Visa information for students starting courses at UWIC from April 2009

Students requiring a student visa who will be joining UWIC in September 2009 (or the English Language Training Centre – ELTC - in the summer of 2009) will be affected by the new immigration regulations governing international students’ entry to the UK. The new system is referred to as the Points Based Migration System and although it is radically different from the previous system, it will simplify the immigration process for international students.

Full information about applying for a student visa can be found on the following websites:

UK Border Agency: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/

British Council: http://www.britishcouncil.org/new/

British Embassies: http://www.immigration.com/uk/embassies-abroad.html

The visa application process can take some time especially at peak times of the year and so we would ask you to encourage your students to start preparing their application in good time to avoid disappointment in September. Remember that your students need a visa letter from UWIC in order to apply for a student visa. Information about how to officially accept their place will have been sent along with their offer letters. If they have not already done so, please encourage your students to send us their officialacceptances as soon as possible.

It is worth noting that the new regulations require international students to adhere to strict rules whilst they are in the UK. It is important to stress that genuine students do not need to worry about the immigration legislation. The rules have been established to prevent a minority of people from using the student visa system to fraudulently enter the UK.

Below you will find information about some of the requirements that international students will be required to comply with:

International students must arrive in the UK and enrol on their nominate course before the prescribed enrolment deadline stated on their offer letter.
Once they have enrolled on their course, UWIC will be required to take a copy of their passport, visa and biometric identity card. This information will be stored securely and will be retained by UWIC for two years after the student has graduated. UWIC will need to produce this information to the UK Immigration Authorities if requested.
International students’ attendance on their course at UWIC will be monitored and attendance at all classes, tutorials and lectures is compulsory. When the students arrive at UWIC, they will be advised on how we will monitor their attendance on their course to ensure that they comply with the immigration regulations.
International students will be required to inform UWIC of their UK contact details (address and telephone number). They will also need to let UWIC know if you move address during their studies.

If international students do not comply with these requirements, UWIC will be required to inform the immigration authorities. As these regulations are part of the new immigration law of the UK, failure to comply with them can have serious consequences and may result in deportation.

The International Office will ask international students to attend a compulsory immigration briefing session during their enrolment week at UWIC. This session will help them to understand and comply with the new immigration regulations. As always, the International Office will be able to assist students and advise them if they have any queries at all about any immigration matters during their studies.

For the latest developments on the UK’s new Points Based Migration System, please visit the UK Border Agency website:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

We are looking forward to working with you to ensure a productive September intake!

With all best wishes

The International Office Team

International Office

University of Wales Institute, Cardiff

Western Avenue

Llandaff

Cardiff

CF5 2YB

Tel: +44 29 20 416045