UAS Conference 2010 Students and Visas: Roles and responsibilities explained James Tibbert Sue Castle-Miller and Jo Aldhouse Student Information and Advisory Service Page 1
Who we are and where we are based James Tibbert Head of International Student Support Services Jo Aldhouse and Sue Castle-Miller Visa and Immigration Advisers Based at the Examination Schools Page 2
Overview of Points Based System Creating CAS requests Passport scanning Dealing with expected and unexpected absences Review of CAS process in 2010 Sources of support and guidance Page 3
Creating CAS requests for new and current students Training courses - BSP and refresher courses Instructions on visa-vis and online help facility on Student Visa System When to prepare CAS numbers Evidence used to assess offer and fees What is different for current students? What happens after you submit a CAS? Passport scanning - when, what and how Page 4
Dealing with unexpected absences Who is responsible for reporting? Which students to report? Unexpected absences- unable to contact student, reported to SIAS Next steps after student is reported to UKBA Communication to students Page 5
Dealing with expected absences Communication to students Common scenarios Consequences for students Page 6
Review of CAS process in 2010 Recognised and Visiting Students Additional time for viva and corrections A-Level and IB results Communication with students Anticipated changes from UK Border Agency Page 7
Sources of support and guidance Visa-vis Training manuals and on-line help Student visa pages Contact james.tibbert@admin.ox.ac.uk Page 8
What we do Give immigration and visa advice to students and staff Provide information to students about working during and after studies Liaise with external agencies e.g. the UK Border Agency Keep up to date with rules and regulations in relation to immigration issues Page 9
Visa and immigration advice Applications to enter and remain in the UK Advise students how apply for a visa to study in the UK: where to apply which forms to use online or paper biometric information supporting documents Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), financial sponsorship, ATAS certificates family (dependant) applications Page 10
Visa and immigration advice Applications to enter and remain in the UK Advise students how to extend their visa within the UK: by post or in person cost which form and supporting documents the batch scheme Page 11
Visa and immigration advice Other visas Prospective student visa Student visitor visa Visitor visa Working after studies visas Post Study Work Highly Skilled Tier 2/Academic Visitors/Sponsored Researcher not handled by SIAS but through Personnel Page 12
Visa and immigration advice Working visas Tier 1 (Post Study Work) 2 years Tier 1 (General) 2 years with possibility of extending for a further 3 years Advice and information about transferring from a student visa into either of these two employment visas Page 13
Visa and immigration advice Other general areas Entry Clearance Error Correction Scheme Schengen visas Working restrictions for international students during and after studies Non-arrival, deferral, suspension, withdrawal Overstaying Page 14
Visa and immigration advice Immigration rules Complex and frequently changing Need to interpret complicated regulations to assist international students to enter, remain and leave the UK within the law Trained advisors only! OISC Page 15
Visa and immigration advice Resources Pre-arrival information Orientation programme Website Newsletter for international students E-mail circulars both to students and staff Staff briefings Appointments with students in Oxford Page 16
Visa and immigration advice How we can help you Provide clear and accessible advice/information Maintain contact with you via all resources available Update our service in line with your requirements Circulate important visa/immigration information directly to you and your students quickly and efficiently Liaise with professional bodies and other higher education institutions on international matters, problems or concerns Page 17
Visa and immigration advice And how you can help us! Think international Contact us for guidance Refer international students directly to us Use our website Attend internal briefing sessions Use the resources provided by SIAS Feedback Page 18
ANY QUESTIONS? Page 19