Immigration advice for educational establishments

Our immigration team plays a vital role within the firm’s education sector group. By bringing together in-depth knowledge and strong links with educational associations, we provide pragmatic solutions to educational establishments amidst the ever-changing political landscape. We maintain a good working relationship with senior officials within the Home Office, enabling us to achieve the best outcomes for our clients.

Specialist immigration support for the education sector

Our lawyers are recognised as leaders in the education sector, with a reputation for devising intricate compliance solutions for education providers across their immigration needs. We have a long history in the field and have guided clients through many sector firsts. This includes advising the first university to have its sponsor licence suspended; the first university to have its sponsor licence revoked; the first new provider to gain degree awarding powers from inauguration in over 50 years; and the first Indian-origin business school that can award UK degrees to set up in the UK.

The work of our specialist team has included advising the Home Office on the development of sites and partnerships in the sponsor guidance in 2015, and assisting schools affected by the 2019 trafficking scandal on the immigration implications. We have also acted for a number of institutions that have been issued with UK Visa & Immigration action plans.

In response to sector needs, Penningtons Manches Cooper established our dedicated immigration audit, training and compliance team in 2022. However, we have been conducting compliance audits for education clients since the inception of the points-based system in 2008.

Today, our clients include higher and further educational establishments, study abroad providers, independent schools and English language schools. We also regularly provide immigration training for organisations such as UKCISA, ILPA, ISA and BSA, and run a dedicated compliance helpline for UKCISA members.

Penningtons Manches Cooper’s extensive experience and in-depth knowledge ensures they can adeptly manage any issues that arise.

Our clients value our expert guidance, in-depth knowledge of student sponsor licence management and compliance, and proactive approach when dealing with the Home Office. We provide tailored support whether we are conducting an in-depth audit, creating customised training, advising on the immigration aspects of mergers, takeovers and joint ventures, or providing day-to-day compliance solutions.

How we help our clients

Student sponsor licence applications, including advice on policies and processes

Annual and in-year CAS requests

Challenging negative decisions – including BCA failures, action plans and licence revocation

Immigration aspects of corporate restructures

Immigration advice on partnerships between higher education institutions and private providers

Immigration guidance on student terms and conditions and agent agreements

Preparation for UKVI compliance audits and liaising with UKVI on behalf of sponsors

Training including sponsor compliance, SMS training and risk management

The team at Penningtons is excellent. They are highly knowledgeable about the education sector and take the time to get to understand their clients to give the best possible service.

The team has extraordinary client care, thoroughly supporting clients throughout the immigration process, and regularly and successfully advise on complex matters.

I have had the privilege of working with Penningtons’ immigration professionals for over three years. This team is world-class in terms of professional skills, knowledge of the law and effectiveness.

Penningtons Manches Cooper’s extensive experience and in-depth knowledge ensures they can adeptly manage any issues that arise.

Penningtons Manches Cooper have a refreshing honesty and a tangible desire to help us, without just looking for the fees.

Recent work highlights

UKVI ‘action plan’ support

Providing strategic advice, training and assistance to a UK university which received an action plan from UK Visas and Immigration to ensure it did not lose its student sponsor licence.

HEP change of ownership advice

Providing strategic advice and assistance to a higher education provider which was going through a corporate change of ownership, including making representations to UKVI on why the change did not amount to a new sponsor licence being required.

Student sponsor licence application

Assisting a university with its submission of a student sponsor licence application, including advising on systems and processes and preparation for a UKVI audit. Once the licence was approved, we provided training on CAS issuance and sponsor licence management.

Intention to issue action plan

Advising a university which received an ‘intention to issue action plan’ letter following a compliance audit that issued minor corrections. We worked with the institution on system changes and making representations to UKVI. No formal action plan was issued.

Sale of Regent’s University London

Providing immigration advice on the sale of Regent’s University in central London, resulting in the retention of the sponsor licence and its privileges following completion of the sale.

In-year sponsor CAS request

Working with a sponsor on its business plan for an in-year CAS request. We provided strategic advice on the business plan and how internal systems would need to be managed. The request was approved in full.