FE Colleges and the FE Colleges and the International Market: International Market: Building International PartnershipsBuilding International Partnerships

Mark WalmsleyStakeholder Engagement Manager

UKvisas

The Points Based System (PBS)The Points Based System (PBS)

• Ensures that all migration benefits the UK.

• Decisions will be objective, transparent and understandable.

• Processes geared to ensure compliance.

• Streamlined application process.

Students - Tier 4Students - Tier 4

• Simpler for the compliant more robust for the non – compliant.

• Increased objectivity and transparency to decision making process

• Greater role for sponsors – ensuring the recruitment of genuine students.

SponsorshipSponsorship

• Sponsor register – for responsible sponsors.

• Registration by application – must agree to meet conditions. Accredited by a recognised body.

• Account managers will work with institutions helping to ensure compliance.

PBS – for the student choosing PBS – for the student choosing the UKthe UK

• Understandable, clear and objective process

• Quality Assurance over institutions

• Demonstrates a clear commitment between the institution and the student.

But also retains current ability But also retains current ability

to…to…

• Be accompanied by dependants

• Access to post-study work route

• Switch into other work categories following studies

• Take part-time work

We are listeningWe are listening

• An ongoing process of engagement with stakeholders

• A transparent consultation process

• Informed by customer insight through targeted research

• Listening to the views and concerns of you – the experts and your customers – the students

Paving the way……..Paving the way……..

• Developing country specific marketing campaigns in preparation for key changes including PBS

• Developing strategic marketing partnerships to underpin these campaigns

• Looking at imaginative ways to prepare key student markets in advance of PBS

BiometricsBiometrics

• We now collect biometric data in over 100 countries

• Details will be matched against existing databases in UK

• 30 minute response time

• Relatively few issues reported by Phase 1 pilot posts

• Phase 2 (our larger Posts) ongoing - rollout complete by March 2008

Commercial PartnershipsCommercial Partnerships

• UKvisas signed new contracts in February 2007 with Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) and VFS Global Ltd to provide a global information service

• Contracts on Regional Basis

• Easier for applicants to apply for UK visas through conveniently located Visa Application Centres (VACs) with extended opening hours

• By 2008 87% of applications will come via VACs

Rules Change: Rules Change: From 1 September 2007From 1 September 2007

• Introduction of a new Student Visitor Category

• Full details on UKvisas website with flowcharts

• Mandatory Entry Clearance for all non-EU applicants who wish to enter the United Kingdom to study

• Entry clearance at Port

• Visa at Post

• In country switching of visa categories to cease for those who do not have a legitimate expectation to progress into the student route

Rules Change: Rules Change: From September 2007From September 2007

Non Visa Nationals now have two student routes:

• Student Visitor (up to six months)• Cannot Work

• Cannot extend or change categories

• More straightforward application

• Lower fee (£63)

• Student Visa• Available for longer periods

• Can work up to 20 hours per week during term-time, or full time during vacations

• Can change or extend categories

• More complex application

• Higher Fee (£99)

How might it work in practice?How might it work in practice?The Thai StudentThe Thai Student

Books appointment at commercial partner

And issues visa

Present Documents &

Biometrics

Tier 4 - Needs to ensure sufficient funds

Research Universities and

Self-Assess

Encouraged

Chooses and applies

Acceptance and certificate of sponsorship

Applies on-line, inputs

sponsorship ref.

ECO checks

And eventually …..

Send data and documents to

Post

CommercialPartner’s Office

Attends health

screening

Sponsor completes on-line sponsorship

certificate

Any Questions?Any Questions?

Mark.Walmsley@fco.gov.uk

0207 008 8369