Immigration

The Advice Centre offers advice and guidance to those who wish to extend their Student Leave to Remain in the UK and are planning to apply from within the UK. 

 

We can also provide general information to students who wish to apply to work in the UK after they complete their studies and want to apply for Tier 1 – Post Study work.

 

If you have immigration enquiries not related to Student Extensions within the UK or Post-Study Work we would recommend you to visit the University's web pages (http://www.essex.ac.uk/immigration/advice.aspx) regarding Immigration for further advice and information on who to contact.

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All immigration advice at the Advice Centre is offered by appointment only, as a rule we do not answer question regarding your individual situation over the phone. This is to ensure that we have all the relevant information from you to be able to provide you with clear accurate advice.

 

Each appointment lasts 45 minutes (unless otherwise stated).  During busier periods (particularly Sept – Dec) appointments may be limited to 2 appointments per application.  Appointments will be offered on a first come, first serve basis. Please note priority will be given to those with Tier 4 visa extensions during October; if you have questions about Post Study work you may be asked to wait for an appointment.

 

The Advice Centre operates the Home Office Student Batch Scheme for students wishing to extend their leave to remain as a student.

Please ensure you are aware of your visa expiry date and you start planning your application in advance of the date.  It is essential that you make an application before your visa expiry date; if you make a late application you will become an overstayer which can have serious consequences for your future immigration.

To extend your immigration permission as a student you will need to use the Tier4(G) form.  The form should be downloaded and printed from the UKBA website along with the Photo Guidance notes, the Tier 4 Policy Guidance notes and the Help Text Leaflet. 
For further information about extending your immigration permission as a student please click here to download our Tier4 factsheet

Please click here for our Guide to completing the Tier 4 Form.  It is vital that you read the Policy Guidance Notes and Help Text leaflet accompanying the Tier4 form carefully.  This Guide is intended to help you when filling out the form, however, it is not exhaustive and you should always refer to the UKBA Policy Guidance and Help Text Leaflet if you are unsure.

Further help and information can be found on the UKCISA website: 'Making a student immigration application in the UK' Information sheet.

 

The Advice Centre can offer limited advice about Tier 1 (Post-Study work) applications.  Although we will answer questions relating to the application form, we are not able to check Tier 1 Post Study work applications in full and will not accept responsibility for your application.  If you would like someone to check your application in full then you will need to seek advice from a solicitor specialising in UK immigration law.  We can recommend a local solicitor.

For more information and guidance please click here to download our Tier1 factsheet

Help on completing the form can also be found on UKCISA: Working in the UK after your studies (see link on right hand menu of this page 'Notes on completing form Tier 1 [Post Study Work])