'Until recently, international students mainly applied to work in the UK through the ‘Post Study Work’ Tier 1 visa route. From 6 April 2012, this scheme closed to new applicants. However there are lots of new options you can explore'
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 www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk.
Another great resource is the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website www.ukcisa.org.uk. UKCISA do not manage visas, however they do have lots of tips on travelling to the UK, visas, finding accommodation and much more.
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
Until recently, international students wishing to work in the UK on graduation mainly applied for a visa through the ‘Post Study Work’ Tier 1 visa route. From 6 April 2012, this scheme closed to new applicants. However there are lots of new options you can explore. Here are some of the options for graduates - you can 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 also meet certain salary criteria.
- Are you a budding entrepreneur? The government is also launching a new scheme called Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur). UK universities who sign up to the 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. Graduates can also consider applying for a 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.
You can find out more at the UK Border Agency website.
