Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Williams of Trafford on 28 January (HL424) and the absence of such a stipulation in the Immigration Rules, how they ensure that these assessments are not open to abuse.

Higher Education Providers with a track record of compliance are the only sponsor type who can make an assessment of the English language ability of students studying at degree level and above, and must have demonstrated compliance for a minimum of 4 years before gaining this privilege.

Compliance is demonstrated to UKVI by annual assessments and sponsors must also gain independent educational oversight from the Office for Students. UKVI can audit sponsor records in the course of their assessment. If sponsors fail to adhere to their sponsorship duties and fail to demonstrate a sufficient level of compliance, action will be taken by the Home Office which can include revoking their Tier 4 licence.