Working in the UK after your studies

The Post Study Work Scheme replaced the International Graduate Scheme on 30th June 2008.  If you are granted a visa in this category you will be allowed to remain in the UK to work for 2 years without needing a Work Permit or a job offer.

How do I qualify for the PSW Scheme?

To be eligible to be granted a visa under the PSW Scheme you must score a total of 95 points.  Below is how to work out if you have enought points to make a successful application.  You need:

75 points for 'attributes':

• You have been awarded a UK recognised degree or postgraduate degree, diploma or cerificate - 20 points
• You have studies at a UK institution that is a UK recognised or lised body - the University of Bolton meets this requirement - 20 points
• You obtained your qualification whilst in the UK either on a student visa or as a dependant (if you were on a dependants visa you will need to return to your home country to apply for the PSW Scheme) - 20 points
• You must make your application for PSW within 12 months of obtaining your qualification (the date used will be the date on which you were first notified in writing that the qualification had been in awarded -  this can either be by email or by letter - 15 points
• If you are currently have IGS status you can extend for a further 12 months - 75 points

20 points for English language and availability of funds:

English Language - if you scored 75 points in the 'attributes' you will automatically meet this requirement - 10 points

Funds Requirement - you need to be able to show that for the 3 months prior to making your PSW application your bank account never had less than £800 (more if you have dependants on your visa).  If you are applying from your home country you will need to show that for the 3 months prior to applying for PSW your bank account never had less than £2800 - 10 points

What am I allowed to do?

• You can be employed, self employed or set up a business
• You or any dependants will not be allowed to take employment as a Doctor in Training.

When can I apply?

You must wait until you have written proof of your final results.

You must apply within 12 months of successful completion of your studies, which is considered by the Home Office to be the date on which you were first notified in writing that the qualification had been awarded

If you want to go home at the end of your course you will then have to apply for entry clearance to return to the UK to work under the PSW scheme.

How to apply?

You must apply for PSW before your current student visa expires.  You can download the PSW application form and guidance notes (Tier 1 Post Study Work) for the UK Border Agency website.  The cost of the application is £400 and applications can only be made by post not by attending an appointment at one of the Public Enquiry Offices

For further information please refer to the Home Office website at www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk and www.ukcisa.org.uk