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Recent impacts of immigration policy on student recruitment objectives: some brief observations. Ian Creagh King’s College London. Now compared with last seminar…. International student numbers and quality up – year on year growth
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Recent impacts of immigration policy on student recruitment objectives: some brief observations Ian Creagh King’s College London
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
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
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
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
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
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.