Employing International Students: Tier 4 without the tears

1. Employing International Students:Tier 4 without the tears Sally Saca International Student Advisory Service

2. Benefits of employing international students • Language skills • Technical skills • New ideas • Intercultural communication • Cultural awareness • Knowledge of foreign business practices • Motivation • Diversity

3. Employing International Students True or False? • European Economic Area (EEA) students must have permission from the UK government before working • International students need a National Insurance (NI) number to start work • It is possible for all international students to take advantage of a work placement option as part of their course

4. Employing International Students • EEA nationals can work without restrictions, but some nationalities have to register first • International students can start work without an NI number • International students can only do a work placement as part of their course if they are studying at Foundation level or above, unless the sponsoring institution is a Highly Trusted Sponsor (Immigration changes April 6 2010)

5. What is a Foundation degree? Immigration rules now define ‘foundation degree’ as ‘programme of study which leads to a qualification awarded by an English HEI with degree awarding powers which is at a minimum of level 5 on the revised NQF, or awarded on a directly equivalent basis in devolved administrations’

6. Work placements – Tier 4 students • Regulations do change but without too many tears! • Placements have to be assessed and a recognised as part of the academic programme • They cannot amount to more than 50% of the course • The university has a responsibility to monitor your attendance whilst you are on placement

7. University’s responsibility under Tier 4 • Obligated to monitor the attendance of all students which includes when they are on placement (Immigration Changes February 22 2010) • Brookes policy on attendance monitoring – employer to advise the university contact when students have missed 10 consecutive working days • Brookes sets up a ‘contract’ with placement employers • University contact will attempt to make contact with the student

8. Employers’ obligations • Check international students are permitted to work in the UK • If international students have valid student visas (pre or post Tier 4) or identity cards that do not prohibit them from working in the UK they can take up employment without getting any further approval or permission as long as they do not • Engage in business • Be self employed • Provide services as professional sportsperson or entertainer • Pursue a career by filling a permanent full-time vacancy

9. Tier 4 students – Placements can lead to Graduate employment • A gateway to graduate recruitment and help international students secure better jobs • Allow employers to re-employ students once they have completed their degrees • Students normally given 4 months leave at the end of their course • Students can work full time once their studies are completed under student rules • Students cannot pursue permanent contracts with Tier 4 leave

10. Work after studies – Tier 1 • Tier 1 (Post Study Work) allows international students to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years maximum after your degree • You can then switch to Tier 1 (General) which allows you to stay for up to 3 years if you earn enough money in your job • Tier 1 (General) can lead to settlement in the UK after 5 years

11. Where to get more information • UK Border Agency website - www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/points/employers information • Employers helpline – 0845 010 6675 • UKCISA – www.ukcisa.org.uk • Naric – www.naric.org.uk - for information on equivalence of qualifications