Tier 1 - Post Study Work

Overview

Important Notice: This scheme officially ended on 6 April 2012. The UK Border Agency has stopped processing applications for Tier 1 (Post Study Work) visa. Those on Tier 4 student visas wishing to remain in the UK after graduation will now need to qualify for a Tier 2 visa. In many cases only graduates who have an offer of a skilled job from a sponsoring employer under Tier 2 of the points-based system will be able to stay and work in the UK.

If applying for a Tier 2 (General) visa, the new rules require graduates to have an offer of a skilled job at a salary of at least £20,000 (or more in some cases) from a reputable employer accredited by the UK Border Agency in order to continue living and working in the UK.

Additionally, a new Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur route has been introduced, with up to 1,000 places for students working on world-class innovative ideas who want to stay and develop their ideas but do not meet the requirements of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route. Entrepreneurs under this new visa route will be able to stay in the UK and switch into the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa if they invest £50,000 in their business. However, it is unlikely many applicants will qualify for this visa route.

The Post-Study Work sub-category replaces the International Graduates Scheme and the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme. It is good for a non-renewable two-year period after which you are expected to transfer to another immigration category. Time spent under the Post-Study Work sub-category does not count towards permanent residence.

Specific Criteria

Has successfully obtained either: a UK recognized bachelor's degree; or a UK recognized postgraduate degree; or a UK postgraduate certificate or diploma; or an HND from a Scottish institution	20 points
At a UK institution that is either: a recognized or listed UK body; or on the Tier 4 sponsors register (once implemented); or if claimining points for an Higher National Diploma from a Scottish Institution, that diploma was earned at a publicly funded institution of higher education or a bonafide Scottish private education institution which maintains records of enrolment and attendance.	20 points
Obtained the qualification while in the UK with: Student (Tier 4, once introduced) Leave; or As a dependant of someone with valid leave in an immigration category permitting dependants in the UK	20 points
Made the application within the last 12 months of obtaining the qualification	15 points

English Language Ability

The English language requirement is waived for Post-Study Work applicants because it is assumed English language proficiency was required to obtained the eligible qualification.

Maintenance

Post-Study Work applicants from outside the country are required to score ten points by proving they can support themselves and any dependents.

In order to earn the 10 points for maintenance funds:

• Applicants for leave to remain in the United Kingdom must have £800 of available funds
• Applicants for entry clearance to come into the United Kingdom must have £2,800 available funds
  

You must also show you have at least £1600 in maintenance funds to cover each of your dependents.

Most Post-Study Work migrants are expected to switch from the Student (or Tier 4) category from within the UK, in which case the Maintenance test will only require the migrant to show they have £800 in Funds plus additional funds for dependants.

Switching to a Tier 2 visa

You can also switch from a Post-Study Work Tier 1 visa to a Tier 2 visa without your employer needing to prove they cannot fill the job with a UK citizen. In order to apply for a Tier 2 visa you will need to have worked for your sponsor for a continuous period of at least six months immediately before the date of your application. Also, you must be applying to continue in the same job you are doing on the date of the application.