Tier 1 - Post Study Work forms
Work visa
Once you have completed your studies you may wish to stay on and take the opportunity to work in the UK.
Most international students are currently eligible to apply for a 2 year work permit on completion of studies called the Tier 1 Post Study Work. This will be the work permit that is most suitable for most newly graduated students and is certainly the easiest and quickest to get. The Tier 1 Post Study Work Visa scheme will close from April 2012.
Alternatively you may also be able to gain employment under Tier 2 as a skilled migrant (teaching for example).
Tier 1 – Post Study Work
This work permit is a 2 year work permit that allows you to do almost any job in the UK and gives you the flexibility of not having your work permit tied to your employer. You can apply for Post Study Work until the scheme ends in April 2012. The eligibility criteria is as follows:
- Your course must have been either a BA degree, a PGCE, a Masters Degree or PhD
- You must have completed your course and received your final official grades
- You must apply within 1 year of receiving your final grades
- You must meet the finance requirements as follows:
- UK application - £800 in your account at all times for the 3 months prior to application
- Overseas application - £2,800 in your account at all times for the 3 months prior to application
You can apply for the PSW in the UK or you can go home and also apply, as long as it is within a year of having received your results.
For more information about the Post Study Work please see our guidance document. You can also find further information at the UKBA website as well as the application form.
The university do not make applications on your behalf but are able to advise if necessary. If you require any assistance with gaining supporting documentation from the IOE, please contact the International Student Coordinator.
Tier 1 - General
From 6 April 2011, it is no longer possible to apply under Tier 1 (General) unless you already have immigration permission under this category or one of its predecessors, including as a Highly Skilled Migrant. For details of these other Tier 1 routes, see UKBA Tier 1 for information and guidance.
Tier 2 – Skilled worker
This is the category you would come under if you find a job in the UK (most common for those finding teaching jobs), you would need to speak to your prospective employer about this. You can also find further information at the UKBA website.