Post-Study Work Visa for International Graduate Students in the UK

Since 1st July 2008, International students who have graduated in United Kingdom within the last 12 months could apply for a 2 years visa to look for a job in the UK, even without the sponsorship from a British employer. This is known as the Post-Study Worker in Tier 1's point based system.

The International Graduate Scheme (IGS) has been replaced by the Post-Study Worker Scheme in Tier 1.

An applicant should score a minimum of 75 points on the point based calculator, which you can find on the UK Border Agency website.

Requirements:

Applicant has to complete a HND from a Scottish Institution, UK Recognized Bachelor or Postgraduate Degree, or UK Post Graduate Certificate or Diploma.

The institution where the applicant completed his/her studies at, has to be on the list of recognized bodies, listed bodies, a Scottish institution or licensed under tier 4 on the register of sponsors.

The applicant has to apply within 12 months of the date of the award of his/her qualification.

The applicant can gain an extra 10 points claim from his/her English skills if he/she has completed her degree in the United Kingdom.

If an applicant is applying while he/she is still in the United Kingdom, he/she has to prove that there's £800 available in the bank account for the past 3 months, before the application is being made.

If an applicant is applying from outside the United Kingdom, he/she has to prove that there's £2800 available in the bank account for the past 3 months, before the application is being made.

The application costs £400 and can be sent by post only, including all the original documents (Such as current passport, previous passports and original certificate). It may take up 4-14 weeks for the application to be processed.

If you need more information regarding the visa, you can contact:

Public Enquiry Office - UK Border Agency
Phone: 0870 606 7766
Line is open: 0900 to 1600, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays.

UK Council for International Student Affairs
Outside the UK: +44 20 7107 9922
Inside the UK: 020 7107 9922
The Advice Line is open from Monday to Friday, 1300 - 1600 hours (UK time).

For free Immigration enquiry, you can contact:

WorkPermit.com
Phone: +44 (0)20 7842 0800

To look for an immigration solicitor, you can visit our website.


To apply to Post-Study Work visa now, visit the UK Border Agency website.

Alternatively, you can pay an immigration agency, such as WorkPermit.com in assisting you.