International Student Support at

Sussex

Sara Dyer

Head of International Student Support

International Agent Conference May 2013

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/