#warwick2014. Immigration Handbook warwick.ac.uk/go/immigration

#warwick2014 Immigration Handbook 2014 warwick.ac.uk/go/immigration

Greetings from the Immigration Service The Immigration Service are an experienced team of advisers and support staff based in the International Office, offering immigration advice to new and returning University of Warwick students and their families. We have produced this handbook as an introduction to some of the immigration issues which may concern you during your time in the UK. Many of the topics mentioned in this booklet are covered in greater detail on our website, so where appropriate we have included links to further information. I take this opportunity to welcome you to the University of Warwick and invite you to get in touch if you have any queries or concerns we would love to hear from you. Marianne Davies Head of Immigration Services The University of Warwick was ranked 1st out of all participating Russell Group universities for Visa Advice in the International Student Barometer (Autumn Wave 2013) with a satisfaction rate of 92.7%. All information contained in this guide was correct at the time of going to print however immigration regulations are subject to change, often at short notice, so you should always consult our website or an adviser for the most up-to-date information. www.warwick.ac.uk/go/immigration Email immigrationservice@warwick.ac.uk or visit us in the International Office located on the 1st Floor of University House Immigration at Warwick Contents Studying at the University of Warwick _04 Police registration _06 Applying for a Tier 4 visa _07 Time limits on UK study _08 Bringing your family to the UK _10 Information for students with other visa types _12 If your situation changes _13 Working while in the UK _14 Travelling while a student _18 Inviting friends and family to the UK _20 Protecting your Tier 4 status _21 Glossary _22 warwick.ac.uk/immigration _03

Studying at the University of Warwick Immigration responsibilities, yours and ours As an individual who requires immigration permission to be in the UK it is important that you comply with UK immigration regulations during your stay. Likewise, the University must also comply with UK immigration regulations by taking reasonable steps to ensure that all registered students who require immigration permission have, and maintain, valid immigration permission for the duration of their studies. Complying with these responsibilities ensures that the University of Warwick retains its Tier 4 sponsor licence so that we may continue recruiting the best students from all over the world. Your immigration responsibilities are to: Δ Ensure you do not breach the conditions of your visa. Δ Answer honestly and fully any questions relating to your immigration status and any previous UK visas held as part of our admissions and online enrolment process. Δ Register your arrival in the UK with the police, if the conditions of your leave require you to. Δ Provide the University with a copy of your passport and immigration permission when you first enrol AND whenever you renew your passport or obtain a new UK visa. Δ Ensure that you always have valid immigration permission and a valid passport. throughout your stay in the UK by submitting applications to extend your leave or renew your passport in good time. Δ Inform the University s Immigration Service if you switch into another visa category and provide a copy of your new immigration permission. Δ Provide the University with a copy of your ATAS certificate where applicable. Δ Keep the University updated with your UK contact details. Δ Keep the Home Office updated with your UK contact details using the online form at https://contact-ukba. homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/contact/changeaddress/ update-my-details/ - Re-enrol for your course on time each academic year. - Study whilst you are in the UK, ensuring that you meet the progression and attendance requirements of your course with no significant gaps or absences. - Ensure you remain to engaged with study or your work placement for any period of time abroad or elsewhere in the UK, whilst the University is still sponsoring you under Tier 4. - Follow University processes if you defer or suspend your studies, change your registration status, or withdraw from your course. - Consult the Immigration Service for advice on how changes to your registration status may affect your current immigration status. Δ Leave the UK if you suspend your studies, withdraw from your course, your course is terminated, or if you are asked to re-sit without residence. Δ Inform the Immigration Service of your travel plans for leaving the UK if you defer, suspend or withdraw from your studies, if you are asked to re-sit without residence or you complete your studies early. Δ If you are a Points Based System Migrant (e.g. a Tier 1/2/4/5 visa holder), report any change of circumstance to the Home Office. This includes, changes to your personal details, e.g name, marital status and changes to any dependant family members details Δ Report any change of circumstance to the Police if required to register with them as a condition of your leave. Our immigration responsibilities are to: Δ Ensure that we only assign CAS to applicants/students whom we believe are likely to make a successful Tier 4 application. Δ Ensure that students who require immigration permission to study in the UK have such permission and maintain this throughout their period of registration. Δ Hold copies of all non-eea students current passport and immigration permission, and all subsequent grants of leave during their period of registration with the University. Δ Keep up-to-date contact details for our international students, and record any changes of address. Δ Report any students who fail to enrol to the Home Office. Δ Ensure that only students with appropriate immigration permission are permitted to enrol. Δ Ensure that students who are required to obtain an ATAS clearance obtain this and apply for fresh ATAS clearance should the scope or direction of their research change or they need to extend their Tier 4 leave. Δ Monitor students attendance and progression and report to the Home Office any failure to meet the requirements for progression and attendance as set out in the University Regulation 36. Δ Notify the Home Office of any significant changes in a student s circumstances within 10 working days of the event. This includes deferral of studies, change of course, temporary withdrawal, change of study location, course termination or early completion. IMPORTANT! As an international student it is important that you comply with UK immigration regulations during your stay. 04_ Immigration Handbook 2014 warwick.ac.uk/immigration _05

Police registration Applying for a Tier 4 visa How do I know if I need to register with the police? If your visa or BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) includes the phrase Register with Police you will need to register your arrival in the UK at a designated police station. This is a legal requirement that you must comply with. Failure to do this is a breach of your immigration permission and could have serious implications for any future UK visa application; it could result in the Home Office refusing to grant you further leave or taking action to remove you from the UK. At your first visit you will be issued with a Police Registration Certificate (PRC) if you do not already have one. It is your responsibility to ensure that you keep this document up to date. When should I register? Usually, you must register with the police within 7 days of arrival in the UK as per the conditions on your visa. However in some cases, this rule is relaxed. If you arrive in September or October and are living locally you may be able to delay registering until later in the autumn when the police will come to campus. If you need to extend your Tier 4 visa we will insist that you update your PRC before you apply. If you do not do this the Home Office are likely to return your PRC and instruct you to update it before they will consider your visa application. IMPORTANT. At your first visit you will be issued with a Police Registration Certificate (PRC) if you do not already have one. Where should I register? This will depend whereabouts you are living. You should always register with the correct police office and check the process for your location; some police stations require you to have made an appointment in advance, at others you may just turn up and wait to be seen. When do I need to update my PRC? In addition to registering when you first arrive in the UK, you should also report any of the following change of circumstances to the police: Δ If you change address Δ If you change your course of study Δ If you change your name Δ If you get married/divorced Δ If you extend or obtain a new visa Δ If you renew or obtain a new passport Δ If you have been out of the UK for 12 months or more Δ If you have a baby Δ If there are any changes to your employment status eg. you change employer/register with a new employment agency/leave your job Visit www.warwick.ac.uk/go/policeregistration Applying for a Tier 4 (General) visa in the UK During your registration at Warwick you may need to extend your current Tier 4 leave or switch into Tier 4 from another visa category. If you are able to do this without leaving the UK then the University s Immigration Service can help you prepare your application. We can also assist with visa applications for Tier 4 Dependants currently in the UK or family members who have current Tier 4 leave who want to switch into the Tier 4 Dependant category. How do I apply? Applications for Tier 4 leave submitted in the UK are done using the fully online application form on the Home Office website. Once you have submitted and paid for your application(s) you can either use the Warwick Check & Send service to send the supporting documents on by post or attend an in-person appointment at one of seven UKVI Visa Premium Service Centres located in the UK. If you opt to send your documents by post then the Immigration Service will send them to the Home Office for you, free of charge. Visit warwick.ac.uk/go/immigration/student What supporting documents will I need? Δ A valid CAS number assigned for a course of study at the University of Warwick Δ Evidence of finances this will be the amount of tuition fees less any payments which have been received by the University and added to your CAS, plus your maintenance funds - students in receipt of scholarships and/or a stipend will need an original letter confirming details of the award Δ Evidence of any academic qualifications included in your CAS Δ Evidence of any English Language qualification included in your CAS Δ A valid ATAS certificate (if required for your course of study) Δ Translations of any document not in English Δ An up-to-date Police Registration Certificate (if this is a condition of your current leave) Δ Supporting documents for any Dependant applicants Create an online account at https://apply.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/iapply.portal Complete online application but do not submit Gather supporting documents and financial evidence Make an appointment to have your application and supporting documents checked by an Adviser After application form and documents checked pay Home Office fee and submit visa application Immigration Service post supporting documents to Home Office Attend in-person visa appointment at Home Office Visa Premium Service Centre 06_ Immigration Handbook 2014 warwick.ac.uk/immigration _07

Time limits on UK study On 6 April 2012, the Home Office introduced limits on how long it is permissible to spend studying in the UK. These so-called study caps apply to all students who have completed study in the UK on either a Tier 4 (General) Student visa or on a Student Visa issued before 31 March 2009, commonly referred to as a General Student or old style Student visa. What does that mean? There is now a limit to how long you may study in the UK at a particular level. There is a 3-year limit to study at sub-degree level, a 5-year time limit imposed on study at degree level or above and an 8-year time limit for students undertaking a second Research degree in the UK. If you are making an application to enter or remain in the UK and if that permission were granted it would result in you having exceeded the relevant study cap, it is likely that the application would be refused. What if my course is 4 years long, is my Undergraduate time limit still 5 years? If the normal duration of your course was four years then your study limit is extended to a total of six years, so students enrolled on a four year course with a year abroad or on a programme with an intercalated year, for example, may not exceed a maximum of six years study in the UK at degree level. If you take four years to complete a degree which is ordinarily three years in duration, perhaps due to re-sits or a temporary break in study, your study limit will still be a maximum of five years. How are the study periods calculated? The Home Office will include any time spent on either a Tier 4 or General Student visa when calculating the duration of study undertaken in the UK. The additional periods of leave granted before and after a programme of study are not counted. When calculating both the 5-year and 8-year study periods, caseworkers will not include any time spent in the UK as a Tier 4 (Child) Student, or any time spent in the UK as a Tier 4 (General) Student aged 16 or 17 years. Study undertaken on any other non-tier 4 visa which permits study, such as a Points Based System Dependant, will not be included in the study calculation. In addition, time spent in the UK as a Students Union sabbatical officer and/or postgraduate doctor or dentist will not be included in the 8-year study calculation. It is not clear from current regulations whether temporary breaks in study which are reported to the Home Office will be included in the study calculation, however in an email to UKCISA in 2012 a UKVI spokesperson confirmed that where leave should have been curtailed but wasn t, this time would not be counted towards a student s limit. What if I need more time than permitted to complete my course? If you are concerned that any of the UK study limits may mean that you are unable to complete your course of study you should contact the Immigration Service for further advice. If there are compelling and compassionate circumstances which have affected your ability to complete your studies within the usual timeframe, such as illness or disability, it may be possible for this to be taken into consideration. IMPORTANT! On 6 April 2012, the Home Office UK Visas and Immigration Directorate imposed a limit on the length of time that anyone can study in the UK at degree-level on a Tier 4 General visa. Visit www.warwick.ac.uk/go/immigration/5yrcap 08_ Immigration Handbook 2014 warwick.ac.uk/immigration _09

Bringing your family to the UK The Tier 4 (General) Student visa route permits students to bring their immediate family members to the UK as their Dependants provided the main Tier 4 visa holder (the student) is: Δ Government sponsored and studying a course longer than six months or Δ Studying a Postgraduate course of 12 months or longer at a HEI Dependant family members can either apply for leave to enter the UK at the same time as the main Tier 4 (General) Student visa holder, or separately to join them in the UK at a later date. Which family members can I have as Dependants? The following family members, collectively described as partners, are permitted to apply for leave as Tier 4 Dependants of a person studying in the UK: Δ Husband or wife Δ Civil partner (same-sex couples who have registered their partnership and gained formal legal recognition of the same) Δ Unmarried partner Δ Same-sex partner who is not a civil partner and Δ Child(ren) under 18 If you came to the UK without your family and they are planning on making an application to join you once you have settled in they will need to include with their application: Δ Your CAS number - this is the number issued by Warwick which you used when you applied for your current Tier 4 visa Δ Details about your course of study - start and end dates, NQF level, as per your CAS Δ Evidence of their relationship to you - original marriage and/or birth certificates Δ Your current address - where they will be staying once they arrive in the UK Δ Evidence of sufficient maintenance funds - this can either be in their name or yours, as the main Tier 4 visa holder If you and your partner are not married there may be additional documents which you need to provide as evidence that you have been living together akin to marriage for at least two years. If you are concerned about this you are advised to contact the Immigration Service for further information. Financial requirements The rules regarding financial evidence for Dependants is the same as Tier 4; the funds must be in place for 28 consecutive days and the documentary evidence dated no more than 31 days before the date of the visa application. If using a local currency, a conversion from www.oanda.com will need to be included to show that the equivalent amount of GBP was available for the entire duration of the 28 days, and on the date the visa application was submitted. If you are a sponsored student and your award covers any Dependant s maintenance requirements as well as your own, they will need an original sponsor letter which includes their names. If the sponsorship does not fully cover their maintenance requirement then your Dependants will need to provide financial evidence for whatever the difference is. You should also be aware that even if you qualify as having an established presence by the time your Dependants make their visa applications, they will still need to show the full amount of maintenance. Visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/ guidance-for-dependants-of-uk-visa-applicantstiers-1-2-4-5 Switching to become a Tier 4 Dependant while in the UK In October 2013 the Immigration Rules were changed to allow Tier 4 (General) Student visa holders to switch into the Tier 4 Dependant category while inside the UK; previously this application would need to have been made overseas. This may be useful if you and your spouse both hold Tier 4 visas in your own right but one of you is due to finish your course before the other. A student whose visa is due to expire before their partners can now apply to become their Dependant thus enabling both partners to have the same visa end date. If you are considering switching to become a Tier 4 Dependant there are a few things which you should bear in mind: Δ Your Dependant leave will be linked to your partner so should your relationship break down or their leave is curtailed for any reason, you would be expected to leave the UK Δ You cannot extend a Tier 4 Dependant visa beyond the end date of the leave granted to the main Tier 4 visa holder Δ There are fewer working restrictions for Dependants; you can work full-time but cannot train as a doctor or dentist Δ Any children granted leave as your Tier 4 Dependant would need to submit new applications to become your partner s Dependant; this can be done in the UK Δ You will be required to provide evidence of your relationship, such as: marriage certificate; joint bank statement showing both names; council tax or utility bills in both names; mortgage or rental agreement in both names Δ It is not possible to switch back into the Tier 4 (General) Student category from inside the UK The Immigration Service can assist with these types of visa applications; just make an appointment to meet one of our International Student Advisers for more information. IMPORTANT! You cannot bring parents or siblings to the UK as your Tier 4 Dependants. Visit www.warwick.ac.uk/go/immigration/meet/ 10_ Immigration Handbook 2014 warwick.ac.uk/immigration _11

Information for students with other visa types If your situation changes Tier 4 is always the most suitable visa category for study, however there are many types of visa which allow the holder to study while they are in the UK. Now that you are enrolled at Warwick you may be considering your work options or investigating whether you are eligible to invite your family members to the UK. Perhaps your current visa does not cover the duration of your course and you are thinking about extending your leave or switching into Tier 4. Summary of visas which permit study This table provides a summary of information relevant to visas which permit study and lists what it is and is not currently possible to do. In addition to the information provided here, students with leave granted under Tier 1, 2 or 5 must ensure that they can fulfil obligations to both their sponsor and the University. Contact the Immigration Team at immigrationservice@warwick.ac.uk Visa type Can I switch into Tier 4 Can I work on this visa? Can this visa be extended? Can I have Dependants? while in the UK? Tier 1 Yes. Yes. In accordance with Yes. If you meet the Yes. If you meet other Grad Entrepreneur/ your visa conditions. application requirements. criteria to have Dependants. Exceptional Talent Tier 2 Yes. Yes. In accordance with Yes. If your employer Yes. If you meet other your visa conditions. extends their sponsorship criteria to have Dependants. of you. Tier 5 NO. This switch must be YES. There is no limit on NO. Tier 5 visas are issued YES. If you meet other Govt authorised made outside the UK the number of hours you for a maximum of 2 years criteria to have Dependants. Exchange Youth/ can work under this and cannot be extended. Mobility category. Points Based No. This switch must be Yes. There is no limit on Yes. But only to the end No. Family members will System Dependant made outside the UK the number of hours you date of the visa held by the require their own (including Tier 4 can work under this PBS migrant on whom you immigration permission Dependant) category although you are a Dependant. or apply to become may not undertake training Dependants of the main as a doctor or dentist. PBS visa holder. Student Visitor NO. NO. Working while in the NO. NO. UK on a Student Visitor Visa is strictly prohibited. Completing your studies earlier than expected If you finish your course before the end date stated on your CAS, the University will be obliged to report this change of circumstance to the Home Office as part of our Tier 4 sponsor licence duties. If there are more than 60 days remaining on your visa after the date that you complete your studies, excluding the four additional months granted to students on courses of 12 months or longer, the Home Office will take action to curtail (shorten) your Tier 4 leave. As you are no longer studying it is not appropriate for you to hold a student visa as you are no longer able to meet the conditions of the leave you have been granted. This situation is most likely to occur where Undergraduate students transfer from a four year to a three year course and were originally granted a four year visa, and in the event that PhD students complete their studies with excessive time remaining on their Tier 4 visa. You will be notified by email when a report is made to the Home Office. The wrap up period before leave is curtailed is intended to enable students to make arrangements to leave the UK or to switch into another visa category, such as Tier 2. It is important to remember that if you have Dependants in the UK whose leave is linked to yours, that they too will have their visas curtailed in the event that you complete your studies earlier than expected. Changing your study location Occasionally Postgraduate students may wish to travel overseas to conduct research as part of their studies. Any such opportunity must be discussed with your department supervisor who will advise whether it will be possible and agree with you a plan for how and when you will remain in contact with the University while outside the UK. A change of study location of four weeks or more undertaken by a student on a Tier 4 (General) Student visa must be reported to the Home Office; this will not affect your visa end date or result in curtailment of your leave while you remain a fully registered student of the University of Warwick. We also have to report when you are expected back so if your return to the UK is delayed you must inform your department to ensure that our reports are up to date. This will help avoid any difficulties you may have re-entering the UK. A change of location lasting fewer than four weeks does not have to be reported, but should still be approved by your academic department. Taking time out from your studies We hope that you enjoy your time at the University Warwick and engage fully with all the academic and social opportunities that it offers. However, we recognise that from time to time it may be necessary to take a short break from your studies and this may have an impact on your immigration permission if you hold a Tier 4 (General) Student visa. If you decide to take some time out then you should speak to your personal tutor in the first instance to discuss what options are available to you. You can also meet with an International Student Adviser in the Immigration Service if you have any questions or concerns about the implications that taking time out may have upon your ability to remain in the UK or complete your future studies. Visit www.warwick.ac.uk/go/immigration/ withdrawalsandbreaksinstudy 12_ Immigration Handbook 2014 warwick.ac.uk/immigration _13

Working while in the UK IMPORTANT! Your visa will state whether you can work, what type of work you can do and how many hours. If you think your visa shows the wrong work rights, contact the Immigration Service. Many students undertake paid employment while in the UK to gain valuable work experience and help fund their studies. If you require immigration permission to be in the UK it is very important that any work you do does not breach the conditions of your leave. Working during your studies How many hours can I work on a Tier 4 (General) Student visa? Foundation programmes, Pre-sessional English (and other courses below degree level) Δ Maximum of 10 hours a week during term time Δ Full-time during official vacation periods and during the additional leave granted after the end date stated on the CAS Δ Full-time on a work placement which is an integral and assessed part of the course and which is not more than 50% of the total length of the course Undergraduate Δ Maximum of 20 hours a week during term time Δ Full-time during official vacation periods and during the additional leave granted after the end date stated on the CAS Δ Full-time on a work placement which is an integral and assessed part of the course and which is not more than 50% of the total length of the course Postgraduate Masters Δ Maximum of 20 hours a week until the course end date stated on the CAS, or the revised course end date in the case of academic extension, whichever is later Postgraduate Research Δ Maximum of 20 hours a week until PhD award officially conferred by the University, unless an application has been made for further leave under the Doctoral Extension Scheme Whilst working on a Tier 4 (General) Student visa you must not: Δ accept a full-time, permanent job Δ be self-employed Δ be employed as a doctor or dentist in training Δ be employed as a professional sportsperson or entertainer If you hold a visa other than Tier 4 (General) Student You may work in accordance with the conditions as stated on your visa. If you are unsure what this means, please contact the Immigration Service for further advice. Students who entered the UK as Student Visitors either through Entry Clearance (immigration permission granted overseas) or by obtaining a visitor stamp on arrival to the UK are not permitted to undertake any employment while in the UK. Volunteering Options for volunteering while in the UK as a Student Visitor are severely restricted and students holding this type of visa are advised to contact the Immigration Service for more information. The Home Office defines voluntary work as work where: Δ there should be no payment, other than reasonable travel and meals expenditure actually incurred (not an allowance) Δ there should be no contractual obligations on the volunteer Δ the volunteer is providing a service for a registered charity or charitable organisation Δ the volunteer should not fill a role that a salaried worker would normally fill Any work which does not meet this definition is unpaid work. Work placements If you are in the UK on a Tier 4 (General) Student visa sponsored by the University of Warwick, the regulations regarding what can be undertaken as a work placement are very strict. Home Office Policy Guidance states that in order to comply with the conditions of leave granted under Tier 4, all work placements must be an assessed and integral part of the academic course, making up no more than 50% of the programme duration. Students on an intercalated year where the placement is organised through the University will be able to do this on their existing Tier 4 visa, but will need to extend their leave for an additional year where they have transferred to the four year course after enrolment. Undergraduate students holding Tier 4 visas are able to undertake work placements during recognised University vacation periods or during the four months leave granted after their course end date. 14_ Immigration Handbook 2014 warwick.ac.uk/immigration _15

Unitemps If you are looking for part-time work during your studies you may want to consider registering with Unitemps, the temporary employment agency owned and run by the University of Warwick. Unitemps can help you find suitable temporary work to fit around your study commitments. The head office is based at Warwick Student s Union, or you can visit their website www.unitemps.co.uk/ After your studies There are several options available which may enable you to stay in the UK and work after your graduation. Here we present a brief overview; please consult our website for more details, and for recent updates from the Home Office website as this information is subject to frequent change. Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur This category is aimed at individuals who, through their studies, have developed genuine and credible business ideas. This category will enable them to apply to stay in the UK to develop their businesses here. IMPORTANT! If you wish to stay in the UK and work after your studies make use of the services and events offered by the University of Warwick s Careers and Skills team. Δ You must be endorsed by a UK Higher Education Institution (HEI), or Δ UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Successful applicants will be granted leave for 12 months initially and will have the option to extend for a further 12 months. It is possible to sponsor dependants provided they meet the Tier 1 maintenance requirements. Tier 1 Entrepreneurs This category is aimed at individuals whose intention it is to invest in the UK by setting up or taking over and being actively involved in one or more businesses. Leave will be granted for 3 years 4 months if applied for from overseas or 3 years if applied for from the UK. You may apply to extend your visa under this category for a further two years if you still meet the requirements. Tier 2 This category is for skilled workers with a job offer. Tier 2 ties you into one job and one employer for the duration of that visas validity. Your employer will act as a sponsor and will therefore have a legal obligation to the Home Office to report on your attendance and compliance under this category. To apply in this category you must: Δ Have been awarded your degree, unless you are a PhD student and have completed at least one academic year of your course Δ Have a job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship from an employer on the Tier 2 sponsor register Δ Meet the English language requirements Δ Meet financial requirements as defined by the Home Office A Tier 2 visa will be granted for up to 3 years in the first instance, with the possibility of extending to a total of 5 years. There are some concessions available to Tier 4 students switching into Tier 2 from inside the UK, which are detailed on our website. Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange This may be a useful option for someone wanting to undertake professional training that is not possible to do under Tier 2. This Government Authorised Exchange is for applicants coming to the UK through approved schemes that aim to share knowledge, experience and best practice through work placements, whilst experiencing the wider social and cultural setting of the UK. Δ Application must be made overseas Δ Applicant must be sponsored by a licensed sponsor Δ Must show evidence of required maintenance funds Leave under this category is granted for a maximum of 2 years. Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES) In April 2013 a new 12-month work scheme was introduced into Tier 4 for students completing a doctorate in the UK. The scheme is intended to act as a bridge into other work categories enabling doctoral graduates to have more flexibility with work options after graduation to find a Tier 2 employer or to prepare a business case to switch into the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur or Tier 1 Entrepreneur categories. You can only apply for the Doctorate Extension Scheme from inside the UK. To apply under this scheme you must: Δ Not have previously been granted leave under the Doctoral Extension Scheme Δ Be following a course leading to the award of a PhD Δ Be sponsored by a sponsor that is a recognised body or a body in receipt of public funding as a higher education institution Δ Apply within 60 days before the expected end date of a course leading to the award of a PhD Successful applicants will remain under the sponsorship of the University during the twelve month period or until such a time as they switch into another visa category. It will be necessary for holders of this visa to remain in touch with the University as we will have monitoring and reporting duties to fulfil for the Home Office. You may not extend leave granted under DES but it is possible for the main visa holder to have Dependants in this visa category. If you are interested in applying for further leave under the Doctorate Extension Scheme, please complete the expression of interest form on our website, keep the Immigration Service informed of your progress and book an appointment to discuss your application with an International Student Advisor once the outcome of your viva is known. Visit www.warwick.ac.uk/go/immigration/employment 16_ Immigration Handbook 2014 warwick.ac.uk/immigration _17

Travelling while a student Hints and tips for a safe trip You may wish to travel outside of the UK whilst you are registered at Warwick. Our website www.warwick.ac.uk/go/ immigration/travelling has lots of information that you may find useful when making a visa application to another country. Remember! If your visa is a separate BRP card rather than a vignette sticker inside your passport, you must take it with you when you travel as you will need to show it upon re-entry to the UK. Travelling to Europe If you are a non-eea national and are planning a European vacation, to attend a conference or undertake short-term study abroad, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa. This special travel visa allows the holder to travel freely between the EEA countries that have signed up to the Schengen Agreement without the need for separate visa applications. If you are travelling to Europe as part of your degree for more than three months you will need to apply for a Student Residence Permit from the Embassy of your destination country In order to apply for a Schengen visa you will need a copy of your travel itinerary and a special status letter which you can request from Student Reception, located in Senate House on main campus. You should apply to the Embassy of the country where you intend to stay the longest or, if you are travelling to a number of countries and do not have a main destination, to the Embassy of the country you will enter first. Travelling to the USA There are several types of visas available for travel to the USA. If travelling for a holiday, to attend a conference, study, undertake research or participate in an exchange programme you may need to obtain a non-immigrant visa - such as a B1 business visa, a B2 tourist visa or an F1 student visa or a J1 student exchange visa. It can be quite complicated applying for a USA visa; here are few tips you might find helpful: Δ Read the requirements carefully and ensure that you have all the necessary documents Δ Allow plenty of time before your trip to obtain a visa and don t book non-refundable flights before your visa has been granted Δ Prepare a detailed travel itinerary and write a cover letter to support your application Δ Consider applying from your home country if possible, rather than from the UK Δ Check if you are eligible to benefit from the visa waiver programme Δ Check the visa requirements of your destination country well in advance and do not leave your visa application until the last minute Δ Check the travel advice on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website www.gov.uk/fco Δ Take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover both you and your belongings Δ Store your passport in the hotel safe, only carry photocopies with you Δ Do not carry large sums of money, consider using a credit card or travellers cheques which can be insured against loss or theft Δ Beware of pickpockets in urban areas, keep belongings close to you in restaurants and bars Δ Never leave your luggage unattended, avoid placing bags on the back of chairs Δ Be discreet when using mobile phones or tablets in busy public areas IMPORTANT! Plan your travel carefully as it may not be possible to obtain a visa to visit Europe or US towards the end of your stay in the UK. If your passport is lost or stolen while overseas You need to report this to the police and apply for a replacement passport. Contact your country s Embassy or High Commission in the country where you are for information on how to do this. If your passport contained your UK visa If your passport contained your visa vignette, you will need to make a normal Tier 4 application in order to replace it. You must pay the full application fee but no CAS or other supporting documents are required. You must use the online form at https://www.visa4uk.fco. gov.uk and select the following options: Reason for visit: Study > Visa type: PBS Tier 4 student > Visa sub type: Tier 4 (General) student. In the final section of the form where you can provide any other information to be taken into consideration, enter full details of how and where you lost your passport and visa and explain that you are applying for a replacement. If your Biometric Residence permit (BRP card) is lost or stolen while overseas You must notify the Home Office in the first instance by emailing BRPLost@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk A BRP card cannot be issued from outside the UK. You must apply for a single entry visa that you can use once to re-enter the UK. When you return to the UK, you need to apply for a new full BRP within one month. You must use the online form at https://www.visa4uk. fco.gov.uk and select the following options: Reason for visit: Other > Visa type: Other > Visa sub type: Replacement Biometric Residence Permit You will be issued a single use visa which will enable you to return to the UK but you must apply for a replacement BRP card within a month once back the Immigration Service can help you do this. If you lose your passport or visa whilst overseas you are strongly advised to contact the International Office so that we can offer you support. Visit www.warwick.ac.uk/go/immigration/ travelling/europe Visit www.warwick.ac.uk/go/immigration/ travelling/usa/ Visit www.warwick.ac.uk/go/immigration/ lostpassportandvisas 18_ Immigration Handbook 2014 warwick.ac.uk/immigration _19

Inviting friends and family to the UK Protecting your Tier 4 status Useful hints, tips and good practice While you are studying you may wish to invite friends or family members to come and visit you, or they might plan to attend your graduation ceremony at the end of your course. You cannot bring parents or siblings to the UK as your Tier 4 Dependants therefore your visitors will need to obtain visas in their own right. Unless they already hold valid immigration permission to visit the UK (such as a family visit permit) a General Visitor visa, sometimes also referred to as a Tourist visa, is the most appropriate visa type for someone coming to the UK for a short trip. In addition to a current valid passport and two recent photographs applicants should provide as many of the following documents as possible in support of their General Visitor Visa application: Δ An invitation letter from a person in the UK this can be you; there is a sample letter on the Immigration Service website which you can adapt Δ Details of accommodation in the UK for the duration of the visit, for example hotel reservations if your visitors are staying with you then you can include this information in their invitation letter Δ Evidence of access to personal funds whilst in the UK - we recommend a minimum allowance of 200 GBP a week per person Δ Bookings for onward or return flights Δ Evidence of relationship to person they are visiting in the UK, where available/applicable Δ Evidence of links to home country eg. family, employment, property, business interests Any documents not in English will need to be accompanied by a translation. Δ Check your work conditions and whether you need to register with the police Δ Do not claim public funds Δ If you hold Tier 4 leave, study at the sponsor institution that issued your CAS Δ If you hold Tier 4 leave, be aware of what information your sponsor must provide to the Home Office and any changes that you need to report yourself Δ Ensure that your maintenance funds are available to pay your living costs Open a UK bank statement that sends monthly paper statements by post Δ Make a note in your diary four months before your immigration permission runs out and book an appointment to meet an immigration adviser Δ Keep copies of your personal documents we suggest that you scan everything to a portable flash drive Δ Check emails including spam folders regularly so as not to miss important communications from the University or Home Office Δ Keep all correspondence from UK immigration authorities Δ Do not get into trouble with the police, or commit driving offences Δ Remember to report any change of address to the UK immigration authorities Δ If you have a Biometric Residence Permit card, you need to report a chance of address using the paper Migrant Change of Circumstances form at https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/notification-of-change-of-circumstances-form-mcc Δ If you have a vignette (visa sticker), or you can report a change of address using the Home Office s online Change of Address form at https://eforms.homeoffice.gov.uk/ outreach/addressupdate.ofml Δ If leaving the UK during a period of temporary withdrawal, retain details of your flights and provide this information to the University if requested to do so Visit www.gov.uk/general-visit-visa 20_ Immigration Handbook 2014 warwick.ac.uk/immigration _21

Glossary Commonly used immigration terms ATAS Academic Technology Approval Scheme, a UK Government scheme for certifying non-eea/eu students for entry into the UK to study or conduct research in certain technology-related fields Biometrics the process of collecting a person s fingerprints and photograph as part of a UK visa application BRP Biometric Residence Permit, immigration permission issued inside the UK, also referred to as a BRP card CAS Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, a unique reference issued by HEI s with a Tier 4 licence for use in a Tier 4 visa application Common travel area a travel zone that comprises the islands of Ireland, Great Britain, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands COS Certificate of Sponsorship, a unique reference issued by employers with a Tier 2 licence for use in a Tier 2 visa application Curtailment action taken by UKVI to shorten a Tier 4 visa where a student is no longer sponsored by their Tier 4 institution and this has been reported to the Home Office Dependant a family member whose permission to enter or remain in the UK is linked to a spouse, partner or parent DES Doctorate Extension Scheme, a new variant of Tier 4 leave which permits recent PhD graduates to remain in the UK for 12 months to work Enrolment the process of confirming your registration as a student; at Warwick enrolment comprises two stages, online enrolment and student ID card collection Entry clearance a visa issued overseas for entry to the UK, usually a sticker inside a person s passport called a visa vignette Established presence when a student is eligible to show a lower amount of maintenance because they have completed more than 6 months study in the UK within their last grant of Tier 4 leave and have a current Tier 4 visa at the point of submitting an application for further Tier 4 leave HEI Higher Education Institution, the term given to UK Universities Leave amount of time granted by the Home Office that allows the visa holder to enter or remain in the UK Maintenance the money that visa applicants must evidence towards their living costs Overstayer an individual who has remained in the UK after the date on which their immigration permission (visa) expired and has no pending application for further leave to remain PBS Points Based System, the UK immigration system introduced in 2009 which comprises Tier 1, 2, 4 and 5 visa routes PEO Public Enquiry Office, a UKVI building where premium visa applications are made in person Policy Guidance a UKVI document which gives information about the application requirements of a particular visa category PRC Police Registration Certificate, a document which some visa holders must apply for and keep updated as a condition of their UK visa Premium application a quicker and more costly method of submitting a visa application by attending an appointment at a PEO Schengen visa a single visa which allows the holder to travel between the European countries signed up to the Schengen agreement Student Visitor Visa a visa issued for short periods of study no longer than 6 months, or 11 months for English Language courses Tier 4 (General) Student a visa category under the Points Based System open to persons over 17 years of age holding an offer to study at a UK HEI Tier 2 a visa category under the Points Based System for skilled workers with a job offer UKCISA UK Council for International Student Affairs UKBA UK Border Agency, the name by which UKVI was formerly known UKVI UK Visas and Immigration, the department of the Home Office which administers UK immigration policy and regulations Vignette the name given to an Entry Clearance visa sticker inside a person s passport Visa a document issued by a country s government allowing the holder to enter (or to make a formal request to enter) or to leave that country Visa Rejection when an application for entry clearance or further leave to remain is returned to the applicant as invalid Visa Refusal when an application for entry clearance or further leave to remain is valid but the applicant cannot demonstrate the required number of points in order to be granted leave Sarah Goler Solecki USA PhD Politics and International Studies I really appreciate the help I received from the international office when I applied to extend my Tier 4 visa. Everyone was very thorough and helpful. Thank you! 22_ Immigration Handbook 2014

The International Office The University of Warwick Coventry CV4 8UW United Kingdom t +44 (0)24 7652 3706 f +44 (0)24 7652 4337 e int.office@warwick.ac.uk w www.warwick.ac.uk/go/international The information contained in this guide is correct at the time of publishing. The University, however, reserves the right to modify or cancel any statement in this publication, and accepts no responsibility for any consequences of such modification or cancellation. Printed on paper derived from sustainably managed forests. Design by Mustard: mustardhot.com