On 23 March, the UKBA published the Tier 4 (student) application forms, to be used for applications made on or after 31 March 2009.

Breaking News

The Home Office has just announced that the introduction of the new Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) Register has been delayed from 12th October 2009 to July 2010 and registration for the Scheme for the first wave of applicants will not become mandatory until November 2010.

The UK Government announced on 10th March that the go-live date for the student tier of its new points-based system for migration will be 31st March. From this date, students looking to study in the UK can apply for their visa through the new points-based system which will streamline the Student visa application process.

Thank you to the majority of the membership who have completed their online 2009 Annual Declarations and centre profiles. Unfortunately, however, some returns still remain outstanding. If you are the nominated representative for your centre and have not yet completed your declaration, prompt return would be appreciated. 

Click through to the main page to find a link to a story that appeared in Ireland's Evening Herald Newspaper (www.herald.ie) on 10th March 2009 entitled "Language students put off Ireland by rogue schools" by Claire Murphy.