The plan indicates that UKBA will be adopting a phased implementation;

Phase 1 - sponsor registration

It is important that every higher education institution joins the sponsor register, and does this as soon as possible. The implementation plan states that sponsors must apply to join the Tier 4 register by 2nd February 2009 to ensure that they are on the register in time for the start of the operation of Tier 4 in March 2009.

Phase 2 - policy implementation

From the end of March 2009 students applying to come to the UK to study will be assessed under the new policies of the points system. The policy changes include;

• All education providers will need a licence if they are wishing to bring in students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
• Students must provide evidence of sufficient funds to pass a maintenance test as part of the visa application process
• Students must be able to provide the education documents used to obtain a place from an institution as part of the visa application process (a copy of a Letter of Comparability would provide a clear statement of the level of the qualifications used to gain entry on to a particular course)
• Education institutions must include their sponsor licence number in the documentation provided to students to use in the visa application process
• The visa will be linked to the specific institution whose documentation was presented by the student during the visa process
• Education institutions must comply with record-keeping duties including copies of passports and contact details.

Phase 3 - trial and implementation of the Sponsor Management System

In the autumn of 2009 UKBA will start to introduce the IT system that will underpin Tier 4. This system, the Sponsor Management System (SMS), will enable higher education institutions to issue Confirmations of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to prospective students. The CAS, a reference number and not a real document, will need to be produced by prospective students when applying for a visa overseas and if applying for an extension in the UK. The issue of a CAS confers reporting responsibilities on an institution for the individual to whom a CAS has been issued.

Phase 4 - full sponsorship management system

From February 2010 all prospective students whether already in the UK or applying overseas will need to have a CAS to apply for a student visa. Students already in the UK and needing an extension will also continue to require a CAS as introduced from stage two in autumn 2009.

For more information about the implementation plan for Tier 4, please visit the UK BA website.