As a Higher Education Institute, The RVC is exempt, by ministerial order, from having to apply for authorisation to give immigration advice.

However, we do have to comply with the Code of Standards set by the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).The Code of Standards outlines what is required of advisers when providing immigration advice or immigration services. 

The requirements of the code vary according to the level of advice being provided. The RVC is able to provide advice and service at the ‘General Help’ level. We can provide assistance with:

1. basic applications for entry clearance and leave to enter or remain, such as student visas
2. basic applications for registration and naturalisation as a British Citizen
3. basic applications relating to EU and EEA immigration law, such as residence permits
4. one-off assistance with asylum law

The OISC Code states that only named advisers are permitted to give advice. 

The RVC’s named adviser is: Sylvia Simpson (International Student Adviser) email: ssimpson@rvc.ac.uk   phone: 01707 66 7140

The International Student Adviser can provide free and confidential advice to current and prospective students on range of issues including welfare and personal issues, immigration and visa advice and information on UK culture. 

The RVC is a member of UKCISA and as such, the Adviser has access to support in the form of training, regular briefings and the UKCISA telephone advice line.

The Adviser will offer advice in good faith, based on the information provided by you. She will make every effort to ensure that the advice offered is accurate but as immigration regulations, procedures and contact information can frequently change, it is important that you also refer to the UK Visas & Immigration and UKCISA websites for up to date information. 

Since 2015 UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have been issuing student visa holders with a Biometric Resident Permit (BRP) for periods of leave granted for 6 months or longer.

The BRP is a secure identity card which contains personal details and biometric information for those who have permission (a visa) to come to the UK for more than 6 months. You will be provided with a temporary visa sticker (vignette) in your passport which will enable you to enter the UK upon arrival.  The vignette is only valid for 30 days.  Once you have arrived in the UK, you will have 10 days to collect your BRP from the Post Office listed on the decision letter, or from the College if this was requested.  The RVC must have evidence that you have received your BRP in order to finalise your enrolment process.

If you lose your BRP inside the UK

If your lost or stolen BRP was valid for 3 months or more, report it and order a replacement online. You must do this within 3 months of losing it.

International students on a student visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week during term-time.

UKVI defines a week as being Monday - Sunday.  All international students are permitted to work full-time during official College holidays as long as your visa or identity card does not prohibit work.  The dissertation period is considered term time for MSc students.  

To be considered eligible for work you should have one of the following printed on your student visa: 

• No recourse to public funds. Work 20 hrs max in term time
• No recourse to public funds. Work 10 hours max in term time
• No recourse to public funds. Work/Business as in Tier 4 rules

You must not exceed the stated limits on your visa under any circumstances as a breach of these rules could result in your Tier 4 visa being cancelled and your withdrawal from the RVC. As your visa sponsor, the RVC is required by law to inform UKVI if we are aware that you are working in breach of your visa conditions.  

Your National Insurance Number

If you decide to take employment while you study you will need to register for a National Insurance Number.  The rate that you pay income tax and national insurance contributions are determined by your legal status.  Registering for a National Insurance Number will ensure that you are taxed appropriately.  Please note that you can only apply for a National Insurance Number once you are in the UK. You can register here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number      

See the RVC Student Finances website (Money Matters) for information on:

• Tax and National Insurance (NI): 
• Council Tax
• Financial Health

If you are unsure about any aspect of your finances while at the RVC, please contact our Student Money Adviser at moneymatters@rvc.ac.uk

Budgeting for your studies

According to research by UKCISA, finance is the number one concern for international students. Almost a quarter (23%) of them said they didn’t have enough money to live on. Of those who had experienced hardship, 72% said they underestimated the cost of living. Only 25% of students took out possessions insurance, which is a concern as students are often targeted by thieves.  Many students also have unrealistic expectations of how much time they can spend working.

The Money and Budgeting page on the Study UK site from the British Council offers a Student Budget Calculator to help you:

• Build a lifestyle budget and see how it balances by week, month or over a year
• Understand how they will spend their time as well as their money in the UK
• Get information on areas like insurance and banking as well as guidance on the costs of living
• Learn from case studies and top tips from other students
• Save their budget so they can use it before arriving or during their study

Disabilities and Learning Differences

In the UK, a disability is defined as a physical or mental health condition that has lasted for 12 months or more and affects an individual's ability to function on a day to day basis. Having a disability and/or learning difference can impact a student's academic performance and their overall student experience.

If you have been diagnosed with a disability or learning difference in your home country, you may want to disclose this information to the College before you arrive in order to ensure that the appropriate support is in place once you are here.  You can contact our Disability Adviser at disability@rvc.ac.uk to discuss the support that may be available to you once you have begun your course at the RVC.  Be sure to provide recent evidence and documentation from your health professional in order to avoid any delay in managing your support options. 

If you are on regular medication, be sure to bring at least one month's supply of your prescription - but preferably three months if at all possible.  There may be some discrepancy between drug regulations in the UK and your home country.  Having a reasonable supply of your usual medication will help to avoid any additional stress when changing countries with a health issue.

Immigration Health Surcharge

Since 2015, all student visa applicants coming to the UK for more than 6 months are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the application process.  This surcharge is intended to cover the cost of your NHS treatment.  The cost is based on the full length of your visa and not the length of your course.  

The NHS

The National Health Service (NHS) is the umbrella term for the publically funded healthcare system in the UK. In order to access health care in the UK you will need to register with a GP when you arrive. The RVC will help you with this process during induction. Most medical practices offer online registration which is completed upon in-person presentation of identifying documentation. 

• Your GP practice is always your first point of contact for any physical or mental health issue.
• If you require immediate medical assistance or are at risk of serious harm please call 999.
• Call 111 for 24 hour support for medical help and advice. If you are not sure where to go for your illness or injury, ask them.
• Not all dental practices take NHS patients so be sure to check before making an appointment.
• Eye care is provided by opticians on the high street and there will be a minimal cost for an eye check (usually under £20)