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What you need to know. International Students. Student Advice and International Student Support www.kcl.ac.uk/advice. Offer free one-to-one advice and guidance on a range of issues including immigration, practical advice (e.g. opening a bank account), housing, finances
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What you need to know International Students
Student Advice and International Student Supportwww.kcl.ac.uk/advice • Offer free one-to-one advice and guidance on a range of issues including immigration, practical advice (e.g. opening a bank account), housing, finances • Provide a range of leaflets and website information • Available by telephone, email, at drop-in sessions or for longer appointments • Fully trained advisers who are qualified to provide immigration advice 2
Your Visa – Length of Leave • Student on degree courses (including research): should receive leave for the length of their course, plus an additional four months, with permission to work • Students on courses longer than 6 months but less than one year should receive two additional months after the course • Students on short courses: should receive the length of the course plus 7 days • Should be allowed to work (if visa says “no work” could be a mistake!)
Entry Clearance • It is compulsory for all non-EEA/Swiss nationals to secure entry clearance before coming to the UK if the first course that they intend to study lasts 6 months or more • Cannot extend your stay in the UK if you didn’t obtain Entry Clearance • If you came to the UK without Entry Clearance, or are here with permission to stay in a category other than Tier 4 or “Student”, or travelled to the UK via Ireland speak to a Student Adviser • Cannot study if here as a Visitor!
Entry Clearance Correction Scheme • FREE scheme in the UK to correct errors made on entry clearance (visas) issued abroad • Students here for under 6 months should have leave for the length of the course plus one week • If you think these are wrong on your visa sticker contact a Student Adviser at advice@kcl.ac.uk
Working on a Student/Tier 4 visa You can work under certain conditions while you are here – up to 20 hours a week in term time and full time in the vacations, but... …you cannot be self-employed, take up a permanent full time post or work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer Summer is not a vacation for Masters students as you are writing your dissertation Research students – vacations must be agreed with supervisor
Extending your visa • Might need to extend your visa, e.g. for resits, a new course or writing up your thesis • Extending your visa can be a complicated process. Ensure you start preparing your application at least six weeks before your leave is due to expire • ALWAYS read all the guidance carefully. Rules very strict especially financial requirements • Contact a Student Adviser for assistance, and look out for our presentations on extending your student visa • If your application is late or if there are documents missing it will be refused
Police Registration • “Relevant foreign nationals” entering the UK for more than 6 months are required to register with the police • Your visa should state that you are required to register • Registration / registering of change of circumstances (e.g. new address/extension of student leave) must be done within 7 days • £34.00 fee. Take evidence of student status • Register at the Overseas Visitors Records Office - Borough
Tier 4 Visa Conditions • Visa should be issued for study at King’s. If you have a visa for elsewhere speak to a Student Adviser as you will need to obtain a new visa • King’s is required to report you if you change your course, move institution, interrupt your studies, leave the course or stop attending and your visa could be cancelled by the UKBA • If you need to make changes to your study talk to a Student Adviser
Travelling outside the UK • Check if you need a visa before travelling • Ensure you have a letter from King’s and a bank statement to show immigration when you return • Check customs requirements so you don’t bring back anything illegal! • Expedia, Opodo and Eurostar are handy websites for booking short breaks
Exploring the UK & Europe • HOST UK organises visits to stay with Host families throughout the UK. King’s pays for your first visit – you just pay travel! See www.hostuk.org for details • International Students House has a travel club which runs regular trips. Check out www.ish.org.uk
Useful Websites • www.ukcisa.org.ukimmigration guidance • www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.ukforms and guidance for immigration applications • www.kcl.ac.uk/adviceguidance, contact details and drop-in times • www.facebook.com/kingsinternationalstudentsupport workshops and updates
Contacting Student Advice • Call the Advice Line (open 10am-4pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays): 020 7848 6858 • Send an email to thecompass@kcl.ac.uk foradvice or to book an appointment • Come to a drop-in – held daily from 11.30-13.30 at a different campus each day – see website for details • Bookmark the website – www.kcl.ac.uk/advice