ID Cards for Foreign Nationals
The UKBA has recently introduced a scheme of compulsory ID cards for Foreign Nationals
as part of it's policy to improve security and reduce illegal immigration. This
scheme applies to non EEA nationals who are applying for Leave to Remain in the
UK. However, it does not apply to Foreign Nationals applying for Indefinite Leave
to Remain (Settled Status) or to people who already have Settled Status.
The ID card contains ‘biometrics' , (biological data unique to each individual,
such as finger prints/iris pattern in the eye ). It confirms the identity, nationality,
and immigration status of the holder. It will be a Residence Permit
and will replace the system of passport stamps, (vignettes).
How the new ID card scheme affects UK Educational Institutions
The new ID cards scheme has been expanded from 31st March., the ‘go live' date for
Tier 4 (Students) under the Points Based System. Students applying under Tier 4
(excluding student visitors) must now enrol for biometric when they apply for leave
to remain in the UK.
All Licensed Sponsor Educational Institutions must check the immigration documents
of Foreign National students as part of their Sponsor Duties. The ID card must be
checked and a copy kept on the Student file.
If you do not do this, you will be failing to comply with your Sponsor Duties
and could lose your Sponsor Licence.
Which Foreign Nationals must have an ID card now?
As ID cards are being phased in, not all Foreign Nationals applying for leave in
the UK will have an ID card. UKBA plan that by 2011, all Foreign Nationals from
outside the EEA who are applying to extend their stay in the UK, or who are applying
to come to the UK for more than six months, will be issued with an ID card.
From 25/11/08, Foreign Nationals from outside the EEA who apply
for Leave to Remain in the UK as spouse/ civil partner/ same sex partner/unmarried
partner of a person with permanent residence in the UK, or as a student, and dependents
of these individuals, have been required to also apply for an ID card.
From 31/03/09, the categories of Foreign National who must also apply for an ID
card has been expanded. In addition to those categories that the scheme applied
to from 25/11/08, the basic categories below must also apply for an ID card and
provide their biometrics when they apply for leave in the UK.
- Students under Tier 4 of the Points Based System (which went live on 31/03/09).
- Postgraduate doctors & dentists.
- Academic visitors granted leave for more than 6 months.
- Visitors for private medical treatment where they need to extend their stay to complete
the treatment.
- Domestic workers in private households who came to the UK with a person entitled
to live in the UK and are applying to extend their stay in the UK based on their
employment as domestic workers.
- Sole representatives.
- Retired persons of independent means.
- Those applying to transfer existing conditions from one immigration document to
another.
- Dependents of the above groups.
Note: There are specific conditions which apply to each category.
