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Moving from a Student Visa to Tier 1 or Tier 2
The United Kingdom is the second most popular place in the world for International Students to study after the United States of America. Many Healthcare & IT Students are attracted to the UK not just for the qualifications on offer but also the opportunity to stay in the UK and build a long term career on Graduation.
The Post Study Work subcategory of Tier 1 offers graduates of UK Higher Education Institutions the chance to remain in the UK for up to 2 years upon graduation in order to build a career. Tier 1 (Post Study Work) is intended to provide graduates with a transitional route to a long term work visa such as Tier 1 General (formerly the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme) or Tier 2 General (formerly the UK Work Permit System).
How can Commonwealth Contractors help?
At Commonwealth Contractors we partner with OISC Registered Private Immigration Firms & Tier 2 Licensed Healthcare & IT Consultancies prepared to sponsor workers on Tier 2 Visas (formerly UK Work Permits) where required.To find out about moving from Tier 1 (Post Study Work) to Tier 1 General or Tier 2 General call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0800 294 4388 or Submit your Details & we will get back to you
When to move to Tier 1 or Tier 2 General
Most individuals with Tier 1 (Post Study Work) Visas will look to move to Tier 1 General or Tier 2 General as soon as possible. This is due to the fact that time spent on Tier 1 (Post Study Work) does not count towards Permanent Residence in the UK whereas time spent on Tier 1 or 2 General does.Moving to Tier 1 General:
You can only apply under Tier 1 General if you hold a Masters Qualification or better. If you do not hold at least a Masters Qualification Tier 2 General may be a better option.
When to move to Tier 1 General depends upon your age (more points are awarded to those under 28) and your earnings in the 12 months immediately prior to application. Depending upon your age you will need between £20,000 & £30,000.
Moving to Tier 2 General:
Applicants under Tier 2 General do not require a Masters Degree to qualify, however they do require a UK Tier 2 Licensed Employer who is willing to offer them employment.
If you are a skilled Healthcare or IT Professional one of our Tier 2 Licensed Healthcare or IT Consultancy Partners may be prepared to sponsor you on a 3 year Tier 2 Visa where required.
When to move is dependent upon your level of experience. The more experienced and valuable you are to the employer the more chance you have of securing Tier 2 employment sooner rather than later.
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