► International Students

While international students broadly face the same difficulties as home students, with sponsorship, immigration status or family here or at home, there can be added factors linked to living and studying (often for the first time) in a strange country. If you encounter any problem whatsoever we are here to help.

Immigration
The UBU Advice Centre offers advice and assistance to registered students and their immediate families on immigration matters. (The advice is offered free of charge and without discrimination.) The University of Bradford Union is exempt from the general prohibition on the provision of immigration advice and services imposed by the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 as it falls within one of the categories specified in the Immigration Advice and Services Order 2001 (S11403).

Only the designated Immigration Adviser in compliance with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner is authorised to give advice. (Advice will not be given relating to asylum or otherwise outside the competence of the appointed adviser, but assistance will be given in referring the client to the appropriate practitioners) on issues such as:

• Entry Clearance Correction Scheme
• Immigration Advice
• Immigration Service
• Visa Extensions (Batch Scheme)
UK Immigration Advisory Service (an independent Non Governmental Organisation) provides advice and representation related to asylum and immigration law to eligible people. Go to www.iasuk.org or call the Bradford office at 01274 482 588.
UKCISA (UK Council for International Students) http://www.ukcosa.org.uk/ gives advice on a wide range of issues relating to international students. If you can’t find the information you need on the website, call the advice line on 0207 107 9922.

Asylum Seekers & Refugees

While Bradford is generally a welcoming place to live, sometimes asylum seekers and refugees can find living in a new country and/or city quite isolating and overwhelming. The following organisations may help you feel more confident about enjoying your life in Bradford:

BIASAN is a voluntary-run organisation for asylum seekers, refugees and those who support them. It hosts weekly meetings every Thursday. BRC itself does not offer advice but can help people to keep in contact with their countries of origin. In addition, all asylum seekers and refugees can use its facilities, which include email and web access. It also hosts English language classes (call 01274546812 to register).

BIASAN takes place at Bradford Resource Centre. For more information -
Tel: 01274 779003
Email: info@brc-net.org.uk
http://www.brc-net.org.uk/networks.htm

Bradford City of Sanctuary celebrates the contribution that asylum seekers and refugees bring to the city and aims to make this more widely recognised. It also strives to challenge some of the misinformation and stereotypes that circulate regarding asylum seekers and refugees. It also works to created opportunities for those looking for sanctuary to participate fully in life in Bradford. Tel: 01274 721626, email: cofsbradford@googlemail.com or go to http://www.cityofsanctuary.com/