I am writing to inform you about new arrangements concerning the production of status and visa letters for international students. These arrangements have been introduced as a result of the requirements of the new Points Based immigration system (PBS) and the responsibilities under our licence with the Border Agency. We also expect that these arrangements will help reduce work on School staff. It is compulsory to adhere to them.
From 1st June 2009 all visa/student status letters should be requested by students through the MAP Portal and not produced locally.
This includes the following letters:
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Bank letter
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Confirmation of enrolment
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Graduation Ceremony Date of Award
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Graduation Ceremony Invitations for family members
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Post Study Work visa letter
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Schengen (short visit) student status visas
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Admissions visa letter (these are being initiated via MAP by Admissions staff)
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Renewal visa letters and accompanying Bursary Letters (these are being initiated by the University’s four Qualified Visa Advisors (Gemma Ball, Karen Manley, Christina Walker, Jill Wilson) in consultation with designated staff in Schools).
Work is being carried out on Attendance confirmation and Council Tax Exemption Certificates. Further information to follow.
From 1st June 2009 no staff may generate their own locally word-processed letters. Doing so might jeopardise our Points Based System licence and cause students problems with visas.
If you have any queries about the specifics of this decision, please talk to Joy Atkins in ISA or Karen Manley or Christina Walker in the ISSU. Please tell everyone about this message.
Helen Higson
Pro-Vice-Chancellor External Relations
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