Graduate Students - Post Study Work

Student visa Eligibility UK

Student Visas for entry into the UK

The Post Study Work sub-category has replaced the old International Graduates Scheme. This is ideal for a non-renewable two-year period but at the end it does not count towards permanent residnece. After the two year period you are expected to transfer to another immigration category. The specific criteria to gain points is below.

To earn 15 points the application must have been made within the last 12 months of obtaining the qualification. 75 points are awarded for applying after having leave to remain in either the International Graduates Scheme, the Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme, or the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme

To gain 20 points the migrant must have one of the following:

UK recognized bachelor's degree
UK recognized postgraduate degree
UK postgraduate certificate or diploma
HND from a Scottish institution

Another 20 points for studying at a UK institution that is one of the following:

A recognized or listed UK body
On the Tier 4 sponsors register
HND was earned at a public funded institution of higher education or a Scottish private education institution

20 points for having obtained the qualification while in the UK with one of the following:

Student Leave (Tier 4, once introduced)
As a dependant of someone with valid leave in an immigration category permitting dependants in the UK

Post-Study Work applicants no longer need to have the English Language requirement because due to it being waived because it is assumed English language profficiency was requried to obtained the eligible qualification.

With regards to maintenance Post-Study Work applicants from outside the country will be required to score 10 points by proving they can support themselves and any dependants. Most of these applicants will be expected to switch from the Student (or Tier 4) category from within the UK, in which case the Maintenance test will only require the migrant to show they have £800 in Funds plus any additional funds for dependants.