International student news and updates
Summary of important immigration news and changes affecting international students
This information will be updated monthly with news and updates for international students.
Any questions, please contact the ISA team:
- Email: studentservices@plymouth.ac.uk
- Call: +441752 587676
- Talk to one of the ISA team via Zoom: chat with us live 09:30–10:30, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
We are also available for in-person sessions at the Student Hub in the Charles Seale-Hayne Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 09:30–10:30 (no need to book).
Latest immigration news
Travel from mainland China to England
From 5 January, people flying from mainland China to England will be asked to take a pre-departure test before travel.
A sample of people arriving in England from mainland China will be tested for COVID-19 to monitor for new variants.
Home Office abolishes police registration scheme
Good news! We have been informed by UKVI that, as of Monday 1 August 2022, the requirement to register with the police (which is applied to students from certain countries) has been suspended for decisions made on student applications.
UKVI confirms this is retrospective and those who have been asked to register will no longer be required to do so.
Please refer to public information about police registration for more information.
Do you wish to bring your dependants to the UK?
Some international students can bring family members (children/partner) to the UK or invite them over later. If you're planning to do this, have a look at the useful information on our international students with families page.
Ukraine immigration schemes
On 29 March, the UK Government published legislation that brings into force three schemes to support Ukrainian nationals and their families:
- Ukraine Extension Scheme for people who are already in the UK
- Homes for Ukraine for people who are outside the UK
- Family scheme for people inside and outside the UK
Full details on the Ukraine immigration schemes can be found on the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website. The University ISA team is unable to offer specific advice on these schemes but will certainly try to guide and support you.
Other updates and opportunities
Graduate Visa Zoom information sessions
Are you thinking about working in the UK after you have successfully completed your degree at the University of Plymouth? Do you want to find out more about the Graduate Visa?
If yes, we are running online information sessions which are bookable at myCareer – sign in with your student log in and then type in ‘Let’s talk about the Graduate Visa’ in the search box.
Pastoral and spiritual support events
The Pastoral and Spiritual Support team offers support for the whole University community, whether you think of yourself as spiritual, religious, a person of faith or of no faith at all. We are now open every weekday from 10:00–16:00 and have regular pastoral and spiritual support events taking place during the semester.
Do you want to improve your academic English skills or practice your spoken English?
The English Language Centre provides a range of free classroom activities and online resources for students whose first language is not English. These include workshops and tutorials and a wide range of self-study resources and courses.
Visit our DLE site for more information
You can also contact the team at: elc@plymouth.ac.uk.
Global Buddies: Group for University international students
Starting University can be a difficult time, especially if you are new to living in the UK. Global Buddies is a group for international students that provides a chance to meet other international students and make social connections.
The group discusses things like life in the UK, stories of people's home countries, university life and how to address any difficulties international students may be facing. The group is facilitated by three of our doctoral students who are excited to meet you all.
We meet every Wednesday from 15:30–17:00 in the Pastoral and Spiritual Support Centre, 1 Kirkby Terrace.
The HELLO Project
The HELLO Project matches new international students at the University of Plymouth with student buddies at the start of the academic year. Students get together to talk, ask questions, get information, and share ideas. New students can find out about living in Plymouth and studying at university.
Most importantly, the HELLO project gives new international students the opportunity to make new friends.
Email: elc@plymouth.ac.uk for more information or visit our website and watch our video.