UKVI Compliance Officer
Department : Compliance & Student Services
Reports To : Head of Compliance / Director of Operations
Location : Bracknell (Campus-Based)
Job Purpose
The UKVI Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring that the institution remains fully compliant with all UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations, Sponsor Licence requirements, and Office for Students (OfS) expectations relating to international students. The role supports the institution's ability to recruit and retain international students while maintaining robust compliance systems and procedures.
Key Responsibilities
1. UKVI Sponsor Licence Compliance
- Monitor and maintain compliance with UKVI Sponsor Licence duties.
- Ensure adherence to all UKVI regulations, guidance, and policy updates.
- Support preparation for UKVI audits, inspections, and compliance visits.
- Maintain accurate student records in accordance with UKVI requirements.
- Review and update internal compliance policies and procedures.
2. Student Visa Administration
- Manage the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) process.
- Assess student eligibility for CAS issuance.
- Verify academic qualifications, financial evidence, and immigration documentation.
- Maintain CAS allocation records and reporting systems.
- Monitor visa application outcomes and compliance status.
3. Student Attendance & Engagement Monitoring
- Monitor student attendance, engagement, and academic progression.
- Identify students at risk of non-compliance.
- Investigate attendance concerns and implement intervention processes.
- Ensure timely reporting of non-enrolment, withdrawals, suspensions, and exclusions.
4. UKVI Reporting Duties
- Report relevant student changes through the Sponsor Management System (SMS) within UKVI deadlines.
- Record and report:
- Non-enrolment
- Withdrawals
- Deferrals
- Course changes
- Significant attendance issues
- Changes in student circumstances
- Maintain audit trails for all reports submitted.
5. Compliance Audits & Quality Assurance
- Conduct internal compliance audits.
- Review student files for accuracy and completeness.
- Ensure documentation retention meets UKVI requirements.
- Prepare compliance reports for senior management.
- Recommend corrective actions where necessary.
6. Training & Staff Support
- Deliver UKVI compliance training to academic and administrative staff.
- Provide guidance on immigration regulations and sponsor duties.
- Support departments in implementing compliant processes.
7. Regulatory Monitoring
- Monitor updates from:
- UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
- Home Office
- Office for Students (OfS)
- Student Sponsor Guidance
- Advise management on regulatory changes and associated risks.
Essential Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent.
- Experience working with UKVI Student Sponsor Licence compliance.
- Knowledge of UK immigration and student visa regulations.
- Experience using the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
- Understanding of Higher Education compliance frameworks.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Minimum 2–3 years' experience in UKVI compliance, admissions, or student services.
- Strong understanding of Student Route visa requirements.
- Experience conducting compliance audits.
- Excellent attention to detail and record-keeping skills.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Ability to manage confidential information appropriately.
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience within Higher Education or Further Education institutions.
- Knowledge of OfS regulatory requirements.
- Experience preparing for UKVI compliance audits.
- Professional qualification in compliance, governance, or higher education administration.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- 100% compliance with UKVI reporting deadlines.
- Successful maintenance of Student Sponsor Licence.
- Zero critical compliance findings during UKVI audits.
- Accurate CAS issuance and record management.
- Timely intervention for attendance and engagement concerns.
- Positive internal audit outcomes.
Typical Employers
- Universities
- Higher Education Providers
- Further Education Colleges
- Pathway Providers
- International Student Recruitment Organisations
- Private Higher Education Institutions such as Results Consortium, Rushmore Business College UK, and similar UKVI-licensed providers.
Pay: £28,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
