Please note the Post-Study Work category will close in April 2012.

This sub-category of Tier 1 Points Based System category is for students who have obtained a UK recognised Bachelors or postgraduate degree, a UK Postgraduate Certificate in Education of Professional Graduate Diploma of Education from a recognized or listed body in the UK.  Higher National Diplomas from Scottish institutions are also eligible.  Successful applicants are allowed to live and work in the UK for 24 months without restriction.

Those who are currently on the International Graduates Scheme having obtained their leave to remain for one year would be allowed to obtain further leave to remain for another year in line with the new Post-Study work visa. Their applications are dealt with under transitional measures.

As with other categories of Tier 1, applicants are required to claim 75 points under attributes, 10 points under English language and 10 points for their maintenance.

The distribution of points is as follows:-

1. Having successfully completed one of the following: 20 Points

• A UK recognized degree at Bachelor level; or
• A UK recognized degree at postgraduate level; or
• A UK Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE); or
• Professional Graduate Diploma of Education; or
• An HND from a Scottish Institution

2. The applicant studied for his award at a UK institution that is either a recognized or listed body, or which holds a sponsor licence under Tier 4 of the Points Based System - 20 points.

3. The applicant's periods of UK study and/or research towards his eligible award were undertaken whilst he had entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain in the UK that was not subject to a restriction preventing him from undertaking a course of study and/or research - 20 points.

4. The applicant made the application for a Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) visa within 12 months of obtaining the eligible qualification - 15 points.

English language

All applicants who successfully claim 75 points, as set out above, would be deemed to have a sufficient level of English and thus would automatically be given 10 points under this section.

Maintenance

If an applicant switches into the Post-Study Work category while remaining inside the UK, he must have at least £800 maintenance funds and a further £533 for each dependant (unless the main applicant has been in the UK for less than 12 months in which case each dependant will need £1,600). This money must have been held for a consecutive 90 day period ending no more than one month before the date of application.  If a person is seeking entry clearance the amount required for maintenance is £2800 for the main applicant and £1,600 for each dependant - 10 points.

Successful applicants are free to seek employment or engage in self-employment activities without having a sponsor.  Unlike the other highly skilled sub-categories, this category exists only to provide a bridge to highly skilled or skilled work.  People with Post-Study Work leave will be expected to switch into another category of the Points Based System as soon they are able to do so.

It would not be possible to extend the visa for more than a total of 2 years, and the time period spent in this category would not be counted towards the qualifying period for settlement. However, Post-Study Workers can return to a student visa, if they wish to continue their studies in the UK subsequently. 

What services we can offer?

• We can advise on the procedure, requirements and merits of making an application to the UK Border Agency/ British Diplomatic post.
• We can provide assistance in completing the application forms and advise on the required supporting documents.
• We can advise and represent our clients in making representations in support of their immigration matters.
• We can advise and represent our clients’ dependants to seek dependant visas in line with the visa of the main applicant.
• We can lodge an appeal (in-country only) or make a request for an administrative review if the applicant`s entry clearance application is turned down for some reason.
• We can advise in making permanent residence (ILR) applications for those who have already completed their five years period in the UK.

Whatever the case, we are here to assist, advise and represent our clients in relation to any aspect of the immigration matters of our clients.