- I need to extend my student visa
- My sponsorship has broken down so I want to take a break from my course
- I want to work in the UK after completing my degree
- I want to go on a study trip to Europe but I don't know what to do about immigration
- My wife wants to join me in the UK as my dependent
- I want my parents to visit the UK to attend my graduation ceremony
- I want to find out about the International Graduates Scheme
- My student visa has already expired and I don't know what to do
- I want to know if I can work for more than 20 hours a week
There is a multi-cultural and diverse community on campus who sometimes need specific advice and support. We provide immigration advice and services to the international student community at Reading University.
International students (those of you who are non-EEA nationals) are usually subject to immigration control and it is important that you understand your immigration status and continue to meet with the requirements of your visa. If you have any problems relating to your immigration status or are concerned in any way, seek advice from the RUSU Student Advice team immediately.
Seeking immigration advice
If you do need immigration advice, seek advice from the RUSU Student Advice team. Do not rely on information given to you by your friends, family or University staff as they may not be aware of up-to-date immigration rules and they are probably not authorised to provide immigration advice.
Please note that named members of the RUSU Student Advice team are "authorised to provide immigration advice and services by an order made under section 84(4)(d) of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 [The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (Part V Exemption: Educational Institutions and Health Sector Bodies) Order 2001 (Statutory Instrument 2001 No. 1403)]"
We are the only immigration advisory provision on campus.
The types of immigration advice and services we provide usually fall into the following areas:
Coming to the UK
Applying for permission to enter the UK as a student in your home country . This is known as Entry Clearance. Your passport will be endorsed with your Entry Clearance sticker which will state how long you can stay in the UK as well as any conditions attached.
If you are unsure about which type of Entry Clearance you should apply for or what type of Entry Clearance you have been granted; or if you think you have been given the incorrect length of leave or have incorrect conditions, visit The Hub and ask to see a Student Advisor. If your permission to stay has already expired, seek advice immediately.
Extending your stay
Applying to extend your permission to stay in the UK. If you want to remain in the UK beyond the expiry date of your current permission to stay, you must apply to extend your stay. You must ensure that you apply before your permission to stay in the UK expires. Any late applications are likely to be refused. Make sure you apply on time!
We run workshops on how to extend your student visa from August until December. If you have any questions regarding your permission to stay in the UK as a student, visit The Hub Reception and collect our Guide for extending your stay in the UK. Once you have read this guide, if you still have any questions, book a place on a workshop. To book a place, visit The Hub Reception.
Working in the UK during your studies
If you have been given conditions to work in the UK during studies (check your passport), you will be to work (subject to restrictions) for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term-time. For more information, visit The Hub during our drop-in sessions and speak to a Student Advisor.
Working in the UK upon completion
Once you have completed your studies, you may be interested in working in the UK and there are many employment schemes you may be interested in if you qualify.
Throughout the autumn term, we run workshops on Work Permits, Highly Skilled Migrant Workers Programme and the International Graduates Scheme - dates and times will be advertised on the RUSU website. Alternatively, visit The Hub during a drop-in session.
Dependents
Applying for dependents visas. Many international students have families who may want to join them whilst they study in the UK. We can provide you with information and advice on the requirements your family members will need to meet and how to apply. Please note, to be classed as a dependent, you must be a spouse, civil partner or child of the student.
Travelling to Europe
Applying for visas to travel to Europe for a short holiday or a study trip. In most cases will require a Schengen visa to travel. We can provide you with basic information on how to apply, however, please note that we are unable to submit applications on your behalf.
Obtaining Permanent Residence
Applying for permanent residence in the UK. Some students are able to apply for permanent residence, perhaps through ancestry, long stay concession or for other reasons. If you think you may be eligible, seek advice from the Student Advice team.
Useful websites
UK visa information www.ukvisas.gov.uk
Border & Immigration Agency (Home Office) www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk
Working in the UK www.workingintheuk.gov.uk
UKCOSA www.ukcosa.org.uk
JCWI www.jcwi.org.uk
Immigration Advisory Service www.iasuk.org
Office of Immigration Services Commissioner www.oisc.org.uk
If you need immigration advice and services, visit The Hub during drop-in. We have daily drop-in sessions: Monday, Tuesday ,Thursday and Fridays from 10am until 1pm and Wednesdays from 2pm until 5pm. You do not need an appointment during these times and will be seen by the Duty Advisor on a first come, first served basis.
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