Reforms to Tier 4 AASAP/UK Presentation 20 June 2011 Amanda Willits

2 Selecting the best and the brightest to work and study here. Building confidence in the immigration system. Reducing net migration and protecting economic growth. Bearing down on abuse; easier routes for those who are low risk. Less automatic settlement; discouraging sequential applications. CONTEXT

3 From 4 July 2011: vouching for academic progress; new declaration re maintenance funds; lists of proscribed banks; streamlined application process for lowest risk students; restrictions on working and sponsoring dependants From 21 April 2011: new education oversight criteria; interim limit for sponsors not HTS and with appropriate oversight; English language requirements (B1 for below degree level; B2 for degree level and above); power to refuse a student who patently does not speak English From April 2012: all sponsors to be HTS and have applied for appropriate oversight; study : work placement ration to 66: 33 for non-HEIs; maximum time limit of 5 years in Tier; closure of Tier 1 Post Study Work From end 2012: all sponsors to meet new educational oversight criteria OUTCOME OF THE REVIEW

4 Vouching for progression: all sponsors to vouch that second or subsequent course in the UK represents genuine academic progression (statement on CAS form; tick box from April) Students will sign a new declaration that the funds they have for maintenance are genuinely theirs and will remain available for their use in coming to the UK to study. Documents from certain banks and financial institutions will not be accepted (zero points awarded for maintenance) JULY CHANGES Students from certain countries, applying in those countries or the UK, attending HTS sponsors will be able to apply without submitting their supporting documents Students at non-HEIs not able to work; those at publicly funded FE colleges or HEIs sub- degree level - 10 hours / week; HEIs degree level and above - 20 hours / week Students studying at NQF 7+ for 12+ months at HEIs, plus Government sponsored students studying any course for 6+ months, able to sponsor dependants. Those already here allowed to extend their stay

5 Statement of Intent: “We will consider further the eligibility of overseas higher education providers, which have campuses in the UK, where they are required to undergo inspection, accreditation or review in order to operate within their home country. It is envisaged that such providers would be able to continue offering study abroad programmes to their students, where they are following a course equivalent to UK degree level or above, and are spending no more that half the total length of the course in the UK.” Statement of Intent: “We will consider further the eligibility of overseas higher education providers, which have campuses in the UK, where they are required to undergo inspection, accreditation or review in order to operate within their home country. It is envisaged that such providers would be able to continue offering study abroad programmes to their students, where they are following a course equivalent to UK degree level or above, and are spending no more that half the total length of the course in the UK.” OVERSEAS HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (1) Students on short-term “study abroad programmes” are those who are: enrolled in their home country on a course equivalent to a UK degree; coming to the UK for no more than 50% of the total length of their course; and returning home to finish their degree course. Students on short-term “study abroad programmes” are those who are: enrolled in their home country on a course equivalent to a UK degree; coming to the UK for no more than 50% of the total length of their course; and returning home to finish their degree course.

6 Immigration Minister Damian Green has agreed that students on “study abroad programmes” who are sponsored by overseas higher education institutions will: 1. continue to be able to work for up to 20 hours per week during term-time, when changes are made in July 2011; and OVERSEAS HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (2) 2. continue to be able to undertake a programme where the study to work placement ratio is 50:50, when changes are made in April This applies to students attending both the UK campus of their overseas higher education institution, and those whose study abroad programme is delivered by a third party in the UK (i.e. associate members).

7 There is no change to the criteria for overseas higher education institutions with a campus in the UK (confirmation from UK NARIC of overseas accreditation / degree programmes equivalent to UK degrees). Where “study abroad programmes” are offered via third party providers, these providers will need to meet the new UK educational oversight requirements – we are in discussion with QAA about this. EDUCATIONAL OVERSIGHT All sponsors will need to become HTS. Overseas study abroad providers will no longer be subject to the interim limit on their CAS allocation once they have been granted HTS status. Overseas higher education institutions offering full programmes in the UK will also need to meet the new educational requirements – again, we are in discussion with QAA on this. Institutions offering full programmes in the UK will be subject to same restrictions as other private providers of higher education (interim CAS limit, no permission to work for students applying from July 2011, no dependants, study to work placement 66:33 from April 2012).