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Tier 1 (Post Study Work) Visa
The Post Study Work subcategory of Tier 1 is designed to allow recent graduates of UK Institutions the chance to stay in the UK for up to 2 years in order to build a career. The visa is designed as a transitional route to a Tier 1 General Visa (formerly HSMP) or Tier 2 General Visa (formerly UK Work Permit).
The UK is one of the most attractive places in the world to study, second only to the United States of America. In 2008 13% of International Students chose to study in the UK compared to 20% in the USA.
For years the British Government has sought to retain the most able international graduates of UK Institutions by offer a transitionary visa following graduation. Formerly the Science & Engineering Graduate Scheme (SEGS) & then the International Graduate Scheme (IGS), the Tier 1 (Post Study Work) visa provides a bridge to both Tier 1 (General) & Tier 2 (Work Permit).
How can Commonwealth Contractors help?
At Commonwealth Contractors we partner with OISC registered Private Immigration Firms & Tier 2 Licensed Healthcare & IT Consultancies.If you are a skilled individual on a Tier 1 (Post Study Work) Visa & you would like to find out about switching to Tier 1 (General) or a Tier 2 (Work Permit) visa call now on 0800 294 4388 or Submit your Details and we will get right back to you!
Tier 1 (Post Study Work) Visa Requirements
To qualify for a Tier 1 (Post Study Work Visa) you must score 75 Points for Attributes & satisfy the Maintenance & English Language requirements. Please note that you can only apply for a Tier 1 (Post Study Work) Visa if you have or have last been granted leave as a Student or Tier 4 migrant.Tier 1 (Post Study Work) Attributes (75 Points Required):
| Tier 1 (Post Study Work) Attributes | Points Available |
|---|---|
The Applicant has been awarded a: UK recognised Bachelors or Postgraduate Degree, OR UK Post Graduate Qualification in Education (PGCE, PGDE), OR Scottish Higher National Diploma (HND) |
20 Points |
The Applicant studied at a UK recognised or listed UK Institution OR The Applicant has been awarded an HND from a publicly funded Scottish Institution or at a Scottish Private Education Institution |
20 Points |
The Applicant’s UK study periods were undertaken whilst the applicant had valid leave which did not restrict the course of study |
20 Points |
The Applicant made the Tier 1 (Post Study Work) application within 12 months of obtaining the eligible award |
15 Points |
Tier 1 (Post Study Work) English Language Requirement (10 Points Required):
You will automatically pass the English Language requirement if you have gained 75 points in the Attributes category. This is due to the fact that you will have graduated from a course of study that was entirely taught in English.
Tier 1 (Post Study Work) Maintenance Requirement (10 Points Required):
The level of funds required to validate the Maintenance requirement depends on where you are applying from:
- Inside the UK with valid LTR you will require at least £800 of available funds
- Outside the UK you will require at least £2,800 of available funds
Transferring to Tier 1 (General) or Tier 2 (Work Permit)
The Tier 1 (Post Study Work) visa is a transitional visa intended to allow the holder to move to a long term status such as Tier 1 (General) or Tier 2 (Work Permit). Of course it is possible to move to a long term status immediately upon completion of studies however in practice this can be difficult.Employers offering Tier 2 sponsorship often look for a combination or technical skills and professional experience where hiring. If you have recently graduated and you wish to build a career in the UK it is wise to make the most of the 2 years offered under Tier 1 (Post Study Work), even though this time will not count towards Permanent Residence. During the 2 years you can build your professional experience and make yourself more attractive to a potential employer. For those graduating with a Bachelors Degrees this period is especially important as at present applicants under Tier 1 (General) require a Masters qualification to qualify.
If you have a Masters qualification or higher & you are interested in moving to Tier 1 visa Commonwealth Contractors may be able to help. We partner with OISC registered Private Immigration Firms who can ensure your application is given the best chance of success.
Tier 1 (General) Visa Applications
If you are a skilled Healthcare or IT Professional we may be able to put you in contact with Tier 2 licensed Healthcare & IT Consultancies prepared to sponsor workers under Tier 2 General where required. For more information see Gaining Tier 2 (Work Permit) Sponsorship
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