Student Visas
Anyone who will be studying in the United States could be issued one of the three following visatypes for international students: F1 Visa, J1 Visa, or M1 Visa. You may be asking, “What visa do you need to work as an international student in the US?”. The F1 and J1 Visas allow for the possibility of employment but do not guarantee it. The M1 Visa,
Types of International Student Visas
F1 Visa
Academic Studies
The “F” visa is for academic studies. An F1 visa is issued to students who are attending an academic program or English Language Program. F1 visas are by far the most common form of international student visa in the U.S. F1 students must maintain the minimum course load for full-time student status. F1 status allows for part-time, on-campus employment (fewer than 20 hours per week). Additionally, students can work on optional practical training (OPT) for up to one year after completion of their academic program. Students are expected to complete their studies by the expiration date on the I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).
J1 Visa
Practical Training
A J1 visa is issued to students who need to obtain practical training that is not available in their home country to complete their academic program. J-1 student status allows for similar employment as the F1 visa, with similar restrictions, as long as permission is given by the exchange visitor program sponsor.
M1 Visa
Non-Academic / Vocational Studies
An M1 visa is issued to a student who is going to attend a non-academic or vocational university. M-1 visa holders for technical and vocational programs are not permitted to work during the course of their studies. The M-1 student visa applicants must have evidence that sufficient funds are immediately available to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of their intended stay.
however, does not allow for the possibility of employment. We’ve broken down each of these three types of international student visas so that you can get familiar with them and how they will impact your life in the US.
GP registration
We encourage all our students to register with a GP (doctor) – this is the best way to access non-emergency medical care. You can register before you arrive at University, you just need to know your term-time address. Find out how to register with a GP.
How to register with local healthcare providers
If you’re entitled to NHS treatment, you’ll be able to use mostly local and family doctor services free of charge, as well as have access to free emergency and non-emergency treatment in hospitals.
Register with a GP (doctor):
It’s really important to register with a GP (this is what we call local or family doctors in the UK/US). You should do this as soon as you know your term-time address. GPs provide a range of non-emergency services by appointment – including examinations, medication prescriptions, vaccinations, and referrals to other medical specialists. Registering with a GP is also one of the ways you can get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Register with a dentist:
You can find local dentists on the NHS Find a dentist website. Be aware that there is a small additional charge for NHS dental services, and not all dental procedures are covered by the NHS.
Opticians:
There is a fee for eye tests and all eye treatment. Optometry students operate a clinic in the Carys Bannister building during term time, and there are many other opticians around Manchester.
Occupational Health Service:
The University Occupational Health Service also offers advice on issues relating to university life, work, and general medical advice.
Disability Advisory and Support Service:
The University’s Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS) offer a range of support to disabled students, including those with long-term mental and physical health conditions. From software to help you study to alternative arrangements in exams, the DASS is here to help you access the support you need. If you would like to receive disability support, you will need to register with DASS which means completing a registration form and providing evidence. The service is confidential and DASS won’t share your information unless you give your permission.
Police registration
The following passport holders are required to register with the police after they collect their BRP in the UK and also update their details as required:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Hong Kong SAR, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Palestine, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Stateless or traveling on a non-national document (i.e. Travel Document).
When you register with the police, you will be issued a police registration certificate. It is important you keep this document in a safe place. You do not need to carry it around with you in Cambridge.
Police registration is undertaken in Cambridge at Parkside Police Station
New students to the UK
You will need to register at Parkside Police Station but must book an appointment in advance by email.
Please read the following information:
- If you are traveling from a country where you are required to quarantine for 10 daysafter arriving in the UK, you should book your appointment for after this period.
- Your visa decision letter may advise you to register with the police within 7 days. The Police Station in Cambridge advises that this is not necessary as long as you request an appointment to attend after arrival in the UK.
- Ensure that you wear a face-covering at all times in the Police Station.
- You may wish to bring your own pen to use but make sure it is black ink.
- You should not attend if you are showing any coronavirus symptoms.
- You will need to bring the following to the appointment:
- your passport;
- your BRP OR your visa decision letter if you have not yet collected your BRP;
- two passport size photographs – taken recently and at the same time;
- £34 in cash;
- Registration Form if possible you should try and complete this before arriving for your appointment.
Airport Pickup
To support you when you arrive in the UK, we have a new taxi transfer service to collect you from your chosen arrival airport and take you to our Centre, or ONCAMPUS accommodation.
One of our trusted chauffeurs will meet you at your airport arrival gate and transport you to either your college address or to your accommodation, whichever you prefer.
All our private cars are high quality and will ensure that you will arrive rested and refreshed!
The cost for the transfer will vary depending on your chosen destination airport and campus. Please see your campus pre-arrival information for more details on cost.
What you need to do before you book your transfer:
- We will confirm your place and send you a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance to Study).
You will use this to apply for your visa. - We will send you pre-arrival information, including how to book your accommodation.
- When you have your visa, you should book your flight.
- When you have booked your flight, you should book your taxi transfer.
- Apply for your visa if you need one. You cannot come to the UK without this.
How to book your transfer
1. Download the relevant information and booking form below for your campus.
2. Complete the form and email it to the email address provided on the information sheet
3. You will receive confirmation of your booking
4. If you need to change or cancel your booking, you must do this at least 48 hours before the scheduled collection time. If you do not do this, you will be charged for the transfer. Full details of how to cancel a transfer are included with the confirmation of booking.
5. The cost for the transfer will be added to the your student account, and you will be asked to pay this expense after the start of your program me with us.
