Current position
- A reminder that Department for Education published a key messages document for international students (2021-22 academic year).
- The Department for Education has published a key messages document for international students that can be used by providers for the 2021-22 academic year.
- The red, amber and green lists of countries have been updated. Thailand and Montenegro were added to the red list from 30 August.
- DfE have produced an FAQ on Managed Quarantine Service for international students arriving in England to go alongside the webinar. Please note we are still awaiting guidance on MQF for under 18s and have made clear to DHSC that this is a priority for the sector.
- Vaccinated US and EU/EEA residents can now benefit from the same exemption from quarantine (and from a day 8 test) as UK residents when arriving from amber list countries. The updated guidance sets out what to do before and after you arrive in England if you’ve been in an amber list country in the 10 days before you arrive (and have not been in or passed through a red list country, or France) and you are fully vaccinated with an authorised vaccine in the USA or Europe.
- The red, amber and green lists of countries have been updated.
- From 19 July, fully vaccinated UK residents returning to England from most amber list countries will not need to quarantine.
- One exception to this new rule is France, from where it was announced over the weekend that all arrivals must continue to quarantine for 10 days at home or in other accommodation, regardless of vaccination status.
- It has been confirmed by the Home Office that the concessions allowing distance and blended learning have been extended until 6 April 2022; and students will be eligible to access the Graduate route provided they arrive in the UK either before their visa ends or by 6 April 2022.
- An extension of the ‘exceptional assurance’ arrangements has been granted until 30 September 2021 for temporary UK residents who need to stay longer because they cannot return to their home country for COVID-related reasons.
- Countries have been moved and added to the green, amber and red lists.
- Home Office guidance has been updated to reflect the deadline for 2021 graduates arriving in the UK and applying for the Graduate Route being extended from 21 June to 27 September.
Official guidance
- Letter from Minister Donelan to International Students joining or returning to a UK university in the new 2021/22 academic year.
- Letter from Minister Donelan to International Students
- Department for Education – Travel guidance for education settings
- Home Office – Covid-19 factsheet: visa customers outside of the UK
- Home Office – Covid-19 factsheet: visa holders and short-term residents in the UK
- Home Office – Covid-19 factsheet: guidance for sponsors
- Home Office – Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for Tier 2, 4 and 5 sponsors
- Joint ministerial letter to international students on 9th April 2020
- Joint ministerial letter to international students’ on 22nd June 2020
- Home Office – Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tier 4 sponsors, migrants and short-term students
- UKVI new guidance for visa migrants and visitors which gives those with leave expiring 31 July 2020 a month’s grace period to get a new visa or leave the UK. Those with leave until 31 August 2020 have the full month of August to do the same.
- The Home Office has made revisions to the guidance for migrants and visitors. This includes a new process for replacing expiring 30-day visas now that VACs are re-opening and a clarification that a new replacement will be valid for 90 days.
- Home Office – Updated Covid-19 guidance for Visa holders in the UK
Useful resources
- UKCISA – Information for international students
- UKCISA – Mindfulness seminar
- UKCISA – HEPI Blog Looking after international students during the Covid-19 crisis – and after
- Carter Thomas – Guidance on Tier 4 student coronavirus (Covid-19) related absences
- Carter Thomas – UK immigration updates
- IC Cafe Webinars – HE International Student Recruitment Covid-19 Tracker
- British Council – All Chinese provinces have now announced dates for the staggered reopening of schools and universities
Joint ministerial letter to international students
Universities Minister Michelle Donelan MP has published a joint letter with her counterparts within the devolved administrations addressed to international students seeking to study in the UK. The letter,which IHE members have been asked to send to their prospective students, is written to ensure prospective students feel confident in their decision to come to the UK. It highlights:
- Universities and education providers are recruiting now and on an ongoing basis.
- The UK is launching a new Graduate work route for international students that will enable individuals to work, or look for work in the UK, at any skill level for two years after graduation.
- UK degrees main a globally high standard even if some provision is delivered online
- The UK government and devolved administrations are committed to safeguarding student wellbeing and safety
Please take a look on our website to read the documents in full.