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Recent impacts of immigration policy on student recruitment objectives: some brief observations

Observations on increasing international student quality, challenges faced by recruiters due to negative feedback, and tasks for compliance teams post immigration policy changes. Details on split of UK Border Agency, premium customer service, increased costs, and creation of Higher Education Assurance Team. Critical analysis of changes, key issues, and potential outcomes for universities.

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Recent impacts of immigration policy on student recruitment objectives: some brief observations

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  1. Recent impacts of immigration policy on student recruitment objectives: some brief observations Ian Creagh King’s College London

  2. Now compared with last seminar… • International student numbers and quality up – year on year growth • But....recruiters continue to deal with negative feedback/views in various markets • And...compliance team, international student advisers and international recruiters have their work cut out in terms of obviating recruitment risks arising from poor administration of visa policy

  3. What’s new? What’s changed • April 1 Home Office announcement: “On 1 April 2013 the UK Border Agency was split into two separate units within the Home Office: a visa and immigration service and an immigration law enforcement division. By creating two entities instead of one, we will be able to create distinct cultures. First, a high-volume service that makes high-quality decisions about who comes here, with a culture of customer satisfaction...” • No tangible difference at this stage • Unsurprising: system & process change of significant proportions

  4. What’s new? What’s changed (2) • Premium service: “The premium customer service will allow educational establishments to provide an enhanced level of customer service....the benefits include a dedicated account manager ....and priority treatment on all matters relating to their responsibilities as a sponsor...” • No tangible difference • Still direct the home team to paragraphs in the guidance rather than interpretative advice in areas of policy ambiguity

  5. What’s new? What’s changed (3) • Overseas visitors records office activity: negative feedback on how it has been operationalised • English language credibility tests: extended to T4 applicants. Lack of clarity as to what it means at this stage • Will be an issue in the 2013/14 cycle for King’s • Certificate of sponsorship costs: have increased: 55 k in 12/13

  6. What’s new? What’s changed (4) • Creation of the Higher Education Assurance Team: positive • Co-regulation working group with UKVI • 6 people. Good quality. Familiarisation visits to universities. • Avoiding regional variation. Continuity of relationships understood. • Working collaboratively on audit templates • Front loading higher risk institutions • Main pre-occupation: loose links with feeder colleges

  7. In summary • Splitting the former organisation into enforcement and visa administration organisations...should pay off in time, but emphatically has not at this stage • Armageddon in terms of student recruitment has not manifest...at this stage • Largely due to the way in which HEI compliance, advisory and recruitment teams have ‘managed’ the regulator.

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