Tier 1 Post Study Work Visas
The Post-Study Work category of Tier 1 visas is a transitional route to allow the most talented non-EEA nationals graduating from UK universities to transfer into a work or business visa. The Post-Study Work visa replaces both the previous International Graduates Scheme (IGS) and the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme, allowing successful applicants to transfer into any other Tier 1 visa category under the Points Based System as long as the requirements of that specific category are satisfied.
Post-Study Work visa holders can also transfer into Tier 2, which replaces the previous system of UK work permits.
Like the other categories within Tier 1 immigration, the Post-Study work category places both the general requirements of Tier 1 immigration as well as category specific criteria upon applicants. Candidates need to attain a minimum pass mark of 75 points.
Eligibility
The Post-Study Work category is included under Tier 1, however this category differs from the other Tier 1 categories in terms of the purpose of the visa granted through this path, and also its duration.
The 'General', 'Entrepreneur' and 'Investor' UK Visa categories are all issued for an initial duration of three years. At the end of this period applicants can extend their leave to remain in the UK for a further 2 years as long as the extension criteria is satisfied, after which they can apply for permanent residency in the UK. However, the Post-Work Study category issues visas for only two years and does not allow applicants to extend their time in the UK under this category. Furthermore the two-year duration spent in the UK under this Visa does not count toward the residency requirements for gaining settlement in the UK.
Post Work Study Visas are issued as a means to allow talented graduates to progress to either another category within Tier 1, or to Tier 2 by securing a sponsor.
English language requirements
The fact that the Post-Study Work Visa is granted upon successfully completing a qualifying course at a UK educational institution, the English Language requirement will be deemed to have been satisfied if the applicant satisfies the specific requirements of this category.
Maintenance
The maintenance requirement applies to all categories of a UK Tier 1 visa without exception. A candidate migrating to the UK must be able to support themselves financially and must be able to support any dependants who might accompany them. Like the English Language requirement, this criterion has a pass mark of 10 which must be satisfied in order for an application to proceed.
The total amount of funds that need to be evidenced as being at the disposal of the applicant to satisfy this requirement is £2,800. The first dependant will require 2/3 of this sum with any further dependants requiring 1/3 of the sum each.
Study
The Post-Study Work visa requires a pass mark of 75 points, and although it divides the criteria into four specific requirements each with a specific number of attainable points, all requirements must be satisfied in order to qualify.
Requirement 1 (20 Points) - The Applicant must have successfully completed a course resulting in either:
- A recognised UK bachelor's degree.
- A recognised UK postgraduate level degree.
- A UK postgraduate diploma or certificate.
- An HND qualification from a recognised Scottish institution.
Requirement 2 (20 Points) - The Educational institution must be either:
- A recognised or listed UK institution.
- Included on the tier 4 sponsors register once this is in place.
Requirement 3 (20 Points) - The qualification must have been obtained by the candidate whilst in the UK with one of the following UK immigration status options:
- In possession of a tier 4 student visa.
- As a dependent of another main applicant in the UK.
Requirement 4 (15 Points) - The Application must be made within 12 months of obtaining the qualification.
Tier 1 post study work visa extensions
The only important thing to note is that amongst the Tier 1 categories, the 'Post-Study Work' visa is the only one which cannot be extended beyond its 2 year duration. It is primary purpose is intended as a 'bridging' visa and successful applicants will be obliged to transfer into another category, having met the respective requirements of that category, within two years.
Switching into a tier 1 post study work visa
It is not possible to switch into the 'Post-Study Work' Visa category from another Tier 1 category, however applicants may switch from an existing UK Study Visa, or from a Tier 4 Visa. In such instances, the requirements that need to be satisfied are those of the category into which the applicant is applying to switch, with the exception of the maintenance criteria for which the amount will be reduced to £800, with additional fees for dependents. Switching from the 'Post-Study Work' Visa category into another Tier 1 category must be done within the two-year duration and will depend upon meeting the specific requirements for the category into which the applicant wishes to switch.
