England + Academia = Bureaucracy

I can laugh about it, because, well, that’s the sanest thing to do.

And for once in my life I seem to be getting things done early instead of waiting until the absolute last second. But here’s a snapshot – slightly edited – of my recent (and still ongoing) journey through a bit of UK Academic bureaucracy, trying to renew/extend my student VISA:

As per http://www.gold.ac.uk/international/regions/usa/ – I first emailed the international office.

Feb 10 (7 days ago)

Dear International Office staff,

I am currently on leave from my Ph.D. studies in the History Department, but I will return in April to resume studies. My 3 year student visa, however, has expired as of 31/01/11. Can you advise me on how best to extend or renew my visa?
Many thanks,Justin WhitakerStudent ref# 33100802
International Office to me Feb 15 (3 days ago)
Hi Justin

Thank you for your email. Please contact our Student Support Office (student-support@gold.ac.uk), who will be happy to advise you.

Best regards

Person
International Office

(I send the same email to the Student Support Office)
Student Support Office to me 2:17 AM (6 hours ago)
Dear Justin

Please send your email directly to the Student Advice Team – student-advice@gold.ac.uk.

Regards

Person
Title
Student Funding and Information Office

(I send the same email to the Student Advice Team)

Dear Justin,

Thank you for contacting the Student Advice team. The student immigration system in the UK has changed considerably since you last applied for a student visa, with the introduction of Tier 4 of the Points Based System in March 2009. Information about Tier 4 (General) Student visas can be found on the UK Border Agency’s website at: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/adult-students/can-you-apply/

All students making a Tier 4 application require a ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies’, known as a ‘CAS’. A CAS is not an actual certificate or paper document but a virtual document similar to a database record. CAS for continuing students are issued by Student Records, therefore please contact Student Records via student-records@gold.ac.uk and request a CAS. Once you have obtained a CAS from Student Records you can apply for entry clearance as a Tier 4 (General) Student from your home country. We hope that you find the following information helpful:

Making your Tier 4 application from your home country:

Please read the Tier 4 Policy Guidance carefully before making any application: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/Tier4migrantguidance1.pdf

Information on applying for entry clearance under Tier 4 of the Points Based System is available on the UKVisas website: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/
In particular please refer to the Tier 4 General & Child student visa application guidance document INF29, which can be found at:http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf29pbsstudent
Since you are applying for entry clearance as a Tier 4 (General) student you will need to complete the following two forms: ‘Application form VAF9 – PBS Migrant’ and ‘PBS Appendix 8 General Student self assessment form’, both of which can be found at:http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/vafs/
Please also read the VAF9 Guidance notes carefully before making your application; these can be found via the link above.
You may also find it helpful to read the UKCISA information sheet ‘Making a student immigration application in your home country’: http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/applying_home_country.php
You can find a guide to the current visa processing times in your home country via the following link: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/processingtimes
You can also find details of your nearest visa application centre via: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/wheretoapply/

Please do not hesitate to contact the Student Advice team again should you need any further information or assistance with your Tier 4 application.

Yours sincerely

Person
Title

Contact info…

Goldsmiths Student Support Services Department welcomes your feedback to ensure we are meeting student demand and to improve our service. If you wish to make a comment or provide feedback please contact PERSON, Head of Student Support Services, directly or use the feedback form and box located outside room 124 Richard Hoggart Building.

(I forward all of this to Student Records)

student-records to me 7:54 AM (45 minutes ago)

Dear Mr Whitaker,

In order to issue the CAS we will require copies of your current passport and current or most recent student visa. Please email scanned copies of all documents to PERSON at his email@gold.ac.uk
CAS will normally be issued within 5 days of receipt.

Kind Regards
Student Records
Contact info

(I forward all of this, along with requested documents to the person there, and…)

PERSON@gold.ac.uk to me

I will be out of office from Wednesday 16 – Monday 21 February 2011.
If no alternative email address is given above, for all urgent matters email: studentrecords@gold.ac.uk

PERSON

Sigh… I emailed student records again and they informed me that PERSON is the only one who can issue the CAS. No rush. And I know it could be worse, much worse.

In other news, it’s a beautiful gray, snowy day in Helena and likely to be the same in Missoula, where I’m heading this afternoon for a talk and retreat with Anam Thubten Rinpoche. Going through stuff stored at my folks’ house, editing photos, sorting memorabilia from travels, lining up time with friends, planning my next round of travels, and getting over jet-lag.

It all makes my time spent traveling seem remarkably simple.