Student Visitor status and the work prohibition

At the college where I work, we now advise all our US Study Abroad students to apply for student entry clearance before travelling, explaining the advantages.  However, a show of hands at the welcome meeting yesterday showed that OVER HALF of them had decided not to get entry clearance, preferring to apply on arrival for admission as Student Visitors.

I have already had to deal with angry and upset students who were planning on working, volunteering or getting work experience, and cannot do it because they have a Work Prohibition.

Several people say their Study Abroad adviser told them they did not need entry clearance.  I explained that sure, they can come without it, as they just have.  But if they want to be admitted as a Student, with the right to work and extend their stay if they want, they do need it.  I guess they have learned the hard way.

I am a little ticked off at some ignorant and arrogant Study Abroad advisers today!

I'd tell OISC.

Vicky

I'd tell OISC.

Vicky

Does the OISC regulate study abroad advisers at universities overseas?

Does the OISC regulate study abroad advisers at universities overseas?

No.  And in my experience some Study Abroad advisers don't take their role very seriously. Before 1 September, at least short-term students with a work prohibition because of bad advice could apply for it to be changed to a restriction by sending a FLR(S) application (although they are applying for different conditions, not more time).  They can't do that now.

A few years ago, one US partnership institution ended up having to pick up the pieces of bad Study Abroad advice by paying for 25 students' FLR(S) applications.  At £150 a time, I think the fee was then.

No, they don't.  But they are lobbying to get more influence over non UK advisors, and are always interested in stories like this.  They can, at the very least, highlight this problem with the ECO's and perhaps make sure that students are better informed.

Vicky

It can't hurt, thanks Vicky.