Tier 1 - Post Study Work (PSW)
All undergraduate degree, Master's degree and PhD students who successfully complete their course are eligible to make an application to stay and work in UK under this scheme for up to two years.

• No restriction on the type of work that can be undertaken
• Sponsor/job offer not necessary
• Once in a lifetime opportunity

There is no restriction on the number of hours or type of work you can undertake with this type of visa.
Bridging category

• Permission for 2 years only
• No extension possible
• Before the 2 year period ends
  - Need to leave UK or
• Switch to
• Tier 1 (General) or other Tier 1 category
• Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) or
• Tier 4 (Student)

Tier 1 (PSW) - scoring points

• Language proficiency - 10 points
• Maintenance - 10 points
• and 75 additional points in sev eral areas
• Need a total of 95 points

Eligibility
Applicants must score 75 points for attributes to be eligible to make an application. These are gained by the following:

• 20 points for successfully completing a bachelor's degree, Master's degree or PhD
• 20 points for completing your degree at a UK recognised or listed body
• 20 points for obtaining the qualification whilst in UK with a student visa or on a dependant visa
• 15 points for making the application within 12 months of receiving written confirmation of your award

In addition, applicants must also score a mandatory 10 points for maintenance funds and 10 points for English language ability. Applicants will automatically satisfy the English language requirement by achieving the 75 points for attributes.

Maintenance
Score 10 points:
nmust have a bank balance of £800 for the last 90 days (if applying in UK) cannot dip below £800 even for 1 day
nmust provide "official" bank statements for 90 days
nif applying from overseas must have £2,800& further £1,600 needed for each dependant accompanying you
Evidence provided must be dated within 1 month of the date you make your application.
Special provision for Tier 1 (PSW):

• Can switch into Tier 2 (Skilled Workers) if they have spent at least 6 months in their job
• The employer will NOT have to carry out a resident labour market test
• BUT The employer has to be a registered "Tier 2 sponsor"

T1 (PSW) - Costs
Application fee:

• By post in the UK: £550 + an additional £100 for each dependent included with the application
• In-person: £800 + an additional £125 for each dependent included with the application
• From Overseas: £315 + an additional £315 for each dependent applying at the same time
  When can I make the application?

Important! You are only eligible to make the Post Study Work application once your degree has been 'conferred' ie. officially awarded.

How to apply IN THE UK

You will need to complete form Tier 1 (Post Study Work) available from the UKBA website listed in the right-hand menu.

OVERSEAS

You will need to complete form VAF9 and PBS Appendix 4: Post Study Work self assessment form. If you have a dependant(s) applying then they should complete form VAF10.
Application process

• Do not automatically get permission to work
• Need to apply to UKBA
• Apply after your degree is awarded
• Check that you have the points - use the online UKBA self assessment tool
• A postal application takes 4 weeks
• Very easy to get it wrong

- frequent changes to policy guidance
- rigorous checks so seek legal advice!
- evidence of funds, correct documents

You should note that the most common reason for refusals of Post Study Work applications is applicants not providing the required documentary evidence to support the application. You should refer carefully to the Policy Guidance issued by the UKBA for detailed information on accepted documents and should very carefully check the documents you have meet these requirements. If your application is refused you may need to return home.

Further information
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier1/poststudy/
(refer the left hand panel on the site)
Do visit us at 5/6, Railway Ave, Nugegoda or contact us on 077 3424385 / 011 281 2283 for further queries.