Educational Agents and International Student Recruitment: A UKVI Compliance Perspective
🏷️ From £90
🎧 Admissions, deputies, bursars, senior leaders
📍 Online
🎥 Watch live or on catch
Course outline:
Overview
The use of educational agents is well established within the international schools sector and continues to play an important role in supporting student recruitment. However, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has increased its focus on the oversight of agent relationships and remains clear that Student sponsor licence holders retain full responsibility for compliance with their sponsor duties, regardless of any delegated recruitment activity.
As scrutiny of international recruitment practices continues to evolve, schools must be able to demonstrate effective governance, due diligence, and ongoing monitoring of agent relationships. This webinar will explore UKVI’s current expectations, recent developments affecting Student sponsors, and the practical steps schools can take to mitigate compliance risks while maintaining productive recruitment partnerships.
Drawing on real-life examples and emerging areas of concern, the session will provide practical guidance on identifying potential red flags, evidencing appropriate oversight, and preparing for UKVI compliance activity.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this webinar, delegates will be able to:
- Understand UKVI’s expectations regarding the use and oversight of educational agents.
- Identify key compliance risks associated with agent relationships.
- Implement effective due diligence, monitoring, and record-keeping practices.
- Demonstrate appropriate oversight of agent activities to meet sponsor duties.
- Prepare for UKVI scrutiny of agent relationships during compliance activity.
Topics Covered
- Sponsor responsibility and accountability
- UKVI’s current position and areas of focus
- The Agent Quality Framework (AQF)
- Agent due diligence and monitoring
- Governance, oversight, and record-keeping
- Common compliance concerns and red flags
- Preparing for UKVI compliance visits
Who Should Attend?
- Admissions and international recruitment staff
- Compliance and visa sponsorship leads
- Heads, deputy heads, and senior leaders
- Bursars and business managers
- Existing Student sponsor licence key personnel
- Governors with responsibility for international strategy, risk, or compliance
This event will be held jointly with:

Speaker:
Kate Hollyer, Executive Director (Legal), BSA Group and Director, BSA Legal Services Ltd
Kate is a qualified solicitor with over 14 years’ experience in UK immigration law, she supports members with all immigration matters. Before joining BSA in 2022, Kate was Partner and Head of Department at a leading UK law firm. Having lived in boarding houses since 2014 with her Housemaster husband, Kate brings a unique insight into boarding life.