'Until recently, international students mainly applied to work in the UK through the Post Study Work Tier 1 visa route. From April 2012, this scheme closed to new applicants. There are lots of new options you can explore'
Do you need a visa?
You can find out if you need a visa to work in the UK at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk.
Visas for working in the UK after you graduate
Many international students who study in the United Kingdom are keen to work here after they graduate, to gain experience of working in an international environment.
There are a number of different visa options that international graduates can apply for – see below. You can also find other options on the UKBA website.
- Tier 2: If you want to work in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland after you complete your studies, you may be eligible to apply for a Tier 2 (General) visa. Tier 2 is open to recent graduates with a Bachelor or Master’s degree, PhD, PGCE or PGDE from a UK recognised or listed body. You can apply if you have an offer of a skilled job from an employer who is a licensed sponsor with UKBA. The job must meet minimum salary criteria and the minimum salary will differ depending on which profession you wish to work in. However, there is no limit on the number of students who can gain a Tier 2 visa for this scheme, provided they meet these requirements.
- Are you a budding entrepreneur? UK universities who sign up to the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) scheme will be able to act as your immigration 'sponsor' if you are a student who has completed a degree course in the UK, you want to develop ideas or entrepreneurial skills by setting up a business in the UK and you are sponsored by the institution where you studied. In the first year there will be a limit of 1,000 places under this scheme.
- Tier 5: Temporary worker visa. To be able to apply for a visa under most Tier 5 categories: you must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor and pass a points-based assessment. There are different requirements under the Youth mobility scheme.
UK immigration and visas are managed by the UK Border Agency (UKBA). UKBA is part of the UK Government’s Home Office. For the latest definitive information about immigration and applying for a visa, you will need to check the UKBA website.
Another great resource is the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website. UKCISA do not manage visas, however they do have lots of tips on travelling to the UK, visas, finding accommodation and much more.
You can find out more at the UK Border Agency website.
