What you need to know

www.kcl.ac.uk/advice

What you need to know

International Students


Student Advice and International Student Support


• 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

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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 [email protected]


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

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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

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• Call the Advice Line (open 10am-4pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays): 020 7848 6858

• Send an email to [email protected] for advice 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

Documents

What you need to know