1. International Induction
Polly Penter International Advice Manager

2. 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

3. 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:
(Different procedure if you applied for your visa in the UK)

4. 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

5. 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!

6. 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
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

7. 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 well in advance to request a CAS
Guidance can be found at and Advisers can help you submit the application

8. 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:
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

9. 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

10. 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! – – trips are heavily subsidised!

11. 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

12. The HOST scheme
Allows students to stay for a weekend with a British host
Apply online at
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

13. 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!
is a good place to check for updates

14. Further information and support…
If you have any immigration enquiries, contact:
International Student Advice Team
Specialist Immigration Advisers:
Alan, Vicky and Polly
Drop-ins:
Northampton Sq: Tuesday & Thursday
Cass, Bunhill Row: pre-advertised Mondays, 2-5pm
Student Centre, 2nd floor Northampton Square

15. City, University of London
Northampton Square
London
EC1V 0HB
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0) E: