Tier 1 Visa - Post Study Work Guideline
The Post-Study Work category of the Tier 1 visa was introduced to allow the most talented non-EEA nationals graduating from UK universities to transfer into a work or business visa.
Tier 1 Post Study Work Visa holders will be able to transfer to a Tier 2 Visa, which replaces the previous system of UK work permits.
Post study work applicants fall under the Tier 1 visa category. Applicants may also meet the criteria for a Tier 1 visa in one of the following categories:
Tier 1 Visa – General
Tier 1 Visa – Investor
Tier 1 Visa – Entrepreneur
Tier 1 Visa – Post Study Work Visa Duration
Because the Tier 1 Post Study Work Visa is a means to allow talented graduates to gain work experience, the Post-Study Work visa is only issued for two years and an extension will not be possible. The two-year duration does not count toward the residency requirements for gaining settled status in the UK.
Tier 1 Visa - Post Study Work Visa Requirements
Under the Points Based System, UK visa applicants must be able to satisfy the language and maintenance requirements. It is particularly important for non-EEA nationals migrating to the UK to be able to speak the English Language with the exception of those entering the UK as investors.
Skilled migrants will need to prove they have sufficient English language skills in one of the following ways:
- The migrant is from a country where English is the main language
- The migrant has successfully completed a Master's degree course which was taught in English
- The migrant has passed an English language test that is equal to level C1 of the council of Europe's Common European Framework for Language learning
Under any of the Tier 1 visa sub categories the applicant must be able to support their self and any dependents for their entire stay in the UK without recourse to public funds. The total sum necessary to satisfy the requirement of the main applicant is £2,800. The first dependent will need approximately £1,870 and any further dependents will need to have £940 in their account at the time of applying.
The Tier 1 Post Study Work Visa requires the applicant to gain 75 points. The points criteria is divided into four specific areas and all of these areas must be satisfied to qualify.
Requirement 1 - To earn 20 points the applicant must meet one of the following:
A candidate 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 - To earn 20 points the applicant must meet one of the following:
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 - To earn 20 points the applicant must meet one of the following:
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 - To earn 15 points the applicant must meet one of the following:
A candidate 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
Switching to a Tier 1 Visa
Candidate may switch to a Tier 1 visa from a UK Study Visa or from a Tier 4 Student Visa.
Our UK Visa and Immigration experts are specialists in dealing with applications for Tier 1 Visas to ensure that the whole process is simple and quick for you.
Candidates who seek a visa can speak to our British immigration advisors at the UK Visa and Immigration for help, advice and action.
Click on our UK Visa Assessment form above or speak to us today for FREE on
0800 680 0260.
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