The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) is a register formed under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000. It maintains a list of institutions, and courses, which have been granted permission by states and territories, to educate overseas students. It is a Federal framework under the authority of state and territory jurisdiction, and providers must register through these agents to legally educate and train international students. CRICOS, in conjunction with other federal and state/territory bodies and legislation, provides strict guidelines for institutions, accepts and/or declines registrations, monitors registered institutions’ compliance and ensures financial capability and stability. History 1997–1998 In 1997, the Howard Government coordinated a response to shortages in skilled workers in Australia and undertook a complete restructure of the Migration Program. In 1998, the Immigration Minister announced a $21 million marketing campaign over 4 years to promote a student visa program that allowed international students and workers to be granted visas to fill the gaps in Australia’s workplaces. Under reforms to the program, immigration policy and student visa grant requirements became "less specific" to allow more overseas workers to obtain visas. The amendments stated that international students who studied higher education in Australia would receive bonus points when applying for working visas. 2000 In 2000, the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act was formed, discussing educational opportunities for overseas students, assisting in preparing and prompting them to apply for jobs that addressed national labour shortages. International students studying in Australia increased by 15% per year between the years 1997 and 2003. ESOS 2000 put in place protections regarding student prepaid fees, education providers and students’ safety and visa preparation. Before 1990, accreditation of educational services was under the Federal Department of Employment, Education and Training scope. From 1 January 1990, it became the responsibility of states and territories to allow institutions and courses to cater to overseas students. With an increase in 1990 to 44,000 full-fee paying international students requests under the Migration Program, CRICOS was formed from requirements and needs of the ESOS Act, releasing the pressure placed on state and territory governments. CRICOS lists the institutions and courses registered with the government to provide educational services to overseas students to assist students in obtaining additional visa points to then work in Australia. It is compulsory for any who wish to educate international students to register with CRICOS. 2001–Present 2001