Highly Trusted Sponsor scheme

On 6 April 2010 amendments to the Immigration Rules came into force, which implemented the Highly Trusted Sponsor rating for Tier 4 sponsors of the Points Based System. Up until 5 April 2010 licensed sponsors were awarded an A rating or B rating. From 6 April 2010 a third category was introduced – Highly Trusted Sponsors.

Only institutions having a Highly Trusted Sponsor rating can offer courses at the NQF level 3 or equivalent and courses below degree level with work placements (restricted courses) to Tier 4 Student visa applicants. Other education providers who are not classed as Highly Trusted Sponsors can offer courses at NQF level 4 or above, foundation courses and courses with work placements at a degree level.

Tier 4 Student visa applicants are encouraged to check the rating of any educational institution they are considering before making enquiries about courses.

The criteria for obtaining a Highly Trusted Sponsor rating was initially announced on 22 March 2010. Guidance was published and the UK Border Agency started accepting applications on this date for applicants to upgrade their licence.

On 6 April 2010, when the above mentioned changes came into force, transitional arrangements were put into place for those whose applications were not decided by that date:

• Publicly funded sponsors were deemed to be Highly Trusted until their application is considered;
• Privately funded sponsors holding an A-rated licence can temporarily assign Certificates of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), for restricted courses until a decision on their Highly Trusted Sponsor application is issued.

Privately funded sponsors holding A-rated licences can assign CAS for restricted courses under the transitional arrangements but if they wish to continue to do this beyond 30 April 2010 they must submit their application for a Highly Trusted Sponsor rating by this date.

30 June 2010 is the deadline for publicly funded sponsors to apply for a Highly Trusted Sponsor status. Those who fail to make their application by this date will no longer be deemed Highly Trusted and will not be allowed to offer restricted courses to their overseas students.