Post Study Work (International Graduate Scheme)

International Graduate Scheme (Post Study Work)

The current UK Tier 1 Post Study Work visa category is closing from April 2012.

If you are eligible to apply for this visa you are strongly advised to do so before the end of March 2012 as the exact date has not yet been set by the UKBA.

To be eligible for this visa you must satisfy the following criteria:

Hold a UK degree and have proof of this- proof is the original degree certificate or a letter from the Open University stating that you have obtained your degree.

Have studied with a Tier 4 Sponsor (Richmond is a Tier 4 sponsor)

Have been notified of your UK degree in writing less than 12 months before
applying

Satisfy the English language requirements (degree level study satisfies this)

Hold a minimum of £800 in your bank account for at least 90 days to cover your
maintenance if applying from within the UK. Applying from outside the UK you
will need to show £2,800 in funds.

The Tier 1 Post Study Work Visa gives you 2 years to work in the UK.

For the most up-to-date information, visit

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier1/poststudy/applying/

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Other Options for students post April 2012:

Tier 2 Skilled Worker visa category:

To be eligible for this visa you must satisfy the following criteria:

You must be sponsored by an employer

Your employer must be licensed to sponsor you and issue you with a Certificate of Sponsorship

Your position must be of graduate level and of the correct pay level for your
Profession

Hold a minimum of £800 in your bank account for at least 90 days to cover your
Maintenance. The same conditions as Tier 1 apply for these criteria

Satisfy a UK and Europe Resident Labour Market Test.*

Priority is given to professions on the shortage occupation list. This category also prioritises PHD students and those on higher level senior position salaries of £60,000 upwards.

*The advantage for students who are graduating before April 2012:

You can apply to switch into Tier 2 Skilled Worker visa if you are already on a Tier 1 Post Study Work visa and have been working for 6 months at the same employer without undergoing the competitive UK and Europe Resident Labour Market Test.

For the most up to date information, visit: 

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier2/general/

Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme:

Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada and British Nationals Overseas can apply for to work for up to 2 years under the Youth Mobility Scheme. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 yrs old. It is not possible to switch into another visa category or to extend this visa.

Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange- Blue Card Internship Program:

Current students and recent graduates can apply to work in the UK for up to 6 months as an intern through BUNAC, Working Adventures Worldwide.

BUNAC is authorized by the UK Border Agency to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to successful applicants who can then apply for a visa before entering Britain.

For the most up to date information, visit

 

http://www.bunac.org/usa/interninbritain/

 

Link to this page: http://www.richmond.ac.uk/s/426.aspx