June 30 2008 – UKTier 1 (Post-Study Work) from 30 June 2008
Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) from 30 June 2008
Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) will replace the International Graduates Scheme and the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme from 30 June. The relevant Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules has been published (see paragraphs 245V-245ZA for the basic provisions). You must have successfully completed your studies in the UK, as before, and you must have studied with either student or dependant immigration permission.
Tier 1 Visa - Post Study Work
The Post-Study Work category of Tier one visas is designed as a transitional route to allow the most talented non-EEA nationals graduating from UK universities to transfer into a work or business visa.
The Post-Study Work visa replaces both the previous International Graduates Scheme (IGS) and the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme, allowing successful applicants to transfer into any other tier 1 visa category under the Points Based System if they can meet the specific requirements of that category. Post-Study Work visa holders will also be able to transfer into tier 2, which replaces the previous system of UK work permits.
Eligibility
The Post-Work Study category issues visas for only two years and does not allow candidates to extend their time in the UK under this category. This category is not extendable and the two-year duration does not count toward the residency requirements for gaining settled status in the UK. Post Work Study Visas are issued as a means to allow talented graduates to progress to either another category of tier one, or to tier two by securing sponsorship from an employer.
General Requirements
Like the other categories of tier one immigration visa, the Post-Study work category places both the general requirements of tier 1 immigration as well as category specific criteria upon applicants. Candidates are required to achieve a minimum pass mark of 75 points.
English Language Requirements
Due to the nature of the Post-Study Work program, which is based upon candidates successfully completing a degree or other acceptable course at a UK educational institution, the English language requirement will be deemed to have been satisfied if the candidate successfully meets the specific requirements of this category.
Maintenance Requirements
As with the General and Entrepreneur categories, each applicant must be able to support him or herself financially and must be able to support any dependents who may be joining them. The total sum required to meet the maintenance requirement for the main applicant is £2800.
Specific Requirements
The Post-Study Work visa requires a pass mark of 75, and although it divides the criteria into four specific requirements each with a points value, all of these areas must be satisfied in order to qualify.
Criteria 1 - 20 points
A candidate must have successfully completed a course resulting in either:
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A recognised UK bachelor's degree.
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A recognised UK postgraduate level degree.
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A UK postgraduate diploma or certificate.
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An HND qualification from a recognised Scottish institution.
Criteria 2 - 20 points
The educational institution must be either:
Criteria 3 - 20 points
The qualification must have been obtained by the candidate whilst in the UK with one of the following UK immigration status options:
Criteria 4 - 15 points
The application must be made within 12 months of obtaining the qualification.
Other Information
It is important to note that uniquely among the tier one categories, the Post-Study work visa cannot be extended beyond its two-year duration. This Post Work Study Visa is issued with the intent to be a bridging category and successful applicants will have the option to transfer into another category, having met the appropriate requirements, within two years.
Whilst it is not permissible to switch into the Post-Study Work visa category from another tier 1 category, candidates may switch from an existing UK study visa, or from a tier 4 visa once this is operational. In these circumstances, the requirements are the same as a new application with the exception of the maintenance criteria for which the amount will be reduced to £800 plus fees for dependents. Switching out of the Post-Study Work category into another tier 1 category is essential within the two-year duration and will depend upon meeting the criteria of any new category.
Contact Ambler Collins should you have further enquiries on immigration to the UK, NZ, Australia or the USA visa, we will undertake a complimentary assessment of your eligibility. Email us at; info@amblercollins.com
Contact Ambler Collins should you have further enquiries on immigration to the UK, NZ, Australia or the USA
visa, we will undertake a complimentary assessment of your eligibility. Email us at;
info@amblercollins.com
