International Agent Conference
May 2013
Sara Dyer
Head of International Student Support

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

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

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

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

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)

www.sussex.ac.uk/internationalsupport/

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

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

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

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

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

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

Making a Tier 4 Visa application outside the UK

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/