NHS trust
October 2008
Many trusts within the National Health Service (NHS) have become sponsors under the points-based system. A spokesperson for one of them says:
'We were initially daunted by the amount of information available and what seems to be, on the face of it, a very complicated process. Once we had an overview of the new changes, we narrowed the amount of information that we needed to absorb to what was relevant to us.
'The UK Border Agency offered help throughout the process and offered the support of one of the visiting staff. We also requested a preliminary visit. Once we were ready and prepared for a visit, we made contact with the visiting officer who advised us of the date of their visit with instructions and requirements. All through the process, the visiting officer was contactable for our queries.
'Our visiting officer was really helpful all the way through and we have obtained an A rating.
'What are the things that I can recommend to take some of the anxiety away?
- Do contact the UK Border Agency to request help with your application
- Do attend any workshops or events run by either the UK Border Agency or NHS Employers to help you understand better. There are always new questions asked at these events that you hadn't thought of.
- Don't request a visit before you are ready. You only put yourself under more pressure.
- Do make sure that you have all your documentation ready for the formal visit. Make sure it complies with everything that you have been told.
- Do become familiar with the UK Border Agency website, where all major announcements and updates are kept.'