Life After PostStudy Work?

Clare Best and Hazel Carling - Visa Guidance Team 31st March 2011

Current Position (1) Tier 1 (PSW)

Tier 1 (Post Study Work) category will close from April 2012 (exact date not yet specified)
Students who are awarded before this will be able to apply in this category Same criteria must score 95 points (75 points for attributes + 10 for English Language + 10 for maintenance) Length of visa still 2 years from date application is processed

Current Position (2): - Tier 1 (PSW)

Visa allows holder to remain in UK for 2 years without restrictions on employment
Not necessary to have an employer in order to apply - can still be looking for work Not linked to a particular sponsor so holder can change employer or work for employer without Tier 2 licence Can be self-employed
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Proposed Changes

From April 2011

Tier 1 (General) will be replaced by:
Tier 1 Investors

Tier 1 Entrepreneurs/Potential Entrepreneurs

Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent)

All categories can lead to settlement (permanent residence) after max 5 years
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Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent)Who qualifies?

To qualify applicants need to score a minimum of 75 points for Attributes and 10 points for English Language 75 points are based on the applicant holding an endorsement by a Designated Competent Body

List of Designated Competent Bodies to be published on UKBA website (by 06/04/11?)

Limited to 1000 visas per year in this category (700 science/300 arts)

Applicants need to apply for Entry Clearance in this category

From April 2012.

Tier 1 (PSW) will close
New Category of Tier 2 (General) for recent graduates recruited into jobs that are on Graduate Occupations List Possible to switch in UK from Tier 4 (General) but only if valid application made before Tier 4 visa expires

From April 2012

Tier 2 for recent graduates not subject to Tier 2 quota which applies to other Tier 2 migrants
If Graduate Occupation applicants still need to meet all standard Tier 2 requirements but will NOT be subject to the Resident Labour Market Test Minimum salary needed will be 20,000 (but must also be Graduate Occupation to qualify)

In Summary
Exceptionally Talented or Investors/Entrepreneurs may still qualify under Tier 1 without sponsorship
Post-Study work closing April 2012

Possible to switch into Tier 2 but MUST have graduate level job to do so
Full Details will be published on UKBA website at some stage before April 2012

Useful Websites
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workinginthe uk/
http://www.ukcisa.org.uk http://www.southampton.ac.uk/sais/visa/index.sh tml

We aim to keep you up to date with changes as they happen!

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