NRPF and International Students
Student visas are among the many visa types that include the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) Condition. Students like others are expected not to be a drain on the public purse during their stay. To obtain a student visa, applicants must provide proof of funds.
The institutions where students are enrolled are expected to take responsibility for student welfare. This is primarily handled through each institution’s student wellbeing and support departments; these may vary in scale and remit across institutions. As a sponsor academic institutions are legally required to monitor student attendance and report relevant information to the Home Office.
Use the toggle below to learn more about your rights, entitlements and the responsibilities of your academic institution.
Anyone who satisfies the following criteria can apply for a Student Visa to enter the UK
- Aged over 16
- Have been offered a place on a course from a licensed student sponsor
- Have enough money to support yourself whilst paying for your course – the amount require may vary depending on circumstances – The UK government provides clear guidance.
- Can speak, read, write and understand English, although individuals from certain countries are not required to do so – The UK Government provides clear guidance
- If you are aged 16 or 17 you will require consent from your parents
If a student is are interested in bringing a dependant with them to the UK for the duration of their study they may be able to do so. The UK Government has clear guidance and criteria to who is and is not eligible to apply to join a student in the UK as a dependant.
Student Visas can only be sponsored by a UK education provider that holds a valid student sponsor license approved by the Home Office. Sponsoring institutions range from universities, colleges and independent schools – the extended list of institutions can be found here.
The following are the academic institutions that have sponsor licenses in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray:
Work rights are related to an individuals immigration permission; the No Recourse to Public Funds condition has no bearing on an individuals right to work. Individuals must follow the restrictions laid out in their immigration permission. Most students aged 16 or over can work, even if it is only a course-related work placement, although the type of sponsor an individual has may affect their right to work.
The type of sponsor is made clear in the status column of the Student Sponsor Register.
If an individual’s sponsor has a ‘track record’ of compliance and their course is full-time, their hours of work are:
- Up to 20 hours a week in term time if you are studying for a qualification at degree level or above (At or above RQF level 6 or SCQF level 9)
- Up to 10 hours a week in term time if you are studying for a qualification below degree level (Below RQF level 6 or SCQF level 9)
- Full-time outside term time (includes vacations and before your course starts, work placements, and after your course has ended)
If an individuals sponsor type is ‘overseas higher education institution’, their working hours are:
- Up to 20 hours a week in term time.
- Full-time outside term time (includes vacations and before your course starts, work placements, and after your course has ended)
Individuals are not allowed to work if their sponsor does not have the words’ ‘track record’ in the status column found in the student sponsor’s registrar, instead reads:
- a private provider
- a publicly funded college
- An embedded college offering pathway courses
As a visa sponsor, a university has certain obligations and responsibilities to international student. They will be responsible for their students from the beginning to the end of their studies. They must guarantee students equal access to anything related to completing their course, including attending graduation and applying for the Graduate visa.
They must offer specific support for international students. However, they may not be legally allowed to give migration advice unless staff are IAA-regulated.
Licensed sponsors are also required to comply with several duties to retain their ability to sponsor potential students, and these are almost exclusively related to data/record-keeping. Sponsors must provide the home office with a complete and up-to-date record for all student visa holders, which is why they will monitor attendance, visa status, course enrolment, and more.
Individuals in the UK on Student Visas have clear responsibilities that they must abide by to remain lawfully present in the UK. Failing to comply is a criminal offence and may lead to your removal from the country and an embargo on future visa applications for a set period of time.
Responsibilities may differ between institutions, but generally require the following from students:
- Provide Student Services with up-to-date details.
- Provide an electronic copy of your passport and share code with your University to record registration of your e-visa and subsequent passport/visa renewals.
- Inform the relevant parties if you no longer need a Study Visa, for example, because you have gained Indefinite Leave to Remain
- Attend all lectures and complete all required coursework; if either is not possible, contact the relevant party as soon as possible.
- Comply with the right to work restrictions detailed in your immigration permission.
- Keep your eVisa details updated.
If you work in this space and are interested in learning more and contributing to the design of best practices and policies to help students with NRPF in the North East, then you should consider joining our NRPF and International Students working group. This is one of three working groups hosted by the partnership. This group meets every 6-8 weeks, with meetings lasting around two hours.
If you are interested in participating or would like to know more about the group and how it functions, please get in touch with [email protected]