International Graduate Scheme
The International Graduate Scheme has been replaced by the Tier 1 Post Study Work Visa.
The Post Study Work Visa category of the Tier 1 subdivisions has been made as a transitional route to allow the most qualified non EEA nationals graduating from UK universities to change their Post Study work visa into another work visa.
The Post study Work Visa has replaced the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme as well as the International Graduate Scheme also known as IGS. Applicants who are on the Post Study Work visa are eligible to change into any of the other Tier 1 category visas provided they meet the specific requirements of the category.
Eligibility
All other tiers of UK immigration requires the sponsoring college, business or any other institution to have a license as a sponsor and be able to provide the individual with a sponsorship certificate, allowing them to be able to apply for entry clearance.
The Tier 1 Post Study Work Visa has replaced the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) and it aims to allow the most highly skilled individuals to enter the country with the intention to work. As mentioned no sponsor is required for this process but a minimum points threshold must be reached to qualify for the visa service. Also visas under the Post Study Work category are issued for only two years and their is no option to extend this visa after completing the two years.
General Requirements
Similar to the other categories of Tier 1 immigration, the Post Study Work Visa has requirements that must be met on a Points Based System, applicants must reach or exceed a minimum points requirement of 75 points.
English Language Requirements
The language requirements in this particular subdivision of Tier 1 is not required, this is due to the nature of the visa as it is only awarded to candidates who have successfully qualified in a course at a UK educational establishment. Therefore the language requirement is considered to have been achieved by the candidate.
Maintenance Requirements
Individuals who are relocating to the UK under any of the Tier 1 divisions must be able to support themselves and their dependents as mentioned. The total amount that they must show to satisfy this requirement is £2800 for the main applicant. The first dependent would then require 2/3rds of £2800 and any further dependents would require 1/3rd of £2800.
Specific Requirements
The Post Study Work visa requires the applicant they qualify and meet the points based requirement. The minimum pass mark for the visa is 75 points which are divided into four different requirements.
20 points
A candidate must have successfully completed a course which has resulted in either:
1. A recognised UK bachelors degree
2. A recognised UK postgraduate level degree
3. A UK postgraduate diploma or certificate
4. An HND qualification from a recognised Scottish institution
20 points
The educational institution must be either:
1. A recognised or listed UK institution
2. Included on the tier 4 sponsors register once this is in place
20 points
The qualification must have been obtained by the candidate whilst in the UK with one of the following UK immigration status options:
1. In possession of a tier 4 student visa
2. As a dependent of another main applicant in the UK
15 points
The application must be made within 12 months of obtaining the qualification.
Extending a Tier 1 Visa
Amongst the Tier 1 categories the Post Study Work visa cannot be extended after the two year duration is completed. The main reason behind the visa is that it is given as a bridging category so that successful applicants may then transfer into a different category of the Tier 1 visas.
Switching to a Tier 1 Visa
Candidates are unable to switch from a Tier 1 category visa to a Post Study Work visa however candidates who may be on Student visas or a from a Tier 4 Student Visa may switch to the Post Study Work visa.
Capital Visas can assist
We have assisted many individuals in moving to the UK on a variety of the UK Points Based System (PBS) including the Tier 1 Post Study Work. Our immigration consultants and caseworkers have a wide range of immigration expertise and experience to assist you through the Tier immigration system to find not only the right route into the UK but the best option for yourself as an individual.
We also assist businesses with immigration advice and compliance services to make sure that UK sponsoring organisations don't encounter any of the complications many companies face with the Points Based System, as well as assisting organisations in obtaining an A rated sponsorship licence, so that they are able to sponsor the individuals they need.
Find out if you qualify for a Tier 1 Post Study Work Visa by filling out our online enquiry form today, or feel free to contact us directly on 0207 100 1919.