fe colleges and the international market: building international partnerships
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FE Colleges and the International Market: Building International Partnerships. Mark Walmsley Stakeholder Engagement Manager UKvisas. The Points Based System (PBS). Ensures that all migration benefits the UK. Decisions will be objective, transparent and understandable. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
FE Colleges and the FE Colleges and the International Market: International Market: Building International PartnershipsBuilding International Partnerships
Mark WalmsleyStakeholder Engagement Manager
UKvisas
The Points Based System (PBS)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.
Students - Tier 4Students - 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.
SponsorshipSponsorship
• 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.
PBS – for the student choosing PBS – for the student choosing the UKthe UK
• Understandable, clear and objective process
• Quality Assurance over institutions
• Demonstrates a clear commitment between the institution and the student.
But also retains current ability But also retains current ability
to…to…
• Be accompanied by dependants
• Access to post-study work route
• Switch into other work categories following studies
• Take part-time work
We are listeningWe 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
Paving the way……..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
BiometricsBiometrics
• 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
Commercial PartnershipsCommercial 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
Rules Change: Rules Change: From 1 September 2007From 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
Rules Change: Rules Change: From September 2007From 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)
How might it work in practice?How might it work in practice?The Thai StudentThe 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
CommercialPartner’s Office
Attends health
screening
Sponsor completes on-line sponsorship
certificate