Compliance Dashboard
A reference hub for university compliance teams, recruitment professionals and education agents — BCA metrics, visa refusal intelligence, agent verification and CAS guidance. Updated as new information becomes available.
BCA RAG Rating Framework
How the Home Office rates university sponsors under the Basic Compliance Assessment.
Under the Home Office Basic Compliance Assessment framework that came into force on 1 June 2026, all UK university sponsors are rated against two core metrics.
| Metric | Green | Amber | Red |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Refusal Rate | Below 5% | 5% to 10% | Above 10% |
| Enrolment Rate | Above 95% | 90% to 95% | Below 90% |
Amber rating
Universities rated Amber face restrictions on growing international student numbers.
Red rating
Universities rated Red face recruitment caps, mandatory action plans and risk losing their sponsor licence entirely.
Public RAG ratings for all UK universities will be published from Summer 2027. Source: Home Office BCA framework June 2026.
Differential Evidence Requirement — Which Students Don't Need to Submit Financial Documents
UKVI allows nationals of certain low-risk countries to apply for a student visa without submitting financial evidence or qualification documents upfront. These students must still hold the required funds and have documents ready if UKVI requests them.
Note: Countries on the Differential Evidence List are also the nationalities least likely to be called for a UKVI credibility interview. Nationals not on this list — including India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Ghana and Sri Lanka — are more likely to face mandatory credibility interviews as part of their visa application. This is not a coincidence — both arrangements reflect UKVI's risk assessment of each nationality.
Countries Covered by Differential Evidence Requirement
(do not need to submit financial documents upfront)
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Croatia
- Republic of Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Oman
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- United Arab Emirates
- United States of America
Countries NOT covered
(must submit full financial evidence with application)
All other nationalities including India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Egypt, Vietnam, Turkey, Kenya, Morocco and most African and South Asian markets must submit full financial evidence with their visa application.
Important: the list of nationalities covered by the Differential Evidence Requirement changes regularly. The list above was accurate as of August 2026 but may not reflect the current position. Always verify the current list directly in Appendix Student paragraph ST22.1 of the Immigration Rules before advising students or issuing CAS. Appendix Student ST22.1
Source — Appendix Student ST22.1, Immigration Rules, verified September 2026. This list is subject to change — always verify the current version on GOV.UK before advising students or issuing CAS.
Agent Tip
When preparing applications for students from non-differential evidence countries, ensure financial documents are in the correct format before submission. Bank statements must show funds held for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before the application date. Incomplete or incorrectly formatted financial evidence is one of the most common causes of avoidable visa refusals.
CAS Issuance Quick Reference
Key UKVI requirements for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies — sourced from Home Office Student Sponsor Guidance published 3 August 2026.
Financial Evidence Requirements
- Bank statements must show the required funds held for 28 consecutive days.
- The 28-day period must end no more than 31 days before the date of the student visa application.
- For undergraduate study outside London the required amount is £1,334 per month for up to 9 months.
- For undergraduate study in London the required amount is £1,334 per month for up to 9 months at the London rate.
- For postgraduate study outside London £1,334 per month for the length of the course up to 9 months.
- Funds must be in cash — not shares, property or other assets.
- Official financial sponsorship letters are accepted in place of bank statements where applicable.
Genuine Student Assessment
Before issuing a CAS universities must be satisfied the student is a genuine student who intends to study the course, has the ability to follow and complete the course, and intends to leave the UK at the end of their visa unless they have permission to remain. Universities should document their genuine student assessment for every CAS issued. UKVI may request evidence of this assessment during a compliance audit.
Course Relevance
The course must be an eligible course at the appropriate level. The CAS must accurately describe the course including start date, end date, course level and fees. Any changes to course details after CAS assignment must be reported to UKVI promptly.
CAS Timing
- A CAS can be assigned no more than 6 months before the course start date.
- Students must apply for their visa within 3 months of CAS assignment.
- Universities should not assign CAS until they are satisfied all conditions have been met.
Common Causes of Avoidable Refusals
- Insufficient funds or funds not held for the full 28-day period.
- Bank statements dated more than 31 days before the application date.
- CAS assigned before conditions such as English language or academic qualifications have been verified.
- Inaccurate course details on the CAS.
- Failure to document genuine student assessment.
Source: Home Office Student and Child Student Caseworker Guidance, published 3 August 2026. UKVI Sponsor Guidance. Always refer to the current published guidance as requirements are updated periodically. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/student-sponsor-guidance