Post Study Work Program

 

From September 2008, International students can stay back and work for

TWO YEARS, after completion of UK's recognized bachelor or postgraduate degree,

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a Higher National Diploma (HND) from a Scottish institution under Post Study Work Scheme. 

PSW program is only designed to be a bridge to highly skilled or skilled work, much like the previous International Graduates Scheme or Fresh Talent Scheme in Scotland. Those with student visas in the UK under Post-Study Work are expected to switch into another part of the points system such as Tier 1 (General) or Tier 2 (Skilled Workers with an offer of Employment ) as soon as they are able to do so. This scheme is likely to be closed from April 2012. 

It is good for a non-renewable two-year period after which you are expected to transfer to another immigration category. The English language requirement is waived for Post-Study Work applicants because it is assumed English language proficiency was required to obtain the eligible qualification but funds Maintenance criteria is required to be fulfilled as in Tier 1 General. 

Tier 2 Work Permit

The general Tier 2 UK Work Permit is designed to allow UK visas to be granted to highly skilled workers who are citizens of countries outside the European Economic Area (EEU). Applicants under this scheme must be in possession of a job offer, as well as fill a number of skill requirements. Tier 2 immigration, like Tier 1, is a UK visa offers the long-term possibility of permanent residency in the UK. It allows large, multinational organisations to transfer the skills of new and existing staff members to the UK. 

Tier 2 work permit visas can last between one day and five years, depending on the time frame specified by the sponsoring company. Although the tier 2 permit is not in itself a permanent residency visa, candidates living and working in the UK for the minimum residency requirement of five years may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (ILR). Beyond this, a candidate may choose to undergo British Naturalisation as a UK citizen. 

Under the tier 2 immigration structure, employers are responsible for ensuring that candidates are eligible and suitable to fill the positions being offered and as an organisation, they may be subjected to immigration compliance checks with or without prior notice. Employers will be awarded either an A or B level sponsorship licence according to the UK Border Agency's risk assessment. 

In most cases, successful candidates will be awarded an A rating, however, where employers do not sufficiently fulfil their responsibilities they may be downgraded to a B rating or have their licence revoked altogether. When issuing a certificate of sponsorship, employers must be able to show that the position is a genuine vacancy with remuneration equal to that which a UK national would receive were they to be employed in the same position. 

The role must also be at or above the National Vocation Qualification (NVQ) level 3. For shortage occupations, positions do not have to be advertised in the UK before a sponsor can employ a non-EEA national, however where positions do not appear on the list of shortage occupations, employers must show that they have attempted to fill the role within the UK. 

Eligibility:
Candidates will be assessed against a points test, with a minimum pass mark for Tier 2 visa applicants based on earnings, English language skills and available funds. All applicants will be required to meet this threshold in order to qualify. Under the Points Based System, candidates will be assessed on their prospective earnings, and the level of demand for their skills. The importance of these factors is ranked in the following way: 

Prospective Earnings
Points are awarded according to the amount the applicant will be paid by the sponsoring employer. Find out how many points your salary entitles you to by taking the free assessment above.

 

Level of demand

Non-shortage positions are inherently worth less points, while shortage positions will automatically receive maximum points. Candidates applying for an Intra Company Transfer (ICT) will also receive maximum points. 

English Language

Skills English language proficiency is vital to a successful Tier 2 Work Permit application. Applicants may be required to pass a test assessing their English skills, depending on their country of origin. Find out your testing requirements with the free assessment above. 

Funds

Applicants must show evidence that they have the funds to support their stay in the UK. Evidence may include a bank statement or other official financial institution documentation. Click on the free assessment to find out if you have the funds to qualify. 

Eligibility: employers

The Points Based System places greater emphasis on the accountability and responsibility of sponsors in selecting the non-EEA nationals they bring via immigration to UK. 

Spouse and dependent immigration

As outlined above, a tier 2 immigration visa for the UK may lead to permanent settlement in the UK if the candidate continues living and working in the UK for five years. Since visas of this kind may lead to indefinite leave to remain, tier 2 makes provision for the spouse, common law, civil or unmarried partner of the applicant and any dependent children to move to the UK at the same time. 

Any such dependents would be granted the same period of leave as the main tier 2 visa applicant. As dependents they will be able to seek employment in the UK.