Recently appointed, Jen Todd, who is an Immigration Legal Advisor at Edinburgh Global, talks about recent changes to the University’s Staff Immigration Service. Image Jen Todd, Legal Immigration Advisor Jen Todd, who is a qualified solicitor, has had an interesting and varied career specialising in immigration law and focussing on asylum, refugee, and human rights work. She has recently joined the University’s Staff Immigration Service and tells us more about the work that the Service undertakes. University’s Staff Immigration Service Based in Edinburgh Global, the Staff Immigration Service was established in 2017 to provide specialised immigration advice and support to prospective and current staff, visitors, and their accompanying dependants. Since its beginning, it has provided advice to thousands of international staff and their families, to help the University’s global community navigate UK immigration rules and processes. The Staff Immigration Service team also work closely with HR colleagues in providing joint training and information sessions. Recently, there has been some exciting changes made to the Staff Immigration Service by increasing the number of advisors, introducing a new enquiry management system to provide users with a smoother enquiry process, and an updated website with more information and useful updates on immigration law relevant to the University’s staff and visitors. How to get in touch with us As of 20 May 2024, the Service will be asking staff and those seeking advice to use its new enquiry system to get in touch. The online enquiry form asks for details of the case, to help ensure the Service can provide the most appropriate, timely advice to staff, their family and visitors. “The new system is, we hope, intuitive and easy to use. It allows users to provide us with background information on their case; we can also ‘tag’ enquiries and get an idea of trends in the types of immigration issues that staff are facing” says Jen. Although the existing 'Staff Visa Help' inbox will still be monitored during the transition period, it is hoped that all enquiries will be dealt with under the new referral system by the end of May. Specialist advice on UK immigration matters Jen joins fellow advisor, Vivian Macdonald, and together they work to provide free and impartial specialist advice on UK immigration matters for prospective and current staff, visitors, and their accompanying dependants. Jen says, “Although I’ve worked in charities and private legal aid firms, I haven’t worked in the Higher Education sector before. This is a chance for me to experience a different side of immigration and continue to meet people from different places and backgrounds – I’ve always enjoyed that aspect of Immigration Law.” Edinburgh staff and their dependants The advice provided to staff and their family members can be about any immigration issues that they may be experiencing. Jen explains, “The most common queries that we deal with are around working visas, such as the Skilled Worker visa and the Global Talent visa. We also frequently advise those who wish to bring family members here to join them in Edinburgh, those who wish to apply for permanent residency and those seeking to apply for British Citizenship.” Jen continues, “We also support staff regarding issues with their immigration status documents and provide information on how immigration status impacts entitlements in the UK, for example, the right to access the NHS and education.” Jen and Vivian are happy to check over applications before they are sent to the Home Office. The Staff Visa Service is a confidential service. Foreign visitors to the University Jen and Vivian also give advice to both academic and professional services staff who wish to invite colleagues from our partner universities to visit Edinburgh. Jen says, “What I’ve learned since starting in my post, is how important visitor visas are to the operation of the University as a whole. We are an international university, working with hundreds of partner universities across the world. It’s hugely important at both an individual and institutional level that people can come and visit Edinburgh to share learning and research.” Impact of the Service The Staff Immigration Service impacts individuals by providing them with a sense of reassurance amidst the complexities and stresses of immigration law. In Jen’s final comments she says, “We’ve received feedback on how much staff and visitors appreciate the service. Navigating this intricate system can be daunting, but with the support of the service, people feel guided and supported. They don’t have to face these challenges alone, knowing that the University stands by them. Being able to offer this support is immensely gratifying, knowing that we're making a meaningful difference in people's lives.” Discover more Visit the Staff Immigration Service's website Contact the Staff Immigration Service This article was published on 2024-06-24
