Dear colleagues
In a surprise announcement at a meeting on Thursday, 15 July 2004,
the Immigration and Nationality Policy Directorate of the Home Office
said that the Science and Engineering Graduate Students scheme
WOULD come into effect soon.
They were unable to say when it would come into effect (other than
"quite quickly") or who it would cover. They said that it could be a
month before they were able to announce either of those things.
Advisers should treat this latest announcement (a very vague verbal
announcement) with some caution. However, it is a sign that perhaps
the scheme is not completely out of the question for all this
summer's graduates after all. The only advice that can be given to
students at present is to "wait and see".
This news will only increase the frustration felt by advisers, and
international students. UKCOSA has tried to impress on the Home
Office the dire need for further information as quickly as possible.
Advisers should keep a close eye on the Work Permits (UK) website (
www.workingintheuk.gov.uk ) over the coming months to ensure that
they do not miss any announcement that is made there.
UKCOSA will obviously pass on any further information that becomes
available through admin-ukcosa. Please do the same if you receive
information yourself from government sources.
At present, this is the statement that is on Work Permits (UK)
website:
"Information about science and engineering graduate students
"The implementation of the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme
remains a ministerial objective. Home Office officials are currently
working on the details of the proposals and further announcements,
including the implementation date, will be made in due course."