2026-05-01
The transition from Basic Compliance Assessment to the Red-Amber-Green system represents a material tightening of sponsor compliance requirements. Every threshold has moved by approximately five percentage points, and the consequences of non-compliance are now automatic rather than subject to negotiated action plans.
Key threshold changes
Visa refusal tolerance under BCA was 10% before formal action. Under RAG, the Red band triggers above 5% and Green requires below 4%. Enrolment requirements similarly rise from 90% minimum to 96% for Green band status.
From negotiation to enforcement
The BCA process allowed sponsors to agree improvement plans over an annual cycle. RAG band consequences — including CAS freeze at Amber and mandatory cuts at Red — apply as soon as band assignment occurs.
Preparing for June 2026
Institutions should audit current performance against RAG thresholds now, not at go-live. Sponsors that passed BCA comfortably may find themselves in Amber or Red territory under the new metrics from the first assessment cycle.
Explore UKVI RAG & RAG UKVI
Search sponsor band status or read the full UKVI RAG / RAG UKVI compliance guide.