Category: Study Abroad

By early 2025, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) division of the Home Office plans to transition to a digital system, replacing most physical documents used to verify a student’s immigration status with an eVisa. The eVisa will replace previously required documents, including:

• Biometric residence permits (BRP)

• Biometric residence cards (BRC)

• Passport endorsements

• Vignette stickers on passports

What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is a crucial digital record of a student’s immigration status, outlining the conditions for entering and staying in the United Kingdom. Most Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) will expire on December 31, 2024. Students must create a UKVI account before their BRP expires. If your BRP expires on or after this date but you have valid permission to stay in the UK, carry your BRP when travelling until March 31, 2025. Taking these steps is essential for maintaining your status in the UK.

Students must create their UKVI account immediately upon receiving their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

In certain instances, students who have acquired an eVisa may still be required to submit their biometric information in person. If this is necessary, applicants will receive direct notification.

The transition from traditional physical documentation to a digital eVisa aims to enhance security protocols and facilitate the verification of a student’s status with UK border authorities and other relevant entities, such as employers and educational institutions. This advancement reflects a commitment to creating a more efficient and secure process for international students.

How Do You Get a UKVI Account?

This process varies depending on whether students already possess a biometric residence permit (BRP) or are new applicants applying directly to UKVI.

New Student Applicants

Students should set up their UKVI account as soon as they receive their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). To do so, applicants will need:

• A valid phone number and email address for verification and security purposes
• A valid passport
• Visa application number

Important Notice: Most Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) will expire on December 31, 2024. All sponsored students at UK universities must create a UKVI account and provide a share code to confirm their permission to stay in the UK. To avoid complications with your residency status, please complete this step promptly. Your swift action is essential.

What Happens After You Create a UKVI Account?

After applicants create their UKVI account, they can access their eVisa and review their rights and responsibilities in the UK related to their visa. Within their UKVI account, students can also update any changes to their personal details, such as a new passport number or email address.

Applicants should be aware that access to their eVisa may be denied under the following circumstances:

– If they possess a visa that is valid for less than 6 months

– If they hold an EU Settlement Scheme family permit

– If they have an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

– If they are exempt from immigration control, such as diplomats or individuals with ‘right of abode’

For those navigating the application process, the UK Government’s website is a valuable resource, offering comprehensive information, as well as insightful videos and tutorials designed to guide you every step of the way.

Should you require any additional assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to AIA Study Abroad

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Are you passionate about preserving our planet? Living sustainably is something everyone can choose to do, international students included. Creating a more livable world for everyone sometimes feels like an overwhelming challenge. But the key is twofold: stay hopeful, and know that every action you take has an impact.

“So, where do we go from here? First, we take a breath. It’s a lot. And in some ways, we as humans were not designed for a crisis this massive and all-encompassing. In other ways, we were made for this moment. What we do now is dream. From a foundation of science and community, we must imagine the future we want to live in, and the future we want to pass on, and every day do something to reel the dream closer to reality.“

Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine K. Wilkinson

Let’s look at a few ideas for living sustainably while studying abroad below. These are just a few ideas to get you started, so don’t be afraid to add to this list!

There are lots of small switches you can make to live sustainably. Plus, many of these changes are good news for your student budget.

Whether you’re on a student meal plan or buying groceries, choosing more plant-based foods can save you money. Just make sure you’re still getting enough protein! Foods like quinoa, soy milk, chickpeas, beans, and even wholegrain rice are great picks. Eggs and cheese are good vegetarian options, as well.

Active transportation also has benefits that are good for you and good for the earth. Try walking to class, biking to a study date, or taking a scooter to your part-time job. You’ll get fresh air, improve your lung capacity, and build stronger leg muscles. Plus, parking is usually easier to find, and almost always free. In more extreme climates or for longer trips, consider carpooling or public transit.

Planning a party? From thrifting your outfit to using reusable or compostable dishes and decorations, small actions can make even the biggest party more sustainable. Before the party, find out who’s glad to take leftovers home at the end of the night. This cuts down on food waste (and can make your friends who hate to cook very happy)!

Sustainable Practices in Class

Sustainability can also be part of your class syllabus. Australia’s Group of Eight Universities’ Living Laboratory publication shares research, ethical purchasing, and energy management achievements. These projects are often built into coursework, and have real-world impact.

The University of Melbourne has increased Fair Trade product purchasing through their Faculty of Business’ practicum program. And, at Monash University, food waste is diverted from landfills by using green bins.

Student Action

International students can’t vote in political elections when abroad. But you can vote for, volunteer with, or be student council candidates who encourage sustainable practices. Student councils look at issues students face, and advocate for policies that improve their lives. Check out the Western University Student Council page for ideas. That said, don’t forget to vote by mail in elections in your home country while you’re studying abroad!

Other student groups can make a difference, too. Here are some success stories:

• The award-winning Sustainability Leadership Council at McEwan University managed projects ranging from Green Spaces (where students coach the university’s administration on green strategies) to addressing stationery waste.
• University of Guelph students were key to the university’s journey to divest from fossil fuel companies in its portfolio. Chair of the Board of Governors, Shauneen Bruder, noted: “Our students helped the University shape our thinking and timing about the positive actions needed to meet the complex challenge of climate change.”
• University of the Pacific’s Green Team encourages recycling and composting during student move in/move out. They also promote recycling at major events.
• At the University of Idaho, student volunteers have planted over 6,000 native trees. This prevents erosion and restores the local ecosystem.

Like any change, it’s best to start small. Then, build that energy into something bigger. By introducing small changes in your life to make it more sustainable, you can encourage those around you to start doing the same. By working together on a project you care about, more impactful changes will occur.