Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 6 June 2019 to Question 258941, on Visas: Migrant Workers, what guidance his Department has provided to Sopra Steria on managing the anticipated increase in the number of student visa applications in September 2019.

UKVI hasset out clear expectations to Sopra Steria on the provision of the service during the student surge from September. UKVI are working closely with Sopra Steria to ensure that any additional services are delivered at the appropriate times and location in order to meet demand. This preparation work has included providing Sopra Steria with historical data on student applications volumes to support their planning.