Universities UK Points-based system Catherine Marston

What do we know? What don’t we know? Key concerns Some questions Key dates Looking ahead…….

What do we know? Overview of system T1, T2, T4 and T5 Statements of Intent Sponsorship guidance – broad overview of roles and responsibilities Sponsor registration process Dates

Points-based immigration system Key aims: Better identification and attraction of migrants who have most to contribute to the UK A more efficient, transparent and objective application process Improved compliance and reduced scope for abuse

Points-based immigration system 5 Tier Framework Tier 1 – highly skilled (HSMP) Tier 2 – skilled workers with job offer (work permit) Tier 3 – limited numbers of low skilled workers Tier 4 – students Tier 5 – youth mobility and temporary workers

Points For each tier applicants will need sufficient points to obtain a visa/entry clearance. ‘Points will be awarded according to objective and transparent criteria to produce a structured decision-making process.’ Applicants will be able to self-assess before making an application

Student points General Student category: Pass mark – 40 points Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) – 30 points Maintenance and Funds test – 10 points

International students Tier 4 - students Visa for specific institution General student category – same work provisions, dependents, will cover ‘sandwich’ provisions

International graduates Tier 1 Post-Study Transitional route for ‘skilled overseas students who have studied in the UK’ to work in the UK for a period after ‘completion of studies’ Has ‘subsumed’ International Graduates Scheme and Fresh Talent Scheme Two years Positive recognition of international graduates but are employers signed up?

Sponsorship ‘Sponsorship’ aims to try to ensure the migrant is able to do a particular job or course of study New ‘sponsor register’ run by Home Office ‘CAS’ – assurance from sponsor Will be a reference number generated from a central database – new Sponsor Management System (SMS) Replaces subjective tests of ability and intention in current system

Sponsor register ‘ Sponsor licence fee’ plus fees per ‘CAS’ Organisations will have to provide information on how many certificates they expect to issue per tier Organisations will have to report on migrants Support and performance assessment by network of immigration officers Compliance officers

What don’t we know? Sponsorship arrangements across multiple tiers Detailed process for the issue of CAS Movement within system Detail on reporting IT

Sponsorship across tiers HEIs in multiple roles – employer, recruiter and host Single registration or multiple registrations UKBA views on different activities

CAS process Current proposals for 1 CAS problematic No clarity about when and on what basis a certificate should be issued Students ‘locked in’ HEIs blocked Payment Pressure on entry standards and deposits Pressure on UKBA system

Movement within system How will students move quickly (and cheaply)? Sponsorship obligations

Reporting process Acceptance of ‘progression’ rather than attendance ‘Enrolment periods’ ‘Progression points’ Different types of students

IT HEIs largest volume users No input to design, development or testing Basics not finalised Basic system Need for data transfer Opportunities for improved MIS Robust?

Key concerns Impact on HEIs Support from UKBA Performance assessment Maintenance levels

Impact on HEIs Multiple roles – internal co-ordination More information but already into 2008/09 activities and 2009/10 plans Need to review policies and processes for recruitment, admissions, finance, registry, academic…. Resources – additional staff or added to existing staff responsibilities

Support from UKBA c.50,000 potential sponsor organisations c.150 sponsorship/visiting staff Regional difficulties Employment perspective Pre-registration visits

Performance assessment How will UKBA assess performance? Sector norms? Regional? Size? Connections between employment activities and student activities ‘Best practice’ on international student recruitment

Maintenance levels Students expected to have access to £800 per month/ £9,600 a year Dependents expected to have two- thirds of those amounts 67 HEIs provided information to BUILA and UUK Only 5 advised this level or above

Some questions….. Who will be responsible for PBS? Who will be responsible for which aspects? How can we use existing systems? How to involve others? What do students need to know? What about collaborative partners? Extra staff? Extra money? Data protection issues Culture change?

Who will be responsible for PBS? PBS places HEIs in new relationship with UKBA Issue of corporate risk – severe penalties and impact on business Senior level ownership Authorising Officer role

Who will be responsible for PBS? HEI perspective: Who? What? When?

Who will be responsible for which aspects? HR/ Student activities Single entity or multiple entities Some communication required

How can we use existing systems? Last enrolment points Progression points Links to retention strategies

How to involve others? Whole institution issue? Finance, registry, international, research, HR, admissions, student advice, accommodation, library Student Union dimension

What do students need to know? What do they need to know? When do they need to know it?

What about collaborative partners? Where do responsibilities lie? What happens if the partner has difficulties?

Extra staff? Extra money? What might increase? Human Resources Financial

Data protection issues Getting it right Seek advice from DPA/FOI officer

Culture change? Could it change things positively? Focus on international student support and retention Co-ordinated effort to support students Greater certainty and better information Students receiving fairer treatment and a clear visa deal

Key dates Statements of intent on T2 and T5 - May 2008 Statement of intent T4 – 30 July 2008 Post Study Work – 30 June 2008 Registration open for T4 sponsors – 30 July 2008 T4 begins operation – ‘Spring 2009’ but phased implementation?

Key activities Sector group advising UKBA on implementation of Tier 4 Lobbying to change maintenance levels Focus on clarifying CAS process, reporting process and IT development Communications

Phased implementation Sponsor licence and accreditation by ‘Spring 2009’ Use of licence number on documents Testing CAS process Visa extensions first? Full system later? Avoid 2009 entry?

Other student issues Relationship of PBS to ATAS ID cards Police registration

Related issues International employees International visitors – academic visitor route likely to be retained Sponsored researchers – problematic

Thanks Comments, queries, questions