylum claims are considered on their individual merits, and decision makers assess the credibility and reliability of evidence submitted in support of a claim in accordance with published asylum guidance.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what checks her Department undertakes to establish whether visa holders remain employed in accordance with the conditions of their leave.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Immigration Enforcement has Immigration Compliance and Enforcement teams across the UK that identify suspected breaches and take proportionate action. This activity supports both the detection of non-compliance and the deterrence of future breaches.

A combination of intelligence-led operations, data analysis, data sharing with relevant partners and compliance visits helps the Department identify visa holders who may have ceased to comply with the conditions of their leave. Where a breach is established, action may include curtailment of leave, removal from the UK or prosecution, where appropriate.

Sponsors have a wider responsibility to ensure workers they sponsor comply with their immigration conditions. If UKVI become aware that a worker has not complied with the conditions (rules) of their permission to stay in the UK then UKVI can take compliance action which can include revocation of their sponsor licence. Guidance is available at Workers and Temporary Workers: guidance for sponsors part 3: sponsor duties and compliance (accessible) - GOV.UK

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the risk that visa holders may remain in the United Kingdom in breach of the conditions attached to their leave without being detected.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

UKVI uses HMRC data as part of a broader intelligence driven compliance approach to help identify potential concerns about sponsor compliance. HMRC information provides an initial indicator of whether sponsored workers appear to be receiving the salary recorded on their Certificate of Sponsorship and helps target compliance resources towards cases that may require further examination.

Where concerns are identified, UKVI undertakes further investigation, which may include consideration of additional intelligence, engagement with partner agencies, requests for documentary evidence and, where appropriate, compliance visits or audits. We recognise that HMRC data has limitations and therefore potential discrepancies identified through HMRC checks are subject to manual assessment and further investigation before compliance action is considered.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how immigration records are used alongside information held by other government departments to identify potential breaches of visa conditions.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

UKVI uses HMRC data as part of a broader intelligence driven compliance approach to help identify potential concerns about sponsor compliance. HMRC information provides an initial indicator of whether sponsored workers appear to be receiving the salary recorded on their Certificate of Sponsorship and helps target compliance resources towards cases that may require further examination.

Where concerns are identified, UKVI undertakes further investigation, which may include consideration of additional intelligence, engagement with partner agencies, requests for documentary evidence and, where appropriate, compliance visits or audits. We recognise that HMRC data has limitations and therefore potential discrepancies identified through HMRC checks are subject to manual assessment and further investigation before compliance action is considered.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what mechanisms her Department uses to identify visa holders who may no longer be complying with the conditions attached to their leave.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Immigration Enforcement has Immigration Compliance and Enforcement teams across the UK that identify suspected breaches and take proportionate action. This activity supports both the detection of non-compliance and the deterrence of future breaches.

A combination of intelligence-led operations, data analysis, data sharing with relevant partners and compliance visits helps the Department identify visa holders who may have ceased to comply with the conditions of their leave. Where a breach is established, action may include curtailment of leave, removal from the UK or prosecution, where appropriate.

Sponsors have a responsibility as part of holding a licence to report changes of circumstances to the Home Office that may impact on the visa status. This includes, but is not limited to, ceasing to study and ceasing employment. If a sponsor is found not to be complying with their sponsorship duties in reporting relevant changes, we will take appropriate formal action up to and including removing their sponsor licence.

Details of the sponsorship duties are set out in our published guidance Sponsorship: guidance for employers and educators - GOV.UK

If an individual is found to have breached their conditions or has had their sponsorship withdrawn, the Home Office will take cancellation action in line with our published rules and guidance: Cancellation and curtailment of permission (accessible) - GOV.UK

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what operational indicators are used by her Department to determine whether the immigration system is being effectively controlled and enforced.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

In March 2026, the Departmental Board confirmed the Home Office’s commitment to regular monitoring of performance and delivery through the Home Office Performance System. The Board forms the collective strategic leadership of the Home Office with a broad purpose to steer and scrutinise the department’s strategy, performance and capability.

Like any Government department, the Home Office uses a range of internal performance measures, planning assumptions and delivery mechanisms to manage resources and track progress against priorities. This information helps officials to understand demand, monitor operational performance and ensure we meet our legal and statutory responsibilities. These include a broad range of internal measures on the number of small boat crossings, asylum hotels, returns, and measures on keeping our borders secure and protecting the public.

Information on the operational performance of the immigration system can be ascertained from published records in the form of the Home Office’s Annual Reports, Migration Transparency data and Home Office Statistics These are publicly available on Gov.uk.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to reduce levels of fraud in the welfare system.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

Since the Autumn Budget 2024 DWP has committed to delivering gross savings of £14.6bn up to the end of 2030-31 from fraud, error and debt activity

In 2026, the Department has continued to strengthen its approach to tackling fraud and error across the welfare system through increased operational activity, the use of new powers, and targeted interventions to identify incorrect claims. These activities include:

- investments to deploy up to 3,000 additional staff within counter fraud teams,

- delivering the extension of Targeted Case Reviews (TCR) in Universal Credit to check accuracy of claims at risk of being incorrect,

- introducing Pension Credit Claim Reviews (PCCR) to check claims at risk of being incorrect,

- the implementation of the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act 2025 (PAFER) which introduces new powers to better identify, prevent and deter fraud and error

- and continuing to seek prosecutions in the courts for those who commit benefit fraud.

Overall, levels of benefit fraud are the lowest since the pandemic and currently stand at 2.2%, compared to a peak of 3.0% in FYE 2022.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of family migration on levels of net migration beyond the original principal applicant.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Government's Immigration White Paper, published last year, highlighted the growth in work visas in recent years, particularly in medium-skilled roles, and the associated growth in dependent visas. That is why the Government acted to restrict workers sponsored in medium-skilled roles from bringing dependants and introduced new language requirements for dependants.

Those work and study visa holders who are able to bring dependants can only sponsor their partners/spouses and dependent children under age 18, not wider family members.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department takes when a Student Visa holder ceases to attend the course for which leave was granted.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

All applicants seeking permission under the Student route must meet the English language requirements set out in the Immigration Rules. Applicants studying at degree level or above must demonstrate English language ability at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, while those studying below degree level must demonstrate ability at level B1. Higher education providers with a track record of compliance may assess the English language ability of applicants studying at degree level or above using a method they consider appropriate. The provider must record the method of assessment on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies and retain evidence of that assessment. UK Visas and Immigration may assess a sponsor’s arrangements for determining English language ability as part of its compliance activity, including during a compliance visit. Sponsors that are not permitted to assess English language ability must ensure that applicants provide evidence through one of the methods specified in the Immigration Rules, such as an approved Secure English Language Test. Individuals remain subject to review during the visa process and at the border, and may be refused entry where they do not meet the relevant requirements.

All applicants seeking permission under the Student route are required to satisfy the genuine student requirement set out in the Immigration Rules. UK Visas and Immigration considers each application on its individual merits and assesses all the information and evidence available. This may include the applicant’s immigration and education history, the relevance of the proposed course to their previous study and future plans, their knowledge of the course and sponsoring institution, their reasons for choosing to study in the UK, and their financial circumstances. Where further information is required, the applicant may be invited to attend a credibility interview. An application may be refused where the decision maker is not satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the applicant is a genuine student.

Student sponsors must maintain oversight of sponsored students throughout their studies and notify UK Visas and Immigration of reportable events relating to their students. These include non-enrolment, a failure to attend or engage, withdrawal from a course, and earlier-than-expected completion. Sponsors are assessed in the annual Basic Compliance Assessment on the rates of non-enrolment and course completion. If sponsorship is withdrawn or an individual no longer satisfies the Student route requirements, their permission may be cancelled in accordance with the Immigration Rules.

The Home Office can conduct both virtual audits and in-person visits (either announced or unannounced) of sponsors at any time to assess their compliance with their sponsorship duties. Sponsors are assessed annually against the Basic Compliance Assessment requirements of refusal rate, enrolment rate, and course completion rate. Sponsors must also request their allocation of sponsorship certificates annually, and the Home Office will take account of factors including the number of students currently studying at the institution, its student-to-teacher ratio, the number of full-time teaching staff and the capacity of its premises. These arrangements support oversight of the number of sponsored students and whether a sponsor can continue to meet its sponsorship duties

Education providers must hold a valid Student sponsor licence and meet the relevant educational oversight and immigration compliance requirements to sponsor international students. Student sponsors must also apply for a Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) each year to demonstrate that they continue to meet the required compliance standards. UK Visas and Immigration monitors sponsors through risk-based compliance activity and may take appropriate action where the required standards are not met or wider concerns are identified. Student route applications are considered on their individual merits against the Immigration Rules, including the requirement to demonstrate knowledge of English.

Student sponsors are required to monitor the academic engagement of sponsored students and report specified changes in their circumstances to UK Visas and Immigration, including where a student fails to enrol, ceases to study or sponsorship is withdrawn. Where an individual no longer meets the requirements of the Student route, the Home Office may cancel their permission in accordance with the Immigration Rules. Individuals must leave the UK before their permission expires, unless they have made a valid application for further permission to stay. Those who remain in the UK without permission are liable to enforcement action.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment is made before granting a Student Visa of whether the applicant is a genuine student whose primary purpose is study.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

All applicants seeking permission under the Student route must meet the English language requirements set out in the Immigration Rules. Applicants studying at degree level or above must demonstrate English language ability at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, while those studying below degree level must demonstrate ability at level B1. Higher education providers with a track record of compliance may assess the English language ability of applicants studying at degree level or above using a method they consider appropriate. The provider must record the method of assessment on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies and retain evidence of that assessment. UK Visas and Immigration may assess a sponsor’s arrangements for determining English language ability as part of its compliance activity, including during a compliance visit. Sponsors that are not permitted to assess English language ability must ensure that applicants provide evidence through one of the methods specified in the Immigration Rules, such as an approved Secure English Language Test. Individuals remain subject to review during the visa process and at the border, and may be refused entry where they do not meet the relevant requirements.

All applicants seeking permission under the Student route are required to satisfy the genuine student requirement set out in the Immigration Rules. UK Visas and Immigration considers each application on its individual merits and assesses all the information and evidence available. This may include the applicant’s immigration and education history, the relevance of the proposed course to their previous study and future plans, their knowledge of the course and sponsoring institution, their reasons for choosing to study in the UK, and their financial circumstances. Where further information is required, the applicant may be invited to attend a credibility interview. An application may be refused where the decision maker is not satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the applicant is a genuine student.

Student sponsors must maintain oversight of sponsored students throughout their studies and notify UK Visas and Immigration of reportable events relating to their students. These include non-enrolment, a failure to attend or engage, withdrawal from a course, and earlier-than-expected completion. Sponsors are assessed in the annual Basic Compliance Assessment on the rates of non-enrolment and course completion. If sponsorship is withdrawn or an individual no longer satisfies the Student route requirements, their permission may be cancelled in accordance with the Immigration Rules.

The Home Office can conduct both virtual audits and in-person visits (either announced or unannounced) of sponsors at any time to assess their compliance with their sponsorship duties. Sponsors are assessed annually against the Basic Compliance Assessment requirements of refusal rate, enrolment rate, and course completion rate. Sponsors must also request their allocation of sponsorship certificates annually, and the Home Office will take account of factors including the number of students currently studying at the institution, its student-to-teacher ratio, the number of full-time teaching staff and the capacity of its premises. These arrangements support oversight of the number of sponsored students and whether a sponsor can continue to meet its sponsorship duties

Education providers must hold a valid Student sponsor licence and meet the relevant educational oversight and immigration compliance requirements to sponsor international students. Student sponsors must also apply for a Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) each year to demonstrate that they continue to meet the required compliance standards. UK Visas and Immigration monitors sponsors through risk-based compliance activity and may take appropriate action where the required standards are not met or wider concerns are identified. Student route applications are considered on their individual merits against the Immigration Rules, including the requirement to demonstrate knowledge of English.

Student sponsors are required to monitor the academic engagement of sponsored students and report specified changes in their circumstances to UK Visas and Immigration, including where a student fails to enrol, ceases to study or sponsorship is withdrawn. Where an individual no longer meets the requirements of the Student route, the Home Office may cancel their permission in accordance with the Immigration Rules. Individuals must leave the UK before their permission expires, unless they have made a valid application for further permission to stay. Those who remain in the UK without permission are liable to enforcement action.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what compliance activity is undertaken in relation to Student Visa holders after their arrival in the UK.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

All applicants seeking permission under the Student route must meet the English language requirements set out in the Immigration Rules. Applicants studying at degree level or above must demonstrate English language ability at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, while those studying below degree level must demonstrate ability at level B1. Higher education providers with a track record of compliance may assess the English language ability of applicants studying at degree level or above using a method they consider appropriate. The provider must record the method of assessment on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies and retain evidence of that assessment. UK Visas and Immigration may assess a sponsor’s arrangements for determining English language ability as part of its compliance activity, including during a compliance visit. Sponsors that are not permitted to assess English language ability must ensure that applicants provide evidence through one of the methods specified in the Immigration Rules, such as an approved Secure English Language Test. Individuals remain subject to review during the visa process and at the border, and may be refused entry where they do not meet the relevant requirements.

All applicants seeking permission under the Student route are required to satisfy the genuine student requirement set out in the Immigration Rules. UK Visas and Immigration considers each application on its individual merits and assesses all the information and evidence available. This may include the applicant’s immigration and education history, the relevance of the proposed course to their previous study and future plans, their knowledge of the course and sponsoring institution, their reasons for choosing to study in the UK, and their financial circumstances. Where further information is required, the applicant may be invited to attend a credibility interview. An application may be refused where the decision maker is not satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the applicant is a genuine student.

Student sponsors must maintain oversight of sponsored students throughout their studies and notify UK Visas and Immigration of reportable events relating to their students. These include non-enrolment, a failure to attend or engage, withdrawal from a course, and earlier-than-expected completion. Sponsors are assessed in the annual Basic Compliance Assessment on the rates of non-enrolment and course completion. If sponsorship is withdrawn or an individual no longer satisfies the Student route requirements, their permission may be cancelled in accordance with the Immigration Rules.

The Home Office can conduct both virtual audits and in-person visits (either announced or unannounced) of sponsors at any time to assess their compliance with their sponsorship duties. Sponsors are assessed annually against the Basic Compliance Assessment requirements of refusal rate, enrolment rate, and course completion rate. Sponsors must also request their allocation of sponsorship certificates annually, and the Home Office will take account of factors including the number of students currently studying at the institution, its student-to-teacher ratio, the number of full-time teaching staff and the capacity of its premises. These arrangements support oversight of the number of sponsored students and whether a sponsor can continue to meet its sponsorship duties

Education providers must hold a valid Student sponsor licence and meet the relevant educational oversight and immigration compliance requirements to sponsor international students. Student sponsors must also apply for a Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) each year to demonstrate that they continue to meet the required compliance standards. UK Visas and Immigration monitors sponsors through risk-based compliance activity and may take appropriate action where the required standards are not met or wider concerns are identified. Student route applications are considered on their individual merits against the Immigration Rules, including the requirement to demonstrate knowledge of English.

Student sponsors are required to monitor the academic engagement of sponsored students and report specified changes in their circumstances to UK Visas and Immigration, including where a student fails to enrol, ceases to study or sponsorship is withdrawn. Where an individual no longer meets the requirements of the Student route, the Home Office may cancel their permission in accordance with the Immigration Rules. Individuals must leave the UK before their permission expires, unless they have made a valid application for further permission to stay. Those who remain in the UK without permission are liable to enforcement action.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what action is taken by her Department when a Health and Care Worker Visa holder ceases employment with their sponsoring employer.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The employment and remuneration of those on Health and Care worker visas is routinely checked throughout their visa journey and an assessment is also made when they come to renew their visa.

If we identify that a worker is not employed or receiving the correct remuneration, or there are any other compliance concerns, we will consider the appropriate action to take. This may include the revocation of the sponsor’s licence.

If a Sponsor notifies us that a worker has ceased employment, they will be referred for the consideration of the cancellation of their leave.

Sponsors in the care sector are assessed in the same way as all other sponsor licence holders. We do not conduct specific operations in this sector.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department are taking to ensure that organisations holding sponsor licences are recruiting from overseas in response to genuine labour shortages rather than as a primary business model.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The assessment of the suitability of a sponsor licence holder that has previously had a licence revoked to sponsor workers in the future is set out in Workers and Temporary Workers - guidance for sponsors part 1: apply for a licence - GOV.UK

The circumstances that would normally lead to the suspension or revocation of a sponsor licence or any other compliance action is set out in Workers and Temporary Workers: guidance for sponsors part 3: sponsor duties and compliance - GOV.UK

Licensed sponsors are permitted to recruit from overseas to fill any existing eligible role.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what circumstances would trigger compliance action where a high proportion of a sponsor's workforce consists of sponsored workers.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The assessment of the suitability of a sponsor licence holder that has previously had a licence revoked to sponsor workers in the future is set out in Workers and Temporary Workers - guidance for sponsors part 1: apply for a licence - GOV.UK

The circumstances that would normally lead to the suspension or revocation of a sponsor licence or any other compliance action is set out in Workers and Temporary Workers: guidance for sponsors part 3: sponsor duties and compliance - GOV.UK

Licensed sponsors are permitted to recruit from overseas to fill any existing eligible role.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what circumstances would normally lead to the suspension of a sponsor licence.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The assessment of the suitability of a sponsor licence holder that has previously had a licence revoked to sponsor workers in the future is set out in Workers and Temporary Workers - guidance for sponsors part 1: apply for a licence - GOV.UK

The circumstances that would normally lead to the suspension or revocation of a sponsor licence or any other compliance action is set out in Workers and Temporary Workers: guidance for sponsors part 3: sponsor duties and compliance - GOV.UK

Licensed sponsors are permitted to recruit from overseas to fill any existing eligible role.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has made an assessment of the suitability of a sponsor licence holder that has previously had a licence revoked to sponsor workers in the future.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The assessment of the suitability of a sponsor licence holder that has previously had a licence revoked to sponsor workers in the future is set out in Workers and Temporary Workers - guidance for sponsors part 1: apply for a licence - GOV.UK

The circumstances that would normally lead to the suspension or revocation of a sponsor licence or any other compliance action is set out in Workers and Temporary Workers: guidance for sponsors part 3: sponsor duties and compliance - GOV.UK

Licensed sponsors are permitted to recruit from overseas to fill any existing eligible role.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what conditions her Department considers about the a) necessity and b) genuineness of work when making decisions on applications for Religious and Charity Worker visas.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

All Religious and Charity Workers applications are considered on their individual merits against the Immigration Rules that are relevant to the routes. Should a concern be identified during the consideration of the application, then an assessment of their genuineness will be undertaken. Often this is through interviewing the individual to test the credibility of their intentions to undertake the role applied for which may lead to the refusal of their application.

The circumstances that would normally lead to the suspension or revocation of a sponsor licence, or any other compliance action are set out in Part 3 of the guidance for sponsors.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what circumstances would trigger enforcement action against sponsors operating under the Religious Worker and Charity Worker routes.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

All Religious and Charity Workers applications are considered on their individual merits against the Immigration Rules that are relevant to the routes. Should a concern be identified during the consideration of the application, then an assessment of their genuineness will be undertaken. Often this is through interviewing the individual to test the credibility of their intentions to undertake the role applied for which may lead to the refusal of their application.

The circumstances that would normally lead to the suspension or revocation of a sponsor licence, or any other compliance action are set out in Part 3 of the guidance for sponsors.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what operational checks her Department undertakes to satisfy itself that visa holders remain compliant with the conditions attached to their leave throughout the duration of that leave.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

It is a core duty of Sponsor Licence holders to report any material change of circumstances relating to their sponsored workers / students. If these denote that a visa holder has not been compliant with their visa conditions their status will be reviewed and where appropriate cancelled.

In addition, routine compliance checks are undertaken for sponsors, workers and students through a variety of mechanisms, such as on-site visits to places of work and study to salary and employment checks to ensure that a worker is undertaking the role and being renumerated as defined in their visa application.

In applications for permission to enter and stay a decision maker will review the individual’s compliance with previous periods of leave and further applications will be refused where non-compliance is evidenced.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what analysis is undertaken of the long-term immigration consequences of granting Family and other Dependent Visas linked to work and study routes.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Government's Immigration White Paper, published last year, highlighted the growth in work visas in recent years, particularly in medium-skilled roles, and the associated growth in dependent visas. That is why the Government acted to restrict workers sponsored in medium-skilled roles from bringing dependants and introduced new language requirements for dependants.

Those work and study visa holders who are able to bring dependants can only sponsor their partners/spouses and dependent children under age 18, not wider family members.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of Family and Dependent Visa arrangements on incentives for chain migration.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Government's Immigration White Paper, published last year, highlighted the growth in work visas in recent years, particularly in medium-skilled roles, and the associated growth in dependent visas. That is why the Government acted to restrict workers sponsored in medium-skilled roles from bringing dependants and introduced new language requirements for dependants.

Those work and study visa holders who are able to bring dependants can only sponsor their partners/spouses and dependent children under age 18, not wider family members.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department takes when a visa holder changes residential address.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

People applying for UK visas may provide an address on their application. People with a UKVI account who are living in the UK are advised that they should update their account if their home or postal address changes. People without an account are advised to set up an account before updating a change of address.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what is the Department's standard process when a visa holder is found to have breached the conditions attached to their leave.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

When a visa holder is found to have breached the conditions attached to their leave, the Home Office has the power to cancel the person’s permission to enter or stay in the UK, under the Immigration Rules. The ground on which the person’s permission is cancelled will be dependent on the condition breached.

Decisions on whether to cancel a person’s permission to enter or stay are made on an individual basis, after careful consideration of all the relevant facts and circumstances of the case. Factors taken into account when deciding whether to cancel permission, include, but are not limited to whether the breach of conditions was within, or outside of the person’s control. Decisions can also take into account, exceptional or compassionate circumstances, such as serious illness or medical conditions, including those linked to pregnancy.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what factors are taken into account when deciding whether to curtail leave following a breach of visa conditions.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

When a visa holder is found to have breached the conditions attached to their leave, the Home Office has the power to cancel the person’s permission to enter or stay in the UK, under the Immigration Rules. The ground on which the person’s permission is cancelled will be dependent on the condition breached.

Decisions on whether to cancel a person’s permission to enter or stay are made on an individual basis, after careful consideration of all the relevant facts and circumstances of the case. Factors taken into account when deciding whether to cancel permission, include, but are not limited to whether the breach of conditions was within, or outside of the person’s control. Decisions can also take into account, exceptional or compassionate circumstances, such as serious illness or medical conditions, including those linked to pregnancy.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, under what circumstances a person who has breached visa conditions may subsequently obtain settlement.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Appendix FM and Part Suitability of the Immigration Rules sets out the grounds for refusal which apply to settlement applications, depending on the route. Decisions on refusals are either mandatory or discretionary. All decisions must be compatible with the UK’s obligations under the Refugee Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Immigration Rules set requirements which properly balance the individual right to settlement with the public interest in safeguarding the UK, protecting the public from criminals, and protecting the rights and freedom of others.

Each application for settlement is considered on its merits and on a case-by-case basis taking into account the individual circumstances of the case.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that Student Visa holders leave the UK when they no longer qualify for leave under the student route.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

All applicants seeking permission under the Student route must meet the English language requirements set out in the Immigration Rules. Applicants studying at degree level or above must demonstrate English language ability at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, while those studying below degree level must demonstrate ability at level B1. Higher education providers with a track record of compliance may assess the English language ability of applicants studying at degree level or above using a method they consider appropriate. The provider must record the method of assessment on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies and retain evidence of that assessment. UK Visas and Immigration may assess a sponsor’s arrangements for determining English language ability as part of its compliance activity, including during a compliance visit. Sponsors that are not permitted to assess English language ability must ensure that applicants provide evidence through one of the methods specified in the Immigration Rules, such as an approved Secure English Language Test. Individuals remain subject to review during the visa process and at the border, and may be refused entry where they do not meet the relevant requirements.

All applicants seeking permission under the Student route are required to satisfy the genuine student requirement set out in the Immigration Rules. UK Visas and Immigration considers each application on its individual merits and assesses all the information and evidence available. This may include the applicant’s immigration and education history, the relevance of the proposed course to their previous study and future plans, their knowledge of the course and sponsoring institution, their reasons for choosing to study in the UK, and their financial circumstances. Where further information is required, the applicant may be invited to attend a credibility interview. An application may be refused where the decision maker is not satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the applicant is a genuine student.

Student sponsors must maintain oversight of sponsored students throughout their studies and notify UK Visas and Immigration of reportable events relating to their students. These include non-enrolment, a failure to attend or engage, withdrawal from a course, and earlier-than-expected completion. Sponsors are assessed in the annual Basic Compliance Assessment on the rates of non-enrolment and course completion. If sponsorship is withdrawn or an individual no longer satisfies the Student route requirements, their permission may be cancelled in accordance with the Immigration Rules.

The Home Office can conduct both virtual audits and in-person visits (either announced or unannounced) of sponsors at any time to assess their compliance with their sponsorship duties. Sponsors are assessed annually against the Basic Compliance Assessment requirements of refusal rate, enrolment rate, and course completion rate. Sponsors must also request their allocation of sponsorship certificates annually, and the Home Office will take account of factors including the number of students currently studying at the institution, its student-to-teacher ratio, the number of full-time teaching staff and the capacity of its premises. These arrangements support oversight of the number of sponsored students and whether a sponsor can continue to meet its sponsorship duties

Education providers must hold a valid Student sponsor licence and meet the relevant educational oversight and immigration compliance requirements to sponsor international students. Student sponsors must also apply for a Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) each year to demonstrate that they continue to meet the required compliance standards. UK Visas and Immigration monitors sponsors through risk-based compliance activity and may take appropriate action where the required standards are not met or wider concerns are identified. Student route applications are considered on their individual merits against the Immigration Rules, including the requirement to demonstrate knowledge of English.

Student sponsors are required to monitor the academic engagement of sponsored students and report specified changes in their circumstances to UK Visas and Immigration, including where a student fails to enrol, ceases to study or sponsorship is withdrawn. Where an individual no longer meets the requirements of the Student route, the Home Office may cancel their permission in accordance with the Immigration Rules. Individuals must leave the UK before their permission expires, unless they have made a valid application for further permission to stay. Those who remain in the UK without permission are liable to enforcement action.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department applies any operational threshold for the proportion of sponsored workers employed by a sponsor when assessing compliance risk.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Each Sponsor’s allocation of Certificates of Sponsorship is subject to an ‘eligible role’ assessment, which includes a consideration of the need and credibility of a particular role against the organisation’s profile. Genuineness checks are also undertaken as part of the worker’s application for permission as per the Immigration Rules which take into account the intentions and ability of an individual to undertake the role and form part of ongoing compliance assessments post-decision.

All Religious and Charity Workers sponsors must hold charitable status; all sponsor licence applications are assessed against published guidance and all worker applications are assessed against the Immigration Rules, If any concerns relating to the management of a Sponsor Licence are raised we will take the appropriate action.

While Sponsorship compliance is similar across all the sponsored routes, there are Immigration Rules that are specific to the Religious and Charity worker routes, such as the requirement that applicants under Religious Worker must perform religious duties to support the activities of the religious institution, and applicants under the Charity Worker route must undertake unpaid voluntary fieldwork.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether additional compliance measures apply to the Religious Worker and Charity Worker routes compared with other temporary work routes.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Each Sponsor’s allocation of Certificates of Sponsorship is subject to an ‘eligible role’ assessment, which includes a consideration of the need and credibility of a particular role against the organisation’s profile. Genuineness checks are also undertaken as part of the worker’s application for permission as per the Immigration Rules which take into account the intentions and ability of an individual to undertake the role and form part of ongoing compliance assessments post-decision.

All Religious and Charity Workers sponsors must hold charitable status; all sponsor licence applications are assessed against published guidance and all worker applications are assessed against the Immigration Rules, If any concerns relating to the management of a Sponsor Licence are raised we will take the appropriate action.

While Sponsorship compliance is similar across all the sponsored routes, there are Immigration Rules that are specific to the Religious and Charity worker routes, such as the requirement that applicants under Religious Worker must perform religious duties to support the activities of the religious institution, and applicants under the Charity Worker route must undertake unpaid voluntary fieldwork.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential compliance risks associated with the Religious Worker and Charity Worker routes.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Each Sponsor’s allocation of Certificates of Sponsorship is subject to an ‘eligible role’ assessment, which includes a consideration of the need and credibility of a particular role against the organisation’s profile. Genuineness checks are also undertaken as part of the worker’s application for permission as per the Immigration Rules which take into account the intentions and ability of an individual to undertake the role and form part of ongoing compliance assessments post-decision.

All Religious and Charity Workers sponsors must hold charitable status; all sponsor licence applications are assessed against published guidance and all worker applications are assessed against the Immigration Rules, If any concerns relating to the management of a Sponsor Licence are raised we will take the appropriate action.

While Sponsorship compliance is similar across all the sponsored routes, there are Immigration Rules that are specific to the Religious and Charity worker routes, such as the requirement that applicants under Religious Worker must perform religious duties to support the activities of the religious institution, and applicants under the Charity Worker route must undertake unpaid voluntary fieldwork.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that Health and Care Worker Visas holders do not breach their visa conditions after leaving sponsored employment.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The employment and remuneration of those on Health and Care worker visas is routinely checked throughout their visa journey and an assessment is also made when they come to renew their visa.

If we identify that a worker is not employed or receiving the correct remuneration, or there are any other compliance concerns, we will consider the appropriate action to take. This may include the revocation of the sponsor’s licence.

If a Sponsor notifies us that a worker has ceased employment, they will be referred for the consideration of the cancellation of their leave.

Sponsors in the care sector are assessed in the same way as all other sponsor licence holders. We do not conduct specific operations in this sector.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department conducts targeted compliance operations in sectors with large numbers of Health and Care Worker Visa holders.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The employment and remuneration of those on Health and Care worker visas is routinely checked throughout their visa journey and an assessment is also made when they come to renew their visa.

If we identify that a worker is not employed or receiving the correct remuneration, or there are any other compliance concerns, we will consider the appropriate action to take. This may include the revocation of the sponsor’s licence.

If a Sponsor notifies us that a worker has ceased employment, they will be referred for the consideration of the cancellation of their leave.

Sponsors in the care sector are assessed in the same way as all other sponsor licence holders. We do not conduct specific operations in this sector.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what processes are in place to verify that holders of Health and Care Worker Visas continue to work in the occupation for which their visas were granted.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The employment and remuneration of those on Health and Care worker visas is routinely checked throughout their visa journey and an assessment is also made when they come to renew their visa.

If we identify that a worker is not employed or receiving the correct remuneration, or there are any other compliance concerns, we will consider the appropriate action to take. This may include the revocation of the sponsor’s licence.

If a Sponsor notifies us that a worker has ceased employment, they will be referred for the consideration of the cancellation of their leave.

Sponsors in the care sector are assessed in the same way as all other sponsor licence holders. We do not conduct specific operations in this sector.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what circumstances would normally lead to the revocation of a sponsor licence.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The assessment of the suitability of a sponsor licence holder that has previously had a licence revoked to sponsor workers in the future is set out in Workers and Temporary Workers - guidance for sponsors part 1: apply for a licence - GOV.UK

The circumstances that would normally lead to the suspension or revocation of a sponsor licence or any other compliance action is set out in Workers and Temporary Workers: guidance for sponsors part 3: sponsor duties and compliance - GOV.UK

Licensed sponsors are permitted to recruit from overseas to fill any existing eligible role.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what criteria are used by UK Visas and Immigration to determine whether a sponsor licence holder should be subject to a compliance inspection.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Compliance evaluations take multiple forms, either through the checking of individual’s salary and employment status, digital audits or field audits.

The catalyst for any one of these strands are numerous, either from external intelligence being passed to the department, possible concerns raised from within the Operational area or law enforcement activity for example.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assurance she can provide that her Department is able to identify visa holders who have ceased complying with the conditions attached to their leave.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Home Office assesses the effectiveness of its visa compliance and enforcement activity through intelligence, operational outcomes, data analysis and compliance activity. Immigration Enforcement has Immigration Compliance and Enforcement teams across the UK that identify suspected breaches and take proportionate action. This activity supports both the detection of non-compliance and the deterrence of future breaches.

A combination of intelligence-led operations, data analysis, data sharing with relevant partners and compliance visits helps the Department identify visa holders who may have ceased to comply with the conditions of their leave. Where a breach is established, action may include curtailment of leave, removal from the UK or prosecution, where appropriate.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of current enforcement measures in deterring breaches of visa conditions.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Home Office assesses the effectiveness of its visa compliance and enforcement activity through intelligence, operational outcomes, data analysis and compliance activity. Immigration Enforcement has Immigration Compliance and Enforcement teams across the UK that identify suspected breaches and take proportionate action. This activity supports both the detection of non-compliance and the deterrence of future breaches.

A combination of intelligence-led operations, data analysis, data sharing with relevant partners and compliance visits helps the Department identify visa holders who may have ceased to comply with the conditions of their leave. Where a breach is established, action may include curtailment of leave, removal from the UK or prosecution, where appropriate.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how her Department assesses the effectiveness of its compliance and enforcement activity in relation to visa holders.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Home Office assesses the effectiveness of its visa compliance and enforcement activity through intelligence, operational outcomes, data analysis and compliance activity. Immigration Enforcement has Immigration Compliance and Enforcement teams across the UK that identify suspected breaches and take proportionate action. This activity supports both the detection of non-compliance and the deterrence of future breaches.

A combination of intelligence-led operations, data analysis, data sharing with relevant partners and compliance visits helps the Department identify visa holders who may have ceased to comply with the conditions of their leave. Where a breach is established, action may include curtailment of leave, removal from the UK or prosecution, where appropriate.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department conducts a regular audit of the a) number and b) proportion of students attending educational institutions on student visas.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

All applicants seeking permission under the Student route must meet the English language requirements set out in the Immigration Rules. Applicants studying at degree level or above must demonstrate English language ability at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, while those studying below degree level must demonstrate ability at level B1. Higher education providers with a track record of compliance may assess the English language ability of applicants studying at degree level or above using a method they consider appropriate. The provider must record the method of assessment on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies and retain evidence of that assessment. UK Visas and Immigration may assess a sponsor’s arrangements for determining English language ability as part of its compliance activity, including during a compliance visit. Sponsors that are not permitted to assess English language ability must ensure that applicants provide evidence through one of the methods specified in the Immigration Rules, such as an approved Secure English Language Test. Individuals remain subject to review during the visa process and at the border, and may be refused entry where they do not meet the relevant requirements.

All applicants seeking permission under the Student route are required to satisfy the genuine student requirement set out in the Immigration Rules. UK Visas and Immigration considers each application on its individual merits and assesses all the information and evidence available. This may include the applicant’s immigration and education history, the relevance of the proposed course to their previous study and future plans, their knowledge of the course and sponsoring institution, their reasons for choosing to study in the UK, and their financial circumstances. Where further information is required, the applicant may be invited to attend a credibility interview. An application may be refused where the decision maker is not satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the applicant is a genuine student.

Student sponsors must maintain oversight of sponsored students throughout their studies and notify UK Visas and Immigration of reportable events relating to their students. These include non-enrolment, a failure to attend or engage, withdrawal from a course, and earlier-than-expected completion. Sponsors are assessed in the annual Basic Compliance Assessment on the rates of non-enrolment and course completion. If sponsorship is withdrawn or an individual no longer satisfies the Student route requirements, their permission may be cancelled in accordance with the Immigration Rules.

The Home Office can conduct both virtual audits and in-person visits (either announced or unannounced) of sponsors at any time to assess their compliance with their sponsorship duties. Sponsors are assessed annually against the Basic Compliance Assessment requirements of refusal rate, enrolment rate, and course completion rate. Sponsors must also request their allocation of sponsorship certificates annually, and the Home Office will take account of factors including the number of students currently studying at the institution, its student-to-teacher ratio, the number of full-time teaching staff and the capacity of its premises. These arrangements support oversight of the number of sponsored students and whether a sponsor can continue to meet its sponsorship duties

Education providers must hold a valid Student sponsor licence and meet the relevant educational oversight and immigration compliance requirements to sponsor international students. Student sponsors must also apply for a Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) each year to demonstrate that they continue to meet the required compliance standards. UK Visas and Immigration monitors sponsors through risk-based compliance activity and may take appropriate action where the required standards are not met or wider concerns are identified. Student route applications are considered on their individual merits against the Immigration Rules, including the requirement to demonstrate knowledge of English.

Student sponsors are required to monitor the academic engagement of sponsored students and report specified changes in their circumstances to UK Visas and Immigration, including where a student fails to enrol, ceases to study or sponsorship is withdrawn. Where an individual no longer meets the requirements of the Student route, the Home Office may cancel their permission in accordance with the Immigration Rules. Individuals must leave the UK before their permission expires, unless they have made a valid application for further permission to stay. Those who remain in the UK without permission are liable to enforcement action.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that educational institutions have a high threshold for English language ability when sponsoring student visas.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

All applicants seeking permission under the Student route must meet the English language requirements set out in the Immigration Rules. Applicants studying at degree level or above must demonstrate English language ability at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, while those studying below degree level must demonstrate ability at level B1. Higher education providers with a track record of compliance may assess the English language ability of applicants studying at degree level or above using a method they consider appropriate. The provider must record the method of assessment on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies and retain evidence of that assessment. UK Visas and Immigration may assess a sponsor’s arrangements for determining English language ability as part of its compliance activity, including during a compliance visit. Sponsors that are not permitted to assess English language ability must ensure that applicants provide evidence through one of the methods specified in the Immigration Rules, such as an approved Secure English Language Test. Individuals remain subject to review during the visa process and at the border, and may be refused entry where they do not meet the relevant requirements.

All applicants seeking permission under the Student route are required to satisfy the genuine student requirement set out in the Immigration Rules. UK Visas and Immigration considers each application on its individual merits and assesses all the information and evidence available. This may include the applicant’s immigration and education history, the relevance of the proposed course to their previous study and future plans, their knowledge of the course and sponsoring institution, their reasons for choosing to study in the UK, and their financial circumstances. Where further information is required, the applicant may be invited to attend a credibility interview. An application may be refused where the decision maker is not satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the applicant is a genuine student.

Student sponsors must maintain oversight of sponsored students throughout their studies and notify UK Visas and Immigration of reportable events relating to their students. These include non-enrolment, a failure to attend or engage, withdrawal from a course, and earlier-than-expected completion. Sponsors are assessed in the annual Basic Compliance Assessment on the rates of non-enrolment and course completion. If sponsorship is withdrawn or an individual no longer satisfies the Student route requirements, their permission may be cancelled in accordance with the Immigration Rules.

The Home Office can conduct both virtual audits and in-person visits (either announced or unannounced) of sponsors at any time to assess their compliance with their sponsorship duties. Sponsors are assessed annually against the Basic Compliance Assessment requirements of refusal rate, enrolment rate, and course completion rate. Sponsors must also request their allocation of sponsorship certificates annually, and the Home Office will take account of factors including the number of students currently studying at the institution, its student-to-teacher ratio, the number of full-time teaching staff and the capacity of its premises. These arrangements support oversight of the number of sponsored students and whether a sponsor can continue to meet its sponsorship duties

Education providers must hold a valid Student sponsor licence and meet the relevant educational oversight and immigration compliance requirements to sponsor international students. Student sponsors must also apply for a Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) each year to demonstrate that they continue to meet the required compliance standards. UK Visas and Immigration monitors sponsors through risk-based compliance activity and may take appropriate action where the required standards are not met or wider concerns are identified. Student route applications are considered on their individual merits against the Immigration Rules, including the requirement to demonstrate knowledge of English.

Student sponsors are required to monitor the academic engagement of sponsored students and report specified changes in their circumstances to UK Visas and Immigration, including where a student fails to enrol, ceases to study or sponsorship is withdrawn. Where an individual no longer meets the requirements of the Student route, the Home Office may cancel their permission in accordance with the Immigration Rules. Individuals must leave the UK before their permission expires, unless they have made a valid application for further permission to stay. Those who remain in the UK without permission are liable to enforcement action.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department gives consideration to the educational outcomes of the institution sponsoring a student visa, prior to issuing visas.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

All applicants seeking permission under the Student route must meet the English language requirements set out in the Immigration Rules. Applicants studying at degree level or above must demonstrate English language ability at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, while those studying below degree level must demonstrate ability at level B1. Higher education providers with a track record of compliance may assess the English language ability of applicants studying at degree level or above using a method they consider appropriate. The provider must record the method of assessment on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies and retain evidence of that assessment. UK Visas and Immigration may assess a sponsor’s arrangements for determining English language ability as part of its compliance activity, including during a compliance visit. Sponsors that are not permitted to assess English language ability must ensure that applicants provide evidence through one of the methods specified in the Immigration Rules, such as an approved Secure English Language Test. Individuals remain subject to review during the visa process and at the border, and may be refused entry where they do not meet the relevant requirements.

All applicants seeking permission under the Student route are required to satisfy the genuine student requirement set out in the Immigration Rules. UK Visas and Immigration considers each application on its individual merits and assesses all the information and evidence available. This may include the applicant’s immigration and education history, the relevance of the proposed course to their previous study and future plans, their knowledge of the course and sponsoring institution, their reasons for choosing to study in the UK, and their financial circumstances. Where further information is required, the applicant may be invited to attend a credibility interview. An application may be refused where the decision maker is not satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the applicant is a genuine student.

Student sponsors must maintain oversight of sponsored students throughout their studies and notify UK Visas and Immigration of reportable events relating to their students. These include non-enrolment, a failure to attend or engage, withdrawal from a course, and earlier-than-expected completion. Sponsors are assessed in the annual Basic Compliance Assessment on the rates of non-enrolment and course completion. If sponsorship is withdrawn or an individual no longer satisfies the Student route requirements, their permission may be cancelled in accordance with the Immigration Rules.

The Home Office can conduct both virtual audits and in-person visits (either announced or unannounced) of sponsors at any time to assess their compliance with their sponsorship duties. Sponsors are assessed annually against the Basic Compliance Assessment requirements of refusal rate, enrolment rate, and course completion rate. Sponsors must also request their allocation of sponsorship certificates annually, and the Home Office will take account of factors including the number of students currently studying at the institution, its student-to-teacher ratio, the number of full-time teaching staff and the capacity of its premises. These arrangements support oversight of the number of sponsored students and whether a sponsor can continue to meet its sponsorship duties

Education providers must hold a valid Student sponsor licence and meet the relevant educational oversight and immigration compliance requirements to sponsor international students. Student sponsors must also apply for a Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) each year to demonstrate that they continue to meet the required compliance standards. UK Visas and Immigration monitors sponsors through risk-based compliance activity and may take appropriate action where the required standards are not met or wider concerns are identified. Student route applications are considered on their individual merits against the Immigration Rules, including the requirement to demonstrate knowledge of English.

Student sponsors are required to monitor the academic engagement of sponsored students and report specified changes in their circumstances to UK Visas and Immigration, including where a student fails to enrol, ceases to study or sponsorship is withdrawn. Where an individual no longer meets the requirements of the Student route, the Home Office may cancel their permission in accordance with the Immigration Rules. Individuals must leave the UK before their permission expires, unless they have made a valid application for further permission to stay. Those who remain in the UK without permission are liable to enforcement action.

Senior Courts of England and Wales

Found: Richmond Park) Tristan Osborne (Labour; Chatham and Aylesford) Michael Payne (Labour; Gedling) Blake Stephenson

Found: Separately, it has come to our attention that Blake Stephenson MP, a member of your Committee, published

Found: I was deeply disappointed with your accusation that one of our Members, Blake Stephenson MP, breached

Found: Q44 Blake Stephenson: Thank you very much, Chair. My first question is for you, Jeremy.