Student Visa Compliance Manager

University of Bristol; Bristol; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading higher education institution in Bristol is seeking a Student Visa Compliance Manager to oversee institutional compliance with UKVI sponsor duties. The successful candidate will be responsible for advising senior stakeholders, preparing for UKVI audits, and ensuring compliance across the institution. Applicants should have extensive experience in student visa compliance, strong analytical and communication skills, and a thorough understanding of UKVI legislation. A hybrid work model may be offered.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing student visa compliance in higher education.
• In-depth knowledge of UKVI legislation and policy.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead change and implement new policies.
• Excellent IT skills and familiarity with student record systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the university's compliance with UKVI sponsor duties.
• Act as the subject matter expert on visa compliance.
• Prepare for UKVI audits and respond to complex cases.
• Monitor UK immigration law developments.
• Produce reports for senior leadership.

Skills

Experience managing student visa compliance

Knowledge of UKVI legislation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Change management

IT skills

Job description

Overview

The University of Bristol is seeking a strategic and detail‑oriented Student Visa Compliance Manager to lead institutional compliance with UKVI sponsor duties and safeguard the international student experience.

What you will be doing

As the Student Visa Compliance Manager, you will be at the heart of our international student operations, act as the subject matter expert on visa compliance, advise the Authorising Officer and senior stakeholders, prepare for UKVI audits, monitor regulatory changes, produce reports for senior leadership and governance bodies, represent the university in sector forums, and ensure compliance is embedded across the institution while managing areas of risk. Working closely with the Executive Director for Education & Student Success, you will:

• Lead and manage the university’s compliance with UKVI sponsor duties, including reporting, monitoring, and record-keeping.
• Act as the university’s subject matter expert on visa compliance, advising the Authorising Officer and senior stakeholders.
• Prepare for UKVI audits, respond to complex cases, and maintain strong relationships with UKVI.
• Monitor UK immigration law developments and lead institutional responses to regulatory changes.
• Produce reports and insights for senior leadership and governance bodies.
• Represent the university in sector-wide forums and advocate for best practices in visa compliance.
• Ensure compliance is embedded across the institution and manage areas of risk.

You should apply if

You have:

• Extensive experience managing student visa compliance in higher education, including use of the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).
• In‑depth knowledge of UKVI legislation and policy, especially as it relates to students and HE institutions.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and diplomatically.
• Proven ability to lead change, implement new policies, and deliver impactful training.
• Experience working independently, making informed decisions, and collaborating across teams.
• Excellent IT skills and familiarity with student record systems (e.g. SITS).

Please note that this role is conditional on passing a background security check required to access the Home Office Sponsor Management System.

Additional information

For informal queries regarding the role, please contact: Lyndsey Holder, [e-mail]

Shift pattern: 35 hours per week

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 21st October 2025.

If you’re earlier in your career or feel your strengths align more closely with a Student Visa Compliance Officer position, we’d still love to hear from you. We’re also hiring for this role and welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about growing into leadership.

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

Available documents

• Student Visa Compliance Manager - Job Description.pdf

£43,482 to £50,253. Grade J, per annum