International Induction Polly Penter International Advice Manager visaadvice@city.ac.uk

What we will cover Tier 4: the basics Working in the UK Police registration Healthcare in the UK Travelling in and out of the UK Where to seek help and advice

The Basics When you get your visa, check everything is correct: The length of your visa The spelling of your name The university licence number (P7VG4XCY7 ) The work conditions If there are any errors, these can only be amended within a limited time period Errors can be reported online: https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits/report-problem (Different procedure if you applied for your visa in the UK)

Working during your studies Degree level study and above: 20 hours a week in term time, full time in the vacations PhD students need to agree vacation with their supervisor Cannot be self-employed, take up a permanent full time role or work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer Can switch to a Tier 2 (skilled work) visa (if offered a suitable role) after 1 year of PhD study, or Can apply for the Doctorate Extension Scheme just before your award date

Police registration process Certain nationals must register – check your vignette/grant letter You will need to take your photo, typed completed form, (available on our website) a copy of your BRP, passport, visa and £34 to the Overseas Visitors Records Office (open Monday to Friday, closed Thursday afternoon) Must update your certificate if you change address or obtain a new visa or passport or change other personal details Failure to comply can result in a fine of £5000 or a 6-month jail sentence! https://www.gov.uk/register-with-the-police

Health in the UK The Immigration Health Surcharge allows you to access the National Health Service Should register with a doctor in the UK – Clerkenwell surgery is near to City, or visit www.nhs.uk Write your IHS number on the form when asked for your NHS number – this will generate an NHS number for you Appointments and most treatment is FREE! Small charge for prescriptions (£8.60) Dental appointments: NHS treatment available for a small charge – you just need Emergency number for an ambulance: 999

Extending your visa You might need to extend your visa, e.g. if you need more time for your PhD or to write up corrections, or if you do not currently hold the correct visa Contact visaadvice@city.ac.uk well in advance to request a CAS Guidance can be found at www.city.ac.uk/visaadvice and Advisers can help you submit the application

Attendance & Engagement Monitoring You need to regularly engage with studies in line with the conditions of your Tier 4 Visa Tier 4 Policy available online: http://www.city.ac.uk/international/visa-immigration-advice/tier4/responsibilities Monthly confirmation of your activities on RaP. Students and supervisors responsible re: regularly updating RaP. If you miss 10 contacts, your sponsorship will be withdrawn If you will be off-campus, e.g. overseas for fieldwork, must complete an “off campus study form” If you will be absent for a reason beyond your control please complete the “Authorised Absence” form

If you lose your BRP… No requirement to carry your BRP with you in the UK – put it somewhere safe! If you do lose it… Must report this to UKVI online as soon as possible. Then…. If you’re in the UK: Apply for a replacement BRP – paper form, applications takes several weeks If you’re outside the UK: Apply for a replacement BRP to allow you to travel back to the UK, then Apply for a replacement BRP within one month of returning, or you could face a fine

Travelling outside the UK You can travel at weekends/vacation/ university closure periods, otherwise seek authorised absence Check the requirements for the country you’re visiting – do you need a visa? Always carry evidence of what you will be doing in that country, e.g. your accommodation, flights and any other itinerary, to show to immigration Be careful of your passport and BRP! Make the most of the International Students House Travel Club! – www.ish.org.uk – trips are heavily subsidised!

Re-entering the UK Each time you re-enter the UK, ensure you have with you: A student status letter from City – you can print this out from e:vision or request from your course office or the student centre Evidence of your finances (they occasionally ask for this!) Evidence of your intention to leave/what you’re doing next, if it’s almost the end of your course

The HOST scheme Allows students to stay for a weekend with a British host Apply online at www.hostuk.org You will be matched with a suitable host Could go anywhere in the UK! Depends on your travel costs Christmas visits available Can take dependants with you/go with a friend £60 per visit

A word of warning… This presentation was correct at the time of writing! But… Immigration rules are subject to change so check the most recent guidance when you apply Make sure you leave plenty of time to prepare your application and ask if there is anything you are not sure about – immigration is complicated and there is no such thing as a silly question! www.ukcisa.org.uk is a good place to check for updates

Further information and support… If you have any immigration enquiries, contact: International Student Advice Team Specialist Immigration Advisers: Alan, Vicky and Polly visaadvice@city.ac.uk Drop-ins: Northampton Sq: Tuesday 2.30-4.30 & Thursday 10.30-12.30 Cass, Bunhill Row: pre-advertised Mondays, 2-5pm Student Centre, 2nd floor Northampton Square www.city.ac.uk/visaadvice

City, University of London Northampton Square London EC1V 0HB United Kingdom T: +44 (0)20 7040 5060 E: visaadvice@city.ac.uk www.city.ac.uk/visaadvice