Quick answer
From 1 June 2026, UKVI assigns every licensed student sponsor a Green, Amber, or Red rating based on three compliance metrics. The worst single metric determines the band. Green sponsors receive full CAS allocation. Amber sponsors may have CAS frozen. Red sponsors face CAS cuts of at least 10% and licence risk.
Why RAG was introduced
The UK Government's Immigration White Paper (May 2025) announced that sponsorship is a privilege, not a right. UKVI requires faster, more precise tools to restrict sponsors whose compliance data deteriorates. The RAG system replaces the legacy Basic Compliance Assessment with rolling monitoring and automatic band enforcement.
Three compliance metrics
- Visa refusal rate — proportion of sponsored students refused visas
- Student enrolment rate — proportion of CAS holders who enrol
- Course completion rate — proportion of students who complete their course
Three bands
BCA vs RAG thresholds
| Metric | Old BCA | Red band | Amber band | Green band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa refusal rate | Below 10% | Above 5% | 4%–5% | Below 4% |
| Student enrolment rate | At least 90% | Below 95% | 95%–96% | Above 96% |
| Course completion rate | At least 85% | Below 90% | 90%–92% | Above 92% |
From June 2027, the completion rate Red floor rises from 85% to 90%. Green band remains above 92%.
Key dates
12 May 2025
Immigration White Paper published
The UK Government announces the Red-Amber-Green sponsor rating system, replacing the Basic Compliance Assessment framework.
1 June 2026
RAG system goes live
New compliance thresholds take effect immediately with no grace period. CAS restrictions apply from the first assessment cycle.
1 June 2027
Completion threshold rises
The absolute minimum completion rate floor increases to 90%. Sponsors between 85% and 90% may move to the Red band.
Summer 2027
Public ratings expected
Once all sponsors receive initial assessments, ratings are expected on the UK student sponsor register.
What institutions should do
- Monitor all three compliance metrics on a rolling basis
- Verify current band status before issuing or relying on CAS allocations
- Plan CAS pipeline capacity accounting for potential band changes
- Support applicants with transparent communication about sponsor status
- Review enrolment and completion data for cohorts affected by external delays
Frequently asked questions
What is the UKVI RAG system?
The UKVI Red-Amber-Green (RAG) system is a sponsor compliance framework effective from 1 June 2026. It rates licensed universities on visa refusal rate, student enrolment rate, and course completion rate. The worst-performing metric determines the overall band.
What is the worst-metric rule?
A sponsor's overall band is set by its single weakest metric, not an average. Two strong metrics cannot compensate for one that falls below threshold.
How does UKVI RAG differ from the old BCA system?
Thresholds are tighter (for example, visa refusal falls from 10% under BCA to 4% for Green band). Consequences are automatic rather than negotiated through annual action plans.
Are Green, Amber, and Red university lists published by UKVI?
Not yet. UKVI is expected to publish sponsor ratings on the register from summer 2027. Until then, band status is held internally by UKVI and individual sponsors.
What happens to CAS at Amber band universities?
Amber band sponsors may have CAS issuance completely frozen, meaning no new CAS letters can be issued until compliance improves.
Help about band assignments
Band assignments on this site reflect independent compliance intelligence monitoring. They are not official UKVI publications. UKVI is expected to publish sponsor ratings on the register from summer 2027. Always verify status with your institution before applying or paying deposits.
Sources
Explore the UKVI RAG framework
Search sponsor band status or read the full compliance guide.