Tier 1 visa, all US taught masters degrees are now 0 points on PB calculator

  I didn't realise Canada had left the commonwealth. Besides, if a country's education system is closely modelled on the UK system, isn't it likely that it would be awarding the same points?
 
There's no point looking up other countries. NARIC is an independent organisation who assess the comparibility of degrees worldwide against British degrees. The UK Government have decided they only want people of UK Masters degree calibre to be able to use the T1 Gen category. NARIC are the organisation that they have stated will be used in assessing comparibility.

What the bigger issue here is the fact that there is no clear guidance for anyone in order to determine whether they should select Taught, Research, or Further Specialisation, or, if an applicant selects one of those, how to tell if they do in fact have that type of degree (or in the case of further specialisation, what documents they need to provide i order to demonstrate).

As phatbeatle suggests, there could be a lot of money wasted. And the uncertainty isn't consistent with the transparent application process that the PBS is supposed to offer.

  And the uncertainty isn't consistent with the transparent application process that the PBS is supposed to offer.

Oh, I think we all know *that's* a big fat joke.

Vicky

Somehow I don't think it is a glitch persay, if the NARIC level is below the threshold UKBA set things at.  As why Canadian ones are different then the US ones is a mystery of NARIC, but it would appear the fundementally have issues with the fact that a US Taught Masters does not equate to a UK Masters for whatever reason.

One theory I've heard while this was being discussed is that in the US you can quite often do a Masters with no relevant background in a subject, whereas in the UK you're supposed to have  completed an undergrad in a comparable field. Not my theory, so when shooting it down, please don't lambast me. (Edit: OK, so that's that one discounted. Any other theories?)

Surely it can't be that difficult for NARIC to answer the question in response to a polite and clearly worded enquiry?

One theory I've heard while this was being discussed is that in the US you can quite often do a Masters with no relevant background in a subject, whereas in the UK you're supposed to have  completed an undergrad in a comparable field. Not my theory, so when shooting it down, please don't lambast me.

I can't see that being the case, I have a UK masters in a subject that is completely different to my undergraduate degree.

Surely it can't be that difficult for NARIC to answer the question in response to a polite and clearly worded enquiry?

Hmmm...  Sounding like at least a letter, if not a FOI time... I will take this up in the advocacy section, because obviously there is a reason the NARIC doesn't think a taught

tannersarms, would you agree that a Statement of Comparability from NARIC that said your degree equated to a UK Masters would meet the threshold of the PBS?  It looks like NARIC will do all the figuring out what "taught" and "research" mean.  It looks like all the require is:

• a photocopy of your certificate(s) together with final transcript(s)
• a covering letter with you contact details and stating the purpose of your enquiry
• a photocopy of a certified translation in English if necessary
• a self-addressed envelope with correct postage paid if the letter is for a UK address. (If the postal address is outside the UK you do not need to provide postage.)

I can't see that being the case, I have a UK masters in a subject that is completely different to my undergraduate degree.

Ditto. I have a UK masters degree in a more "professional" (as opposed to traditional academic) subject- my university made it clear that as this was supposed to be initial professional training, the programme was not suitable for someone who had already completed a degree in the same subject as an undergraduate.

What the bigger issue here is the fact that there is no clear guidance for anyone in order to determine whether they should select Taught, Research, or Further Specialisation, or, if an applicant selects one of those, how to tell if they do in fact have that type of degree (or in the case of further specialisation, what documents they need to provide i order to demonstrate).

Absolutely.  The US degree system does not differentiate between "taught" and "research", so how is someone supposed to know which category their masters degree falls under?

To the Commonwealth thing: when they make a hurdle that has a silently exclusionary facet, it's typically (historically) designed with South Asia and East Africa in mind.  And those countries are long-standing Commonwealth members.  

So a straight-out suggestion that they are favoring the Commonwealth doesn't work.

I can't see that being the case, I have a UK masters in a subject that is completely different to my undergraduate degree.

Ditto. I have a UK masters degree in a more "professional" (as opposed to traditional academic) subject- my university made it clear that as this was supposed to be initial professional training, the programme was not suitable for someone who had already completed a degree in the same subject as an undergraduate.

I think it depends on the masters programme. I applied to 3 different MSc programmes (Bristol, Leeds and UCL) and they all had prerequisites of at least a 2:1 in a relevant Physical Science subject (and in some cases, a good A-level in Mathematics as well). If you didn't have a degree in one of the subjects listed (and any other qualifications needed), you couldn't get on the masters course.

My understanding is that a letter from NARIC stating that your degree is equivalent would definitely meet the requirements.

I am also guessing that clarification on this point may well assist the ECO's with their job...


Vicky

I think it depends on the masters programme. I applied to 3 different MSc programmes (Bristol, Leeds and UCL) and they all had prerequisites of at least a 2:1 in a relevant Physical Science subject (and in some cases, a good A-level in Mathematics as well). If you didn't have a degree in one of the subjects listed (and any other qualifications needed), you couldn't get on the masters course.

Likewise its pretty darn difficult to get into Engineering Master's Degree in the US without having an engineering background.  Even if you have a science background,they still want proof that you've done the necessary engineering background coursework.

However, an MBA programme will take a wide spectrum of degrees.

Interesting though, unless I'm doing something wrong with the calculator, there isn't even an option to differentiate the types of master's degrees earned within the UK.  So you could have a taught degree in the UK, but be ok.
Something to bring up with NAIRC, I guess. 
 

What the bigger issue here is the fact that there is no clear guidance for anyone in order to determine whether they should select Taught, Research, or Further Specialisation, or, if an applicant selects one of those, how to tell if they do in fact have that type of degree (or in the case of further specialisation, what documents they need to provide i order to demonstrate).

I applied with a masters/further specialisation and I didn't have to provide anything extra to demonstrate it.  I sent in my certificate as proof but there is nothing on there that says my undergrad was the same subject -- and equally there is no requirement to enter that program that you had to have the same undergrad (though I did in my case).

They appeared to take me at my word.

I haven't read all the posts...

I used the points calculator with my MBA degree and received 35 points.  I didn't see where it even asked if it was further specialization to your undergarduate degree...mine was as I earned a BBA first.  I wonder if it's due to the assumption that those earning and MBA must have completed a BBA first? 

I originally had planned going the HSMP route and I suppose I still could, based on this.  I thought for sure after the changes, I wouldn't be able to as all my points come from my degree and earnings, since I earn no points for my age. 

I think it's ridiculous that most US masters degrees are receiving 0 points.

 

I think there's also an MBA provision for certain schools in the US. so that might be the case,  but most of the US taught Masters are worth 0 points now. But if you are getting 35 pts right now on the calculator, you should be fine.

Lets continue to share our opinions/experiences on this topic. It would be interesting to know  if someone has applied under the new rules and got clearance from US. Lets see..

So I sent NARIC an email

I have a query regarding the NAIRC qualifications on the UKBA tier 1 points calculator.  As I understand it, the tier 1 points calculator is based upon NARIC equivalence. Recent changes of the UKBA Tier 1 Points Based Scheme require a Master's Degree equivalent.  However, it appears that almost all US degrees are not deemed equivalent to a UK master's degree.  I believe most US folks do not know the difference between a taught degree, a research degree, and a degree with further specialisation from the bachelor's degree.  As you know, many US master's degrees include a combination of teaching and research, with research thesis's or major projects being performed. Is there any documentation that can clarify these terms?
 
A person can say they have a research degree or a taught degree with very little clarity and it will either give them 35 points or 0 points.  Without the 35 points, its impossible to qualify.  Is a thesis/project considered to be a research degree? Or is this considered to be taught only?  Should a person applying get a NARIC comparison first?

And I got the bog standard:

UK NARIC is the National Agency responsible for providing information and advice about vocational, academic and professional skills and qualifications from all over the world. We provide information about the equivalency of qualifications and skills from overseas to the UK's national qualifications frameworks.
If you would like to use our services you can call us:

So guys, I'd say if you're concerned about your degrees, then give NARIC a call, looks like its the most sensible option.