Visa reimbursements and loans
Information on the Visa Reimbursement Scheme and the Visa Loan Scheme for international staff.
Visa reimbursement scheme
What costs are covered in the reimbursement scheme?
The University of Sheffield reimburses the visa application cost for the main applicant for the following:
- Skilled Worker extension applications
- Skilled Worker visa (when required to take up appointment at the University of Sheffield)
- Global Talent visa applications (when required to take up appointment at the University of Sheffield) - please ensure that you apply for a visa that will cover the full length of your appointment. If you apply for a visa for a shorter period, you would be unable to submit a further visa reimbursement claim during the period of this appointment.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for the main application of a Global Talent or Skilled Worker visa. For the Global Talent visa, the University will reimburse the IHS applicable for the duration of the main applicant's contract
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) visa applications for existing Tier 2, Skilled Worker or Global Talent visa holders who are required to apply for ILR to continue to work for the University for at least 6 months after the end date of their existing leave to remain.
What visa costs are not included in the visa reimbursement scheme?
All other visa costs including the priority/premium service and biometric enrolment fees are excluded. Visa costs for dependents are also not included.
If you have pre-existing right to work in the UK that will cover the period of your appointment, you will not be eligible to make a claim under this policy.
If you have pre-existing right to work but require a Skilled Worker or Global Talent visa to continue your employment, you will only receive reimbursement for the Immigration Health Surcharge for the period after your current visa end date.
For the Global Talent visa, please ensure that you apply for a visa to cover the full length of your appointment. If you apply for a visa for a shorter period, you would be unable to submit a further visa reimbursement claim during the period of this appointment.
Is there a deadline when I need to submit my claim?
You must submit your claim for visa reimbursement within 2 months of your visa being approved if you applied for your visa from the UK or 2 months from when you started working at the University if you applied for your visa outside the UK.
How do I claim reimbursement for an out of country Global Talent or Skilled Worker visa application?
Once your visa is approved and your department has completed your right to work check, you should complete a visa reimbursement claim form.
If your claim meets the criteria of the scheme, the reimbursement will be paid into your bank account alongside your next salary payment (subject to payroll deadline).
If you are a Marie Curie Researcher you are able to claim the cost of your visa back from the grant. You should claim the cost of the visa, via expenses, and charge it directly to the research project.
Due to HMRC regulations, the payment is subject to tax and National Insurance contributions. The taxable deduction will be visible on your payslip.
What happens if I leave the University earlier than anticipated?
If you leave the University earlier than anticipated, we will seek repayment of visa costs previously reimbursed to you as follows:
| Leaving date | % reimbursement to be repaid |
|---|---|
| Within 12 months of visa or employment start date (whichever is later) | 100% |
| Within 13 to 24 months of visa or employment start date (whichever is later) | 75% |
| Within 25 to 36 months of visa or employment start date (whichever is later) | 50% |
Visa Loan Scheme
What can the Visa Loan Scheme be used for?
The University provides an interest-free loan scheme to help reduce the financial impact of Global Talent, Skilled Worker and ILR (for existing Tier 2/Skilled Worker/Global Talent) visa application and Immigration Health Surcharge costs for dependents.
How much can be borrowed?
You must only request the amount you actually need and you will be required to provide evidence of the actual amount paid to UKVI/Home Office and so you should retain a copy of your payment receipts.
You can borrow up to £10,000 or a lesser amount depending on a repayment affordability assessment (see below). The loan can be made without tax and NI consequences to the employee.
How will the loan be paid?
On approval, the loan will be paid into your bank account with your first salary payment (subject to payroll deadline).
You can select a repayment period of either 6, 12 or 24 months. Repayments will be deducted from salary payments in equal amounts, commencing the month after the loan has been paid.
How do I apply for a loan?
When you start your role at the University, full instructions on how to apply for a visa loan will be provided by your department. The process includes completing an application form and providing copies of your payment receipts.