International Agent Conference May 2013

1. International Agent Conference May 2013 International Student Support at Sussex Sara Dyer Head of International Student Support

2. What I will cover… • The support we offer • Recent immigration changes and what they mean for Sussex students

3. What we do • The role of the International Student Support team is: • To help international students prepare to come to Sussex • To welcome them when they arrive • To support them throughout their time at Sussex

4. Preparing students for life at Sussex • Aim to ensure students are as well-prepared for studying in the UK as possible • International Students’ Pre-arrival guide (on-line) • Pre-arrival mailings – information about arrival, welcome programme, immigration • Induction website www.sussex.ac.uk/students/induction/international • Participate in virtual admissions events • Facebook etc

5. Welcoming them to the UK • Meet and Greet service at Gatwick & Heathrow airports (free coach service from Heathrow during autumn arrival weekend – 14/15 September 2013) • Specific events for international students as part of the University induction programme: • Information sessions – topics include how to open a bank account, study skills, safety • Social events (eg welcome reception in Brighton) and day trips

6. Support throughout their stay • Immigration & visa advice (we offer a confidential specialist advice service to answer students’ questions and guide them through the process of applying for a visa) • Presentations (ie ‘Protecting your Tier 4 immigration status’, ‘Working in the UK after your studies’) • General welfare support and advice about living in the UK • Specialist advisors – Chinese, Japanese & South Asian • Support during times of crises • Improving the international student experience (International Student Barometer, focus groups etc)

7. www.sussex.ac.uk/internationalsupport/

8. Day trips • Recent trips include Bath, Cambridge, Stonehenge, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warner Brothers Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter)

9. Collaborate with Student Union on events to encourage integration • For example, (Diwali, Chinese New Year, international food evenings, buddy programme)

10. Opportunities to learn about British culture • For example, ‘Campus Christmas’, Host programme, Alumni Friendship Scheme

11. Immigration changes and what they mean for Sussex students • Credibility Interviews introduced July 2012, and being further rolled out this year • Tier 4 applicants can be asked to go for an interview (in person or video link) • Entry Clearance Officer must be satisfied they are ‘genuine student’ and English language ability at correct level • ‘Low risk’ nationals are exempt from interviews

12. Immigration changes and what they mean for Sussex students • No changes to current work rights for university students during term-time or vacations • Tier 2 is now the main route for students wishing to remain in the UK to work (concessions for students who apply in the UK) • Options under the Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange scheme for students to stay in the UK after their studies for work experience or research and training programmes • We offer talks and advice for students wishing to find out more about Tier 2 or Tier 5 before they finish at Sussex

13. Immigration changes and what they mean for Sussex students • Doctorate Extension Scheme was introduced on 6 April 2013 • Sussex students who are about to complete a doctorate can apply to extend their leave for an extra 12 months under Tier 4 without a job offer • They have to make a Tier 4 application in the UK before they complete their course • The University of Sussex will continue to sponsor students during this additional period of stay in the UK

14. Making a Tier 4 Visa application outside the UK

15. Thank you! • International Student Support • Friston, University of Sussex • Brighton BN1 9SP • T +44 (0)1273 678422 • F +44(0)1273 678640 • E: immigration@sussex.ac.uk • S.E.Dyer@sussex.ac.uk • www.sussex.ac.uk/international • support/