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 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 Commercial Partner’s Office Attends health screening Sponsor completes on-line sponsorship certificate

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