WIREDGOV

An end to late evidence in visa cases will help stop misuse of the system, says minister.

From next Monday, evidence submitted after a visa application has been made will not be considered.

UK Border Agency statistics show that around two-thirds of appeals allowed by immigration judges are due to late evidence being submitted.

The rules change is designed to end unnecessary appeals and help make sure that applications are right first time.

It will apply to all applicants applying from within the UK through the points-based system.

Immigration minister Damian Green said: 'For too long, the taxpayer has had to shoulder the burden of a system which allowed individuals to drag out their appeal by submitting new evidence at the last minute.

'The changes I am making today will put an end to this practice for good.'

The minister added that this is one of a raft of improvements that will make the system 'more robust, efficient and cost effective'.

The government has already introduced an annual limit on economic migrants from outside the EU, as well as making major reforms to the student visa system.

These measures are aimed at attracting the brightest and the best, while reducing net migration and tackling abuse of the system.

UK Border Agency(Opens in a new window)