Immigration Updates: March 2020

Hi everyone, as many of you know there are a lot of unusual changes happening at the moment due to COVID19, and the Home Office have announced a lot of updates over recent weeks.

We have tried to take that information and make it more manageable for you! So please take a look below for all the latest changes.

Don’t forget that you can follow our Facebook page for regular updates and information also. 

 

 

1. What can I do if my visa is due to expire and I can’t return home? 

 

If your visa is due to expire before 31st May 2020 and you cannot leave the UK to return home at this time, you can request a free extension on your visa until 31st May 2020. There is no need for an application or to pay a fee, but you must request this extension from the Home Office. We recommend that you email to request this extension rather than call so that you have a record of this request and when you contacted the Home Office. 

Email CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk to make your request and include all of the below details: 

  • Full name including any middle names
  • Date of birth dd/mm/yyyy
  • Nationality

Previous visa reference number

  • Reason why you cannot return to your home country, e.g. the border to your country is closed.

The Home Office will confirm when they receive your request and if you are successful in in applying for the requested visa extension.

Please ensure to make sure your update the International Student Support team if you use this option. 

 

2. I can’t return home to make my visa application – what can i do? 

If you were planning a visa application that required you to return home to complete it, but you cannot return home at this time, the Home Office has said that up until 31st May 2020 this requirement is removed. You can instead make the application online in the UK and pay the fee for a UK made application. You have to meet all the requirements of the visa application, for example any financial requirements. 

Please speak with the International Student Support team for further guidance

 

3. I didn’t think I could do distance learning or remote learning as a Tier 4 student?

Normally this is true! As a Tier 4 student, attendance in person to classes and University is usually a standard requirement of having a Tier 4 visa here in the UK. But as you all know, we are not living in a normal time at the moment! Therefore, the Home Office is currently ignoring this rule, and will not consider Tier 4 students undertaking distance online learning a breach of your visa requirements. Similarly because of this the Home Office do not consider those who have chosen to return home to continue with distance online learning a breach of the rules, and your Tier 4 sponsor will not need to be reported or withdrawn. 

However, engagement with studies over distance online learning and attendance to online classes is still required and mandatory, and it is being monitored by the University.  

 

4. Can I still make a visa application or extension in the UK if I need to at this time? 

Yes – you can still make your visa application in the UK if you need to, but when you can do your biometric appointment may be affected. This is because many of the locations where biometric appointments take place are closed or due to close because of the latest government guidance. 

It is important that despite this you still make the visa application you need to make, even if your closest Sopra Steria biometric centre is inaccessible. As long your application is made before your current visa expires, and you attend an appointment when it becomes possible, you will still be able to remain in the UK. This remains the same even if your current visa comes to an end whilst you are waiting for your biometric appointment, no matter how long that takes.

 

5. I am still waiting for my Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) 

For the foreseeable future, should you make a visa application then the delivery of the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) should be set to go directly to your contact address rather than to the University. Once you receive your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) you will need to send us a picture of both sides of it to International Student Support

Please be aware that if the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is not collected then it could be returned and cancelled.

If you leave the UK without your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), you will need to have one to return to the UK. Without your original Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), you would need to apply for a replacement visa to re-enter the UK and then apply for a new Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) once back in the UK (See UKCISA – Biometric Residence Permit information).

 

6. NHS treatment for COVID19 is free to everyone 

NHS treatment for COVID19 is free of charge to everyone. 

If you have paid the immigration health surcharge and your immigration permission has not expired, you continue to be entitled to free NHS treatment for other illnesses and conditions. If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can use it to receive free NHS treatment, at least until 31 December 2020.

 

7. Does doing distance learning mean I can work more hours than usually allowed as a Tier 4 student? 

No. The Home Office has specified that you cannot work anymore hours than you would usually be allowed to as a Tier 4 student, and should continue to comply with your allocated working hours, despite the move to remote teaching or distance online learning. The rules about limited working hours during term time still apply,. During vacation periods you can work above your allocated hours but must obtain a letter for your employer from the University to confirm this. 

 

8. I am a Tier 4 student with a job, what happens if I am ill or need to self-isolate? 

We encourage you to check with your employer about their process and policy for taking any time off for illness, and about their sickness pay policy. This is  especially important in relation to the recent government guidance about self isolation. Statutory sick pay is not classed as a public fund. 

 

9. My visa has expired but I cannot leave the UK or make another application – can I work? 

No – you cannot. Furthermore, if you had a job you would need to quit this job once your visa expired. 

 

10. My accommodation contract is coming to an end and I can’t get home, what happens now? 

The government has considered international students in their recent guidance about accommodation by referring to those with no alternative residence, noting that this “is particularly important in the case of international students”.

 

University Accommodation

The UK Government state that when there is no alternative residence to go to, for example when you cannot return to your home country, that you should not be asked to leave your accommodation if your contract is ending or if your accommodation agreement doesn’t cover living there during holiday periods. This also applies to students whose contract is ending whilst they are self-isolating. If you think this may apply to you and would like to discuss this further, you should speak to Reslife

 

Private Landlord Accommodation

The UK Government has stated that landlords should not evict any tenants, even if they no longer have a valid visa or a new tenant is due to move it. Furthermore, if a person cannot pay their rent, the landlord might be able to take a break from paying their mortgage, if they have one. You should liaise with your landlord if your accommodation contract is coming to an end soon and you cannot return home. 

You can read the full government guidance “for those with no alternative residence” here.

 

11. So what is happening with Graduation now? 

We know that graduation for June 2020 has been postponed until November 2020. As it currently stands the Home Office guidance has not changed regarding this, and so if your visa expires after 31st May 2020 but before the graduation ceremony in November, and you wish to attend the ceremony, you would be required to return home and apply to return on a UK visit visa. If you have any questions about November graduation, you can email the Graduation team

 

12. I need to register or update my information with the police as part of the Overseas Visitors Registration requirements – can I do this? 

All UK police forces, including the Overseas Visitors Registration Office (OVRO) in London, have suspended police registration and issued guidance for applicants. The advice for everyone is that you will not be penalised for not attending or making an appointment. This includes people who have left the UK without registering, and who will need to re-enter in the future.

Staffordshire Police have informed us that they are suspending all appointments for the foreseeable future due to COVID19, and that they will update us as soon as it is possible. They have advised that if you have any questions, you should email them directly

 Check the website of your relevant police force for further updates.

 

13. Where can I read more about these updates?

You can read more about all of these changes on the UKCISA Coronavirus (Covid-19): info for international students page

 

14. Contacting International Student Support, and information about other University Support Services: 

You can email us, WhatsApp us on 07876222927, or book an appointment. 

You can also find out more about our other University Support Services.

If you need a safe place to talk, share and get support go to Big White Wall.

 

 

International Student Support – EU Newsletter

Newsletter March 2020

Includes:

New Facebook Group for Staffordshire University EU and International Students

EU Settlement Sessions – Book Your Place

Coronavirus / COVID19 – Where to find University updates and advice

One Staffs Cafe

Contact Us

New Facebook Group for EU and International Students!

International Student Support have created a new Facebook group dedicated to our international and EU students. Through this new feature we can update you on important information and activities, including immigration news and updates, University and International Student Support events, and any important changes to University services that could affect you. The group is private and managed by International Student Support, and so it will be dedicated to your needs and requirements. 

To request to join the group you can click here


EU Settlement Sessions – Book Your Place!

As many of you are aware, the UK is currently in a transition period as part of the Brexit process until 31st December 2020 following its exit from the European Union on 31st January 2020. EU or EEA citizens are required to make an application for EU Settlement to be able to continue to study, work or live in the UK after 31st December 2020. We understand that many of your may have questions about this process and what it means, and so we would like to offer our help and support to you.

International Student Support are holding informal sessions where we can offer advice, support with your application, and help with answering any questions you may have. Places are limited, and so if you would like to attend any of these sessions please book: 

EU Settlement Session 2: Wednesday 25th March 2020, 12pm to 1pm
EU Settlement Session 3: Wednesday 8th April 2020, 12pm to 1pm


Coronavirus / COVID19 – Where to find latest information and advice 

To find out the latest information the University has regarding the Coronavirus outbreak, please go your My Staffs Uni app, where the University are updating advice and information as required. 

You can also check the latest advice and guidance from the UK Government such as travel advice and NHS information by clicking here


One Staffs Cafe – Come and Join Us! 

One Staffs Cafe meets every Thursday 5pm to 6.30pm in the Digital Kiln on the 5th floor of the Mellor Building. Everyone is welcome! We have free cup of tea or coffee for everyone, and each week we have varied themes and activities. It’s a great way to take a break and meet new people. 

To find out more you can follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram


Contacting International Student Support, and information about other University Support Services

You can email us, WhatsApp us on 07876222927, or book an appointment. 

You can also find out more about other University Support Services.

If you need a safe place to talk, share and get support go to Big White Wall.

International Student Support – Newsletter

Newsletter March 2020

Includes: 

International Authorised Leave – Inform us of any leave

Attending and Attendance Monitoring 

New Facebook Group for International Students

Coronavirus / COVID19 – Where to get University Updates and Advice

Police Registration – New Address Update Process

One Staffs CAfe

Contact Us


International Authorised Leave – Inform us of any leave 

We recently emailed you about the Tier 4 authorised leave process. We would just like to remind you to follow this process when taking any leave from the University, especially with the Easter break approaching. This includes informing us of any overseas leave you intend to take whether or not it affects your class attendance. This should also include any overseas travel during a weekend. 

To inform us of any leave you require please complete the online form on our website. You can also email us with any questions you may have.  


 

New Facebook Group for International Students!

International Student Support have created a new Facebook group dedicated to our international and EU students. Through this new feature we can update you on important information and activities, including immigration news and updates, University and International Student Support events, and any important changes to University services that could affect you. The group is private and managed by International Student Support, and so it will be dedicated to your needs and requirements. 

To request to join the group you can click here


Coronavirus / COVID19 – Where to find latest information and advice 

To find out the latest information the University has regarding the Coronavirus outbreak, please go your My Staffs Uni app, where the University are updating advice and information as required. 

You can also check the latest advice and guidance from the UK Government such as travel advice and NHS information by clicking here


Police Registration – New process for updating your address

We have been advised by Staffordshire Police that if you need to update your address with the Overseas Visitor Registration Department at Staffordshire Police Headquarters in Stafford, you can now do this by post.

You need to book an online appointment (or create an online account if you don’t
already have one, then book), then post the following documents by recorded delivery:

  • Police Registration Certificate.
  • Copy of proof of new address – tenancy agreement/ utility bill/ letter from University

The address to post them to is:
Staffordshire Police
Overseas Visitors Registration Office
PO BOX 3167
Stafford
ST16 9JZ

You do not need to include a return envelope. Once the certificate is received and updated, the police will send it back by recorded delivery to the new address.

Updates are free, so please do not send any form of payment. Should you have any further questions, please contact Overseas Visitor Registration Office


One Staffs Cafe – Come and Join Us! 

One Staffs Cafe meets every Thursday 5pm to 6.30pm in the Digital Kiln on the 5th floor of the Mellor Building. Everyone is welcome! We have free cup of tea or coffee for everyone, and each week we have varied themes and activities. It’s a great way to take a break and meet new people. 

To find out more you can follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram


Contacting International Student Support, and information about other University Support Services

You can email us, WhatsApp us on 07876222927, or book an appointment. 

You can also find out more about other University Support Services.

If you need a safe place to talk, share and get support go to Big White Wall.

Brexit and The EU Settlement Scheme – What We Know.

11th April 2019 – Brexit Update! 

The EU and UK have agreed a further delay to Brexit until 31 October 2019. The UK could leave earlier if a withdrawal agreement has been ratified by MPs.

The UK must now take part in European elections on 23 May – if it did not the UK would have to leave the EU on 1 June 2019 without a deal.

The UK now has just over six months to decide what it wants to do.

You can take a look at the BBC News website for further information about this new update. 

2019-04-11 

10:33:48

 



 

Brexit…. oh dear, what can you say about Brexit?!

(as of 9th April 2019)

Many of us feel like we don’t know what is happening, or that it is a huge chaotic nightmare with no end in sight! Just how do we delve into the abyss that is Brexit, try and understand it, and also help our affected students understand it?! 

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Well, let’s start simple. 

just breathe GIF by chescaleigh

Take a breath, let’s look at this calmly. 

First of all, it needs to be said that things surrounding Brexit are still constantly changing, so the main advice we can give you is to keep checking a reliable website such as UKCISA or Gov.UK for updates (after all, it could be that by the time you read to the bottom of our information, the rules could have changed again!)

Next, you need to know that as an EU / EEA / Swiss / Icelandic / Norwegian / Lichtenstein citizen, if you are planning to be in the UK following it leaving the EU (either 12th April 2019 – no deal, or 22nd May 2019 – with a deal, as it stands at this moment), you will want to know what you need to do to protect your UK residence status. 

 


 

The EU Settlement Scheme 

european union europe GIF by European Parliament

The government has introduced the EU Settlement Scheme, which has been open for applications since 30th March 2019.

Applying for this will not affect your status as an EU citizen, or affect your nationality / residency / EU status in your own country at all, it merely means you will have immigration permission to be in the UK. It also doesn’t mean you are obliged to stay in the UK permanently. 

You can apply for this now as long as you are currently resident in the UK, to ensure your UK residence status is protected.

It is important to note that if you wait to apply for EU Settlement Status and there is a no deal outcome to Brexit (which is quite possible by 12th April 2019!) the application process may become a more difficult, with further rules needing to be adhered to. You can read more about this below in our deal or no deal scenarios. 

 

There are 2 types of settlement status that can be applied for: 

Settled Status – If you have lived in the UK for 5 years (with permitted gaps up to 6 months in any 12 month period, and/or 1 instance of up to 12 months absence for a specified reason, which includes study). This one basically means you can stay in the UK for as long as you want! 

Pre-Settled Status – if you have not lived in the UK for 5 years, you can apply for “pre-settled status”, which is a grant of 5 years’ permission. After 5 years you can then apply for settled status if you wish. Your 5 years accumulation does not start from the point of getting pre-settled status, it will include any previous time in the UK. This one basically means that if you want to stay longer than 5 years in the UK, you would need to apply for settled status at 5 accumulated years or go home. 

Your settled status is lost if you have a continuous absence of more than 5 years from the UK. Your pre-settled status is lost if you have a continuous absence of more than 2 years from the UK. For Swiss citizens and their family members under the EU settlement scheme, the rule is that their status will be lost after a continuous absence of more than four years from the UK. 

There is no minimum time you need to have been in the UK to apply for the scheme, you only need to show evidence that you currently live in the UK. There are also no restrictions on study under this scheme. 

For up to date information and more details about the EU Settlement Scheme from 30th March 2019, please visit the UKCISA website.

 


 

How to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme

easy office space GIF

Don’t worry – it’s not a huge task! It’s a pretty simple process! 

If you have an android phone, you can do the application online and use and identity (ID) app  to upload documents. Otherwise you can do the application online and then go in person to have identity checks done. No documents will ever be retained.

The Home Office will do checks to confirm that you have been a resident in the UK. If you have a National Insurance number, make sure you provide it as this will make the process easier. However if you don’t have one there is no issue – you will just need to provide further evidence, which can be found listed here – Annex A of the Home Office guide.

If you are using the ID app on an android phone to scan a chipped passport, it means that you wont have to provide further information regarding nationality as the chip holds the information needed and can verify if the passport is genuine. 

You will need to upload a photo of yourself, declare any criminal convictions (this will be checked by the Home Office), and sign a declaration. 

You will then be told if you are being considered for settled or pre-settled status.

If it says pre-settled, but you disagree with this, you can upload further evidence to show how long you have been in the UK, and also you will be told what gaps in time you need to provide evidence for. 

Easy peasy! 

 

For up to date information and more details about the EU Settlement application process please visit the UKCISA website.  


 

Now it’s time for a game of Brexit Deal or Brexit No Deal! 

Deal Or No Deal GIF - Deal No GIFs

Currently there is no definitive outcome to Brexit, and so we have outlined what we know right now about a deal and a no deal situation.

 

Scenario 1 – DEAL! 

An agreement is reached (based on information available as of 3rd April 2019)

You can apply under the EU settlement scheme as it currently stands if you are EU, Non EU EEA, Swiss, Icelandic, Norwegian, and Lichtenstein citizens, plus their eligible family members, who are resident in the UK or arrive by 31 December 2020, the deadline to apply under the settlement scheme is 30 June 2021. This also applies to eligible family members of British citizens who have exercised a right to reside in another EU country.  

For up to date information and more details, please visit the UKCISA website

 

Scenario 2 – NO DEAL! 

No agreement is reached (based on information available as of 3rd April 2019)

The deadline to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme in the case of no deal will be 30 December 2020. 

EU Citizens:

The UK government has given assurances that the EU settlement scheme will still operate as it would if an agreement is reached, but will only be open to EU citizens and their eligible family members who are resident in the UK by the time the UK leaves the EU (currently stands at 12 April 2019 in a ‘no-deal’ scenario). 

Swiss and Non EU EEA:

The UK government has reached separate agreements with the EFTA EEA countries and Switzerland protecting non-EU EEA citizens and their eligible family members and Swiss citizens and their family members who are resident in the UK on the day the UK leaves the EU. They will be eligible to apply under the settlement scheme, but the deadlines within which to apply and within which family relationships need to be formed vary according to the two agreements.

I am eligible to apply, but I am not in the UK when it leaves: 

If you are eligible to apply under the scheme but are not resident in the UK on the day the UK leaves the EU, you can still apply if you are temporarily absent from the UK when the UK leaves the EU for a period and/or reason described under the definition of ‘continuous qualifying period’ in Annex 1- Definitions. Please see UKCISA for more definitive information on this area. 

Fore up to date information and more details about this, please visit the UKCISA website. 


 

Brexit: updated healthcare information for students (08 April 2019)

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UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) have updated their information about accessing healthcare after Brexit in both ‘deal’ and ‘no deal’ scenarios for students who are EU, EEA and Swiss citizens or their family members. students. 

Visit ukcisa.org.uk/EU-Healthcare to find out more and whether this will affect you.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Brexit process please email isa@staffs.ac.uk or come to see the International Student Advice team during our Drop-in session which is held every Tuesday from 12pm to 1pm in the Student Hub.

 


 

Want to know a bit more? 

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If you want to learn more about Brexit and how it may affect you, you can visit the UKCISA website, where information is being constantly reviewed and revised as changes and updates take place. 

 


 

And that’s all folks! 

that's all folks circle GIF

Yes for now this is all the information we have.

We hope that it has been useful, and helped you to understand what the current Brexit situation is.

Remember we are available in the Student Hub every Tuesday from 12 until 1pm in our Advice Lounge, if you want to come and discuss anything. 

If you have questions you can also use the comments section below or email isa@staffs.ac.uk.