Glyndwr Given More Time In Fraudulent Visa Investigation

Glyndwr University have taken an extension from UK Visa and Immigration to have more time to respond to their visa suspension.

Last month we reported that the university had their highly trusted licence to sponsor new international students suspended following the allegations that at least 230 students had invalid English language certificates.

The suspension comes as part of nationwide investigations into allegations that some students  have used fraudulent English Language tests to gain their visas.

The Highly Trusted Status was suspended until July 22, however it was today announced the university had taken an extension from UKVI.

In a message posted on the Glyndwr Student Guild Facebook page this morning it states: “At the Guild we have just been informed that the University has taken an extension from the UKVI to have more time to make its response to the suspension. This is the update that has been released

“The University is working closely with UKVI and has been given more time to make its response to the suspension. UKVI will then have a further period of time to consider the University’s response, and make further decisions. The University will provide you with further information as soon as it is available, and expects that to be around mid-August.”

Glyndwr is one three universities and 57 private colleges that have had their licences either suspended or temporarily suspended.

During the suspension, Glyndwr University cannot issue any new CAS or visa extensions to students, but can continue to sponsor students who already have valid Tier 4 visas. Current non EU international students at Glyndwr are not affected by this. However, they could be in future if the license is revoked

Last month Wrexham.com saw an email issued to students by the vice-chancellor, which stated: “You many have heard on the news that Glyndwr University has had its UK Visas and Immigration Highly Trusted Sponsor status suspended until the 22nd July 2014. This is connected with nationwide investigations into some students who have used fraudulent English Language tests to gain their visas, and the University is co-operating with UKVI to investigate this further and remove any students who have been party to fraud, deception or abuse of their terms of sponsorship.

“During the suspension, Glyndwr University cannot issue any Certificates of Acceptance for Study (CAS) to new applicants, and cannot issue any extension CAS to existing students. There are no other immediate implications for current, genuine sponsored students with valid visas, and you should continue to engage with your studies as usual.”

A spokesperson for Glyndwr University today said: “Glyndwr University is in dialogue with UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) and has been given further time to make its response.”

There is an ongoing thread and discussion regarding Glyndwr University on our forums. You can take part or follow the debate here…