Association of Student Visa Consultants of Gujarat (ASVCG) Code of Conduct (Aligned with International Standards in Student Recruitment Ethics and Practices)

1. Core Ethical Principles
All ASVCG members must uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability in student recruitment. This includes:
• Ensuring honesty and transparency in all dealings with students, parents, education institutions, and relevant authorities.
• Avoiding conflicts of interest and disclosing any affiliations that may influence advice given to students.
• Complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and best practices governing international student recruitment.

2. Student-Centered Approach
Members must always act in the best interests of students by:
• Providing accurate, up-to-date, and impartial advice on study options, visa procedures, and post-study pathways.
• Ensuring that students are fully informed about tuition fees, living costs, scholarships, and refund policies.
• Refraining from making false promises regarding job guarantees, immigration pathways, or scholarship eligibility.

3. Compliance with Global Regulations
ASVCG members must adhere to international student recruitment guidelines, including:
• MEA India – Emigration Bill 2021: Align recruitment practices with Indian government regulations.
• British Council (UK): Promote UK higher education institutions with integrity and factual representation.
• NAFSA (USA): Follow ethical student advising and recruitment standards for US-bound students.
• AIRC (USA): Maintain transparency and compliance with US recruitment policies and institutional expectations.
• ESOS Act (Australia): Ensure accurate and ethical promotion of Australian education institutions.
• QISAN (UK): Adhere to ethical business practices in international student recruitment.
• CIC (Canada): Follow Canadian immigration and student recruitment laws.
• Education New Zealand: Comply with the Code of Practice for the pastoral care of international students.

4. Institutional Partnerships & Agreements
• Members must maintain formal agreements with partnered institutions and refrain from unauthorized representations.
• Any collaboration with education providers must be clearly documented and disclosed to students.
• Ensure compliance with the respective countries regulations and institutions’ policies on agent engagement.

5. Marketing & Advertising Practices
• All promotional materials, websites, and advertisements must provide accurate and verifiable information.
• Misleading claims, deceptive testimonials, or false assurances of guaranteed admissions and visas are strictly prohibited.
• Ethical representation of educational institutions must be maintained across all marketing channels.

6. Fees, Payments & Financial Integrity
• Clearly outline service fees, refund policies, and financial obligations to students before entering agreements.
• Maintain transparent financial transactions and avoid hidden charges or unauthorized payments.
• Ensure that tuition and visa-related payments are directly transferred to the institutions or relevant authorities.

7. Visa & Immigration Compliance
• Provide students with factual and lawful guidance on visa applications and compliance with immigration laws
• Refrain from any fraudulent activities, including document falsification or visa misrepresentation.
• Educate students on visa conditions, work rights, and obligations in their destination country.

8. Protection of Student Data & Confidentiality
• Adhere to data protection laws and ensure that student information is handled responsibly.
• Obtain student consent before sharing personal details with third parties.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of student records, their application and documents.

9. Professional Development & Accountability
• ASVCG members must stay informed about changes in international education policies, visa rules, and ensure best recruitment practices.
• Participate in training programs, workshops, and professional development initiatives endorsed by ASVCG and international bodies.
• Engage in peer reviews and internal audits to ensure adherence to ethical recruitment standards.

10. Complaints & Dispute Resolution
• Establish clear grievance-handling mechanisms for students and institutions.
• Cooperate with ASVCG’s internal ethics committee in resolving disputes and complaints.
• Non-compliance with this Code of Conduct may result in penalties, including warnings, suspension, or termination of ASVCG membership.

11. Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement
• ASVCG will implement an oversight mechanism to ensure compliance with this Code of Conduct.
• Members found violating ethical standards will be subject to review by ASVCG’s Ethics Committee.
• Regular audits and assessments will be conducted to maintain high-quality recruitment practices.

12. Commitment & Acknowledgment
All ASVCG members must acknowledge and commit to this Code of Conduct, reinforcing their responsibility to uphold ethical student recruitment practices in alignment with international standards.

Approved by: ASVCG Core Committee
Revised Effective Date: 10 February 2025
Next Review Date: 01 March 2026