Tier 1 Post Study Work visas

Tier 1 Post Study Work visas allow talented non-EEA nationals who have graduated from a university in the UK to transfer to a Tier 1 visa. This visa replaces the International Graduates Scheme (IGS) and the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme.

Migrants will be able to take employed work, or work as self-employed businesspeople if they meet the requirements for a tier 1 Post study visa, under the UK's new Points Based System.

Applicants who hold a Tier 1 Post study work visa can then change to either:

• a Tier 1 General visa, the replacement to the HSMP system, or
• a Tier 2 visa, the replacement to UK work permits.

The Post study work visa applicants must meet general requirements common to all Tier 1 routes along with specific Post Study visa criteria. Candidates need to attain a minimum pass mark of 75 points.

Tier 1 Post Study work visas differ from the alternative Tier 1 options in the purpose of the visa, and also the period for which the visa is granted.

Under the General, Entrepreneur and Investor visa categories, the visas are initially granted for a period of three years. After this applicants can apply to have their visas extended for a further two years. After this period, applicants can apply to become permanent residents of the UK.

The Post study work visa is issued for only two years. Applicants cannot extend their time in the UK under this category, but can transfer to a different visa within Tier 1 or alternatively, to Tier 2 if they are able to secure a sponsor.

English language

The Post-Study Work visa is approved based on applicants having successfully completed a course at a UK university or college. By studying and completing a UK course, applicants automatically meet the English language requirement.

Maintenance

A Tier 1 Post study work visa candidate must be able to support themselves financially, and provide financial support for any dependants who accompany them in the UK. The maintenance criterion has a pass mark of 10.

The required amount of funds at the disposal of the applicant will depend on whether the application is submitted from within the UK to the UK Border Agency, or overseas, at an Embassy.

For UK Border Agency applications, the main applicant needs to hold £800 for themselves, and £1,600 for each dependant that has been in the UK for less than 12 months. £533 is required for each dependant in the UK for more than 12 months.

For Embassy applications, the main applicant needs to hold £2,800 for themselves, and £1,600 for each dependant.

Study

To qualify for a Post Study Work visa, you need 75 points. There are four areas each with a specific number of points and requirements.

Requirement 1 (20 Points)

The Applicant needs to have completed a HND qualification from a recognised Scottish institution, a UK Bachelor degree, Postgraduate degree, or Postgraduate Certificate or Diloma.

Requirement 2 (20 Points)

The Educational institution must be either on the Tier 4 Sponsors Register, or a listed/recognised UK institution.

Requirement 3 (20 Points)

The qualification must have been obtained by the applicant while in the UK on either a Tier 4 Student visa, or a dependant visa of another applicant.

Requirement 4 (15 Points)

The application needs to be submitted within 12 months of the applicant completing their qualification.

Visa extensions

The Post Study Work visa is the only Tier 1 visa that cannot be extended beyond two years. It is a bridging visa that allows applicants to transfer into another category once they meet the requirements for that category.

Switching Visas

It is not possible to change to the Post Study Work visa from another Tier 1 category.

Applicants are able to change from either a UK student visa or a Tier 4 visa to a Tier 1 Post study work visa.

Changing from the Post Study Work visa to another Tier 1 category is allowed at any time during the two year period of the visa.