What is ICN?

The Immigration Compliance Network (ICN), established in 2014, serves as a trusted and supportive platform where colleagues can openly exchange ideas and address concerns related to compliance, with a primary focus on Student and Staff visa sponsor requirements. The organisation is a practitioner group within UKCISA.

ICN’s terms of reference are as follows:

• To provide a supportive forum for peer-to-peer discussions where colleagues can share advice, collaborate, and problem-solve on the strategic and practical aspects of managing immigration compliance across diverse institutions in a trusted and safe space.
• To foster a culture of trust and collaboration by encouraging the exchange of best practices and offering less experienced colleagues opportunities to connect, learn, and gain insights from the expertise of others.
• To align compliance discussions with the values of the UKCISA Code of Ethics, ensuring that all Student and Skilled Worker Visa sponsor requirements and institutional obligations are met with integrity and professionalism.
• To gather and coordinate insights on operational and policy challenges faced by institutions and contribute to targeted lobbying efforts or initiate collective advocacy on key issues impacting the sector.
• To capture the voices of members on emerging trends in immigration compliance and respond proactively to shifting regulatory landscapes.
• To champion in-house “Bitesize” sessions, offering focused, accessible learning opportunities for members to stay informed and up to date on key compliance topics.
• To facilitate a member-led forum where discussions are driven by volunteers and members themselves, ensuring that the network’s activities remain relevant, dynamic, and responsive to the needs of its members
• To address the ever-evolving, complex UKVI compliance matters by providing timely support and resources for navigating the challenges faced by institutions in meeting immigration requirements.
• To support and mentor new colleagues entering the role, offering guidance and resources to help them thrive in their positions and contribute effectively to the network.

National Workshop Events and In-house Bitesize sessions

The ICN hosts two national meetings each year—one in November (virtual) and another in May (in-person)—with regular meetings held by our regional groups. In addition, the network organises themed sessions throughout the year, referred to as “ICN Bitesize.” For more information on upcoming events, please visit our events page.