In this month’s issue we update you with the latest UK and Canadian immigration news and explain the rise of transnational education.
Learn about key policy changes, how TNE lets you earn a UK degree without a visa, and why IELTS remains essential for most opportunities.
IELTS Confirmed as Trusted English Test for UK Visas and Immigration
The UK government has confirmed that IELTS will remain a recognised test for visa, immigration, and education applications for the next two years. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has extended its agreement to use IELTS as a Secure English Language Test (SELT), ensuring it remains a trusted option for proving English proficiency for studying, working, or settling in the UK. This partnership, in place since 2015, highlights the test’s reliability and long-standing role in the immigration process.
IELTS for UKVI, including IELTS Life Skills for specific visa categories, is available in over 115 countries, offering global accessibility for test takers. With over two billion English learners in non-English-speaking countries, IELTS continues to be a vital tool for those pursuing international opportunities.
The Latest on International Migration
UK
As 2024 ends, the UK government continues to implement immigration reforms. From January 2025, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will work within a new framework alongside Skills England, the Department for Work and Pensions, and the Industrial Strategy Council to reduce reliance on international recruitment and bolster domestic workforce development.
Whilst migration to the UK is still possible, the competition for places is likely to lead to requirements for higher IELTS scores.
Canada
One major change involves eliminating “flagpoling,” a process where applicants briefly leave and re-enter Canada to access immigration services. This practice is being phased out to reduce strain on border resources, though the exact implementation date has not been confirmed.
Another key update affects job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA is a document that employers in Canada must obtain to prove they need to hire a foreign worker because no suitable Canadian candidates are available. Previously, Express Entry applicants with LMIA-backed job offers could earn 50 or 200 extra points, depending on the job type. However, these additional points will no longer be awarded. This change aims to reduce fraud and maintain fairness in the immigration system. Details on the timeline for this change are still pending.
Education
What is Transnational Education and Why is It Growing?
Transnational Education (TNE) allows students to earn UK degrees without moving to the UK. Instead, universities deliver these programs through local partners or online platforms in the student’s home country. This approach eliminates the need for visas and reduces costs, making high-quality UK education more accessible globally.
In 2022/23, over 606,000 students in 228 countries enrolled in UK TNE programs, marking an 8.8% increase from the previous year. However, most programs still require proof of English proficiency, with IELTS being the preferred standard for many institutions.
TNE offers the flexibility of studying locally, but achieving the required IELTS score is crucial for admission to most courses. This ensures that students can succeed in programs delivered in English and meet academic standards.
Further Reading
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See you in 2025!