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 the UKVI RAG framework
Search sponsor band status or read the full compliance guide.