Human Resources Division
Examiners
Immigration rule changes
A number of important changes have been made to immigration rules with effect from 6 April 2013. These webpages are in the process of being updated but, in the meantime, a document summarising the changes is available for you to review:
There are 3 immigration routes which can be used by external examiners that require permission to enter the UK:
Business Visitor route
The business visitor category is for people who want to come and do business in the UK for a short time.
It is illegal for external examiners to enter the UK on a Tourist Visa and it is illegal to directly pay non-EEA examiners a fee for examining if they enter under the business visitor route. Any payments made to external examiners should be paid directly to their home institution rather than to the individual. Please contact the Board of Graduate Studies for details on expenses that can be claimed.
Visitors carrying out Permitted Paid Engagements route
If the external examiner is to be paid directly, this is the correct route of entry to the UK.
Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange)
The UK Border Agency has now allowed the use of Tier 5 under the points-based system to sponsor external examiners to come to the UK. This route allows us to pay examiners directly. (The level of payment must be at or above the national minimum wage).
Applicants entering the UK under this route will be given permission to stay for a maximum of 24 months and must score 40 points under the points-based system.