Support for international colleagues
We’ve got lots of international colleagues in every area of the University and we're committed to attracting, welcoming and supporting new staff from across the world.
We have a range of practical measures to support international colleagues on life in the UK and queries or concerns on immigration matters.
Ukraine
If you are affected by the current situation in Ukraine, please contact the HR International Team for UK immigration or visa support. The Home Office has issued advice to Ukrainians in the UK, as well as support for family members of British nationals in Ukraine. A number of visa concessions, which apply to visitors, students and skilled workers, have also been announced. Full details of the advice and visa concessions can be found by clicking on the following link(s) - Home Office support for Ukrainian nationals and Immigration information for those affected by events in Ukraine.
The Home Office has issued new guidance for family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to or stay in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme.
Full details of the scheme and how to apply can be found here: Ukraine Family Scheme.
UKVI have also set up a telephone helpline for those in the UK who require assistance:
If you need any assistance, please call the 24/7 free helpline +44 808 164 8810 (0808 164 8810 if you’re in the UK).
If you cannot contact UK 0808 numbers, please use +44 (0)175 390 7510.
University Support for those affected by the situation in Ukraine (Word Document)
Many colleagues will want to support those who have been forced to flee their homes because of the invasion. The Government have published some useful information about how you can help. Click on the image below to find out what you can do:
Leeds City Council has launched a major fundraising appeal to help those affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Money raised through the ‘Leeds Together For Ukraine’ appeal will be used to provide accommodation support and other forms of assistance, in partnership with a range of refugee charities and other third sector organisations, to Ukrainian refugees as they build new lives in Leeds after fleeing the fighting in their homeland. Further information and details of the Just Giving page can be found here.
Support for your move to the UK
If you're thinking of applying for a job at Leeds and you'll need permission to work in the UK, you can download our quick guide below, which might be helpful.
Our dedicated website for international staff, Relocate@Leeds, is full of useful information about the University and moving to/living in Leeds and the surrounding area, as well as practical information about UK life. You might also find our Joining the University pages useful for when you arrive.
Buddy scheme for international staff
We've introduced a 'buddy' scheme for new international colleagues to help integration into UK, and University, life and culture. If you'd like to find out more information and get involved, please visit the Relocate@Leeds website.
Staff networks
We have a number of staff networks across the University which you're welcome to join. You can also check out our clubs and societies for you and your family.
Financial support
If you’re a new or current employee applying for a work visa, you may be eligible to apply for reimbursement of the cost of your application. You can find further information about the reimbursement scheme here.
Other costs, including fees for you family members, may be covered by our interest free loan of up to £5,000. You'll find further information about the loan scheme here.
Evidence of employment and earnings
We’re happy to confirm the essential information needed for an indefinite leave to remain, permanent residence or citizenship application. Please contact your local HR hub or email hr@leeds.ac.uk.
If you need evidence of earnings, you can request duplicate P60s or monthly pay information from Employee Self Service – log in with your Windows username and password then:
• For payslips, click on Benefits and Payment, then Salary Statement
• For P60s, click on Personal Information, then Personal Profile, and click the P60 tab
If you're working remotely, you'll need to log in via Remote Desktop.
Updates
As well as the updates on Brexit that we’ll continue to provide on the For Staff website, EEA colleagues might find the Universities UK’s Brexit FAQ webpage and the UK Government's Brexit Checker useful.
We'll update you on news from UK Visas and Immigration on our UKVI News page.
Our relationship with Freeths Solicitors
Individual consultations with an external immigration adviser by telephone or video call
If you want to discuss personal queries, including those related to residence or citizenship applications, you can book a free 20-30 minutes with Emma Brooksbank of Freeths Solicitors. This is available to all staff and are arranged regularly - please email Staff Immigration to express your interest in speaking to Emma.
Preferential rates for legal advice - appointments at Freeths
If, after attending a legal briefing session and an individual consultation, you need further advice you can contact an external lawyer for detailed advice which would be followed up in writing (though this would be at your own expense). Of course you're free to contact any lawyer you choose, but we've negotiated preferential rates for University staff with Freeths.
Help with applications
Freeths' immigration team also provides specialist support on any immigration matter. Again, you're free to instruct any lawyer you choose but, if you do want to make an enquiry with Freeths, please contact Freeths directly to ask for a quote.
Brexit email update service
Freeths provides email update service (to register for updates, complete your details and select the "Brexit Briefings" option).
Currently on hold due to coronavirus
International staff welcome event
Our Deputy Vice-Chancellor: International, Professor Hai-Sui Yu, hosts a twice yearly welcome reception for new international members of staff. These are by invitation only and are in addition to the all-staff ‘Welcome to Leeds’ session hosted by the Vice-Chancellor. You can download presentations from the most recent event below.
Regular events
The University runs various regular events which are mostly free, you don't need to book in advance and some are also open to your partner and children. Find out more on Relocate@Leeds.
Freeths group legal briefing sessions
Led by Emma Brooksbank of Freeths Solicitors, these sessions are aimed at EEA nationals and focus on updates on Brexit and the EU settlement scheme.
Coffee Connections – come and build your community of friends in Leeds!
Coffee Connections is a chance for the partners and families of staff and students at the University to meet each other, make new friends and share ideas about how to make the most of living in Leeds. Monthly events take place in a relaxed environment over free tea, coffee and a selection of delicious cakes. Children are very welcome and there are plenty of toys to keep them busy.
If you have any questions about any of above, or want HR support or advice, please contact your local HR hub.