FE Colleges and the International Market: Building International Partnerships

1. FE Colleges and the International Market: Building International Partnerships Mark Walmsley Stakeholder Engagement Manager UKvisas

2. 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.

3. Students - 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.

4. Sponsorship • 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.

5. PBS – for the student choosing the UK • Understandable, clear and objective process • Quality Assurance over institutions • Demonstrates a clear commitment between the institution and the student.

6. But also retains current ability to… • Be accompanied by dependants • Access to post-study work route • Switch into other work categories following studies • Take part-time work

7. We 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

8. 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

9. Biometrics • 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

10. Commercial 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

11. Rules Change: From 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

12. Rules Change: From 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)

13. How might it work in practice?The Thai Student Acceptance and certificate of sponsorship Encouraged Send data and documents to Post Applies on-line, inputs sponsorship ref. Research Universities and Self-Assess Books appointment at commercial partner Tier 4 - Needs to ensure sufficient funds ECO checks And issues visa Attends health screening Chooses and applies And eventually ….. Commercial Partner’s Office Sponsor completes on-line sponsorship certificate Present Documents & Biometrics

14. Any Questions? Mark.Walmsley@fco.gov.uk 0207 008 8369