Fresh Talent : Working in Scotland Scheme (WISS)

The Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme is an initiative which seeks to encourage talented, skilled, non European Economic Area nationals to live and work in Scotland. It also aims to support indigenous people who plan on starting or furthering their careers in Scotland. The purpose of the scheme is to enable non-EEA nationals who have successfully finished an HND, degree course, Masters or PhD at a Scottish university and lived in Scotland during this period of study to apply to remain in Scotland for a period of two years in order to work.

Eligibility

There are a number of requirements that must be satisfied in order to qualify under this scheme. You must have been awarded an HND, Masters degree or PhD by a Scottish institution of Higher or Further Education. You must also have lived in Scotland for an appropriate period while you were undertaking your study.

A further requirement is that you must intend to work in Scotland during the two year period which is granted under the scheme. You must also be able to financially support yourself and any dependants without relying on public funds, and you must intend to leave the UK at the end of the two-year period unless you are granted leave as a Work Permit holder, highly skilled migrant, Tier 1 General Visa holder , business person or innovator.

Can I apply while I am in Scotland?

It is possible for you to apply while you are in the UK provided you have valid leave as a student or if you are a participant in the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme. However, it is not possible to switch from other categories of leave onto the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme while you are in the UK You are permitted to apply to return from abroad under this scheme provided it is within 12 months of completing your studies. If you do apply from abroad, it is necessary to obtain an entry clearance If you are an HND or degree level student, the date you finish your studies will be the date on your graduation certificate. If you are a Masters or PhD student, the date you finish your studies will be the date your leave as a student expires.

What if I have completed my course, but have not yet graduated?

You will need to provide your degree certificate to prove you completed your course successfully. If you have your results confirmed but you have not yet graduated you may be required to submit a letter from your personal tutor which confirms that you have completed the course successfully.

What type of work can I do under the fresh talent: Working in Scotland scheme?

Once you have been granted leave under the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme, there are no restrictions on the type of work you can do. You are entitled to take on any type of employment whether it be paid or unpaid. You are also allowed to be self-employed or work in business during your leave without needing a work permit from the Home Office.

How long can I stay in the UK?

Under this particular scheme, you are permitted to stay in the UK for a period of two years. If you spend time outside the UK during this period, this time will be counted towards the two years.

What if I have been granted leave under the science and engineering graduates scheme (SEGS)?

If you have leave under the Science and Engineering Scheme you are entitled to switch into the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme. In order to do so, you would need to satisfy the required criteria which means you would have to apply within 12 months of finishing your studies. Under the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme, you can only be granted with a maximum of two years leave. This includes any leave granted under SEGS. For example, if you have been approved under the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme but you have already been granted with one year of leave under SEGS, you will only be eligible for one further year of leave under the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme.

Is it possible to switch into other employment categories?

If you are a participant in the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme you are allowed to switch in-country into leave as one of the following:

1. A work permit holder, provided the work permit is for employment in Scotland
2. Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) participant
3. Business person
4. Innovator

In order to do this, you will need to satisfy all the requirements of the category you wish to switch to. If you do not switch into another category you will have to leave the UK when your leave expires.

Can my dependents come with me?

It is possible to apply for permission for your spouse or partner or any children under the age of 18 to stay with you for the two years leave you are granted under the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme. In order to be approved, you must be able to show that you are financially able to support them during this period. While your dependents are here, they will be entitled to work under the same terms and conditions as the dependents of people who have work permits. If the dependents are applying from abroad, they will need to apply for entry clearance.