Visa Support Assistant

Salary: £29,588 with progression to £31,236 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 16 August 2026

We have an opportunity in our Visa Support Team to support international students and colleagues on visa-related matters. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the university maintains full compliance with Home Office requirements, as well as providing a seamless support service for students. Attracting overseas students is vital for us as a university and we currently have around 4500 overseas students who are studying with us.

To be highly successful in this role, you will have a keen interest in international student immigration matters and effectively build your knowledge of student immigration requirements and university systems.

We are looking for someone who can communicate well as the role involves conveying often complex information to students whose first language is not English. Reporting to the Student Visa Support Managers, you will be given full training to ensure that you are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to work within the IAA code of standards and competencies.

The role will be working on a blended working basis, with expectation of a more regular presence on campus during the peak periods.

To discuss this role, please contact Hena Mookerji, Student Visa Advice Manager  

• Assist with the preparation and submission of leave to remain applications for students following Home Office guidelines
• Provide up-to-date professional information and support to international students and university staff with regards to a range of immigration issues and deliver advice in a clear and concise manner
• Manage a case load relating to student immigration issues under the guidance of the Student Visa Compliance and Advice Team Leader and liaise with the Home Office and other external agencies in relation to this, where appropriate
• Organise and contribute to visa workshops and inductions programmes for international students, ensuring that they are familiar with their immigration obligations and Home Office requirements
• Support the immigration permission verification process for international students at arrival and for new documents
• Maintain and review records of right to study documents ensuring accuracy, completeness and audit
• Assist with the preparation of Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) to support visa applications for existing students
• Manage confidential and sensitive material with integrity and discretion
• Ensure that personal enquiries from students or staff are handled in an efficient and helpful manner
• Help members of the service with a range of work, as necessary, e.g. our annual registration exercise and other annual exercises

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Well-developed organisational skills with the ability to work accurately with meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively within a team and relate well to others
• Ability to use initiative and an active approach to problem solving
  
  Experience of customer service work
• Excellent IT skills and willingness to learn new systems appropriate to the role
• Numerate when dealing with Student Visa requirements

Attributes and Behaviour

• An ability to communicate effectively especially where clients’ first language is not English
• Ability to cope under pressure and react sensitively to customers needs
• Can manage diverse priorities and meet deadlines
• Works in a confidential and discreet manner
• Self-confidence in dealing with people on matters of procedure
• Ability to negotiate
• Ability to work as a team and share workload, as appropriate

Qualifications

• Educated to GCE A Level or equivalent, or work experience in comparable role

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people…