BCA vs UKVI RAG: what changed

The Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) is replaced by the UKVI Red-Amber-Green system from 1 June 2026. Sponsors and agents still search BCA terms — this guide maps old BCA concepts to the new RAG framework.

UKVI BCA framework vs UKVI RAG

BCA was an annual compliance assessment with negotiated improvement plans. RAG uses rolling monitoring with fixed Green, Amber, and Red bands and automatic enforcement.

• BCA Green refusal threshold: 10% → RAG Green: 4%
• BCA: action plans → RAG: automatic CAS freeze or cuts
• BCA: annual cycle → RAG: continuous monitoring

Why people still search BCA

Universities, compliance officers, and agents built workflows around BCA language. UKVI RAG is the direct replacement — search both terms when researching sponsor compliance history.

UKVI sponsor assessment under RAG

Sponsor assessment is now band assignment from three metrics. There is no separate BCA pass/fail — only Green, Amber, or Red with linked CAS policy.

Frequently asked questions

Is UKVI RAG the same as BCA?

No. RAG replaces BCA with tighter thresholds and automatic consequences from June 2026.

What replaced the UKVI BCA?

The UKVI Red-Amber-Green (RAG) sponsor compliance framework.

Related guides and tools

• Research: BCA to RAG changes
• BCA vs RAG threshold table
• UKVI RAG system guide

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

• UK Home Office — Restoring Control Over the Immigration System (White Paper, May 2025)
• UKVI Register of Licensed Sponsors (Students)

Explore the UKVI RAG framework

Search sponsor band status or read the full compliance guide.