If you wish to stay in UK to work after graduation you will need to ensure you have an appropriate work visa. Finding an employer to sponsor a work visa on your behalf can be difficult but you could also consider applying for one of the fixed term work visas under the new points-based immigration system instead.
Work permits
- The 2-year Post-study Work Visa (Tier 1)
- The Highly Skilled Visa (Tier 1 General)
- Employer sponsored work visas (Tier 2)
- Other visas
The Post-study work visa
Overview
The Post-study work visa allows international students completing a UK degree qualification to apply to stay and work in UK for 2 years on successful completion of their course.
With this visa you can apply for and take any job in UK, without having to work for an employer with a sponsor licence. You are responsible for making this immigration application, not the employer.
This option is not open to those with postgraduate diplomas or certificates, with the exception of a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
Points to note
- You will need to wait until you have your exam results and have been awarded your degree before applying for Post Study Work.
- Permission under Tier 1 (PSW) does not count towards the 5 year qualifying period for settlement in UK.
- Many applications are rejected owing to incomplete information sent, not filling out the form correctly, or not meeting the requirements of the Immigration Rules. Ensure you have enough funds now to meet the 10 points for the maintenance element of the visa - £800 AT ALL TIMES for 3 months prior to the date of an immigration application.
- Do not assume that employers are familiar with this type of immigration permission or the options afterwards.
- Postgraduates may not be able to apply for this visa in time for a graduate position starting in September. However, it is possible to work legally on a fixed term or part-time contract until your student visa expires.
Longer term
During or after the 2 year period you must take one of these 3 options:
- You may have accrued sufficient points to qualify for Tier 1 (General) permission
- If you have worked for a company for 6 months with Tier 1 (PSW) permission, the employer can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship under Tier 2 (General) using the Switching option.
- You can apply for another post with an employer (with a licence) who will sponsor you under Tier 2.
Getting help
It is vital to seek all available help when making visa applications as each application costs time and money. You are also advised to clarify when the 12 months to apply period begins.
The UK Border Agency website has the official guidance notes:
Common
questions
- Which employers will employ people under the Post-study Work Visa (PSW)?
There is no restriction upon the type of employment or employer that you can apply for under PSW. It can include fixed contract work, permanent positions or agency work.
However, some prospective employers may not have heard about PSW. You may wish to explain to them about PSW and that you can work for 2 years under the programme, in your covering letter.
Employers advertising graduate training programmes, who are looking to train and develop you for a number of years, may be reluctant to accept applicants who are on the PSW scheme. This is because the scheme is only for 2 years and they are looking at long term hiring.
However, some employers may be willing to sponsor a work visa application for you to stay in this role during your visa, in order to continue employing you legally in UK afterwards. The employer will still have to advertise the job and provide details of how they selected you against other UK or EEA applicants.
Alternatively, you could consider your eligibility to apply for the Highly Skilled (Tier 1 General) visa.
You are strongly encouraged to seek advice if you think this applies to you to ensure you plan ahead to ensure your visas do not expire and you are not in the country illegally. Visa applications can take time.
Source: http://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/students/international/graduateempuk
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