Immigration

The University’s Immigration Responsibilities for international students (primarily relating to students studying at the Newcastle campus)

The University has duties as a Highly Trusted Sponsor which we are required by the UK Border Agency to comply with. All staff must assist the University with these duties.

  • Ensure that only appropriately qualified, genuine, students are admitted to study at Newcastle University.
  • Keep up to date copies of all student passports and visas/biometric ID cards.
  • Maintain accurate and up to date contact details for students.
  • Report to the UKBA when a student:
    • does not fully complete their registration requirements
    • transfers their programme
    • stops attending their programme without good reason
    • does not keep their school/institute informed about absence
    • withdraws from their programme
    • takes a leave of absence from their programme
    • presents identity documents that are fraudulent or invalid
    • presents an application that is materially incorrect
    • are discovered to be in breach of their student visa
    • has any other significant change in circumstances.
  • Co-operate with UKBA in the event of an audit or other investigation.
  • Maintain key eligibility - i.e. positive QAA audits, no civil penalties against the University, key thresholds met on refusal rates, student completion etc.

Special considerations when dealing with registered non-EEA international students

Because of UKBA rules there are some situations we have to be extra careful about where international students are concerned. Some things we routinely allow home/EU students to do are not possible for international students. Particular areas to watch are:

  • Transfers to part-time study are generally not allowed for international students; don’t agree to such a transfer without advice; report any agreed transfer
  • Transfers between programmes may break the terms of the student’s visa; don’t agree to a transfer without advice; report any agreed transfer
  • Students working more than 20 hours a week in term-time is a serious breach of the visa and must be reported, even if this is only suspected; the University should never employ a student for more than 20 hours a week
  • Sudent withdrawal should be immediately reported
  • Leaves of absence for medial or personal reasons should be properly documented and reported and should not normally be for more than one month - don’t agree to a longer absence without seeking advice
  • Attendance - students should be present during teaching periods and academic units must monitor attendance for taught students; unathorised absence or patterns of authorised absence must be followed up; if students fail to respond this must be reported
  • PGT students are allowed up to two weeks’ holiday in semester 3, by discretion only, but are expected to be engaged in their studies otherwise
  • Time away from Newcastle, in the UK or abroad, for a placement, to carry out research for a dissertation, or to finish a dissertation, requires permission in advance and must be reported
  • PGR students should see their supervisors at least 10 times per annum if the student is in Newcastle; absence must be reported; if students are away from Newcastle contact may be made by Skype, e-mail or telephone

University contacts:

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