International Students

The University has committed to working within Public Health guidelines.

On Wednesday 18 March, the University suspended face-to-face lectures and classes.

We remain fully committed to supporting you in the continuation of your studies through online delivery.

Material will be made online over the remainder of the semester.  Your Course Director will be ready to advise on next steps, access to materials and assessment.

Ideas for isolation

We have assembled some suggestions for activities and opportunities that you may find interesting during the semester.

Visas

• Who can I contact about visa queries?

  For any queries and advice regarding your student visa please contact our Compliance team at compliance@ulster.ac.uk.

• I am a Tier 4/ Student route student and I am unable to maintain my studies because of COVID-19. What should I do?

  It is important that you continue to maintain your studies.  However, if you are unable to maintain your studies because of COVID-19, you may request a period of authorised absence from your studies.

  Please complete and submit the Tier 4/ Student Authorised Absence Request (COVID-19) form. After we receive your form, we will confirm whether your absence is authorised (‘excused’).

  If you wish to take a Leave of Absence or withdraw from your course, please contact compliance@ulster.ac.uk for advice.

• Will the University maintain sponsorship of my Tier 4/ Student visa?

  We will maintain our sponsorship of your Tier 4/ student visa provided that you continue to engage in full with your studies.

  This means that you must participate in all classes (online or face-to-face), including lectures, seminars, practicals etc; submit all coursework; undertake all assessments/exams; and attend all meetings with your tutor/supervisor; and complete any other requirements of your course.   We will monitor your engagement throughout your course.

• May I work more than 20 hours per week at this time?

  As a Tier 4 student, you are not permitted to work more than 20 hours per week during term-time.  As the University is continuing to deliver teaching, this is still term-time.  You may only work more than 20 hours per week during the formal vacation periods or after your course ends (as per the course end date stated on your CAS).

  If you work more than 20 hours per week during term-time, you will be in breach of the immigration rules.

  Further advice and guidance

  You will find further useful visa advice and general guidance for international students at https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Studying--living-in-the-UK/Coronavirus-Covid-19-info-for-international-students

• Will I be able to receive a Post-Study Work Visa in Summer 2021?

  The UK government has re-confirmed its intention to implement a new Graduate Route (often referred to as ‘Post Study Work’) in Summer 2021; however, no details have yet been released.

  We monitor changes to UK immigration rules closely and will provide you with further details on this route when they are released.

• I am a Tier 4 student currently living in my home country. When can I return to the UK?

  If you have a valid Tier 4 visa, you may return to the UK at any time to continue your studies.

• What should I do if I need to apply for a visa extension in the UK but my local UK Visas and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre is closed?

  UKVCAS centres are open.

  You must create a UKVCAS account when you submit your visa application so you can be contacted when new biometric appointments become available.

  You can check which UKVCAS centres are open.

• What do I do if I need to update my Police Registration Certificate but my local police station is closed?

  While social distancing measures are in place, you may be unable to attend your local police station to register with the police or report a change in circumstance (e.g. change of address or immigration status).  As soon as your local police stations re-opens to the public, you must attend to report any changes that have occurred.

Health

• I am in the UK and I need to self-isolate.  What should I do?

  If you are required to self-isolate you should do this in one place for a full 14 days, where you can have food and other necessities delivered, and stay away from others.

  This applies to all arrivals to the UK from countries that are not on the exempt list.

  You must self-isolate at the address you provided on the passenger locator form

  If you are required to self isolate/quarantine on arrival we would strongly recommend you book our University self isolation package.

  University staff will be on hand to support you through your arrival and self-isolation period proving transport from both Northern Ireland airports, welcome food hamper, online grocery shopping voucher, bedding and kitchen utensils.

• Who should I tell if I'm not able to study through illness?

  If you are unable to study online through illness or are ill for a prolonged period, please contact your Academic School in the first instance to inform them of your medical circumstances.

• What precautions should I be taking to stay healthy?

  The recommended steps you should take to protect yourself are the same as those to avoid flu and any other similar respiratory infections.

  You should maintain good hand, respiratory and personal hygiene and avoid visiting people who are ill with respiratory symptoms.

• I am an international student, am I entitled to healthcare?

  Accessing healthcare starts with registering with a local General Practice (GP) close to your accommodation.

  If you think you are affected by the coronavirus, please view the up to date advice from the Public Health agency

  If you are worried about any other medical condition, please telephone your GP for advice on what to do.

• I am very worried.  Who can I talk to?

  You can access support quickly through the Student Wellbeing team.

  You can also contact the international student experience team at ise@ulster.ac.uk