- Minimum salary likely for ILR applicants post 2016
- A2 worker rules likely to remain in force until 2014
- Revised shortage occupation list proposed by the MAC
- Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category starts 9th August 2011
- Government signals end of ILR for migrant workers
Who can apply for a UK post study work visa?
If you are a non-EEA student living in the UK, you may be hoping to stay on to find work after you complete your studies. However, some recent changes have been made to the immigration system and you now need to apply for a post study work visa based on a points system.
As part of the new points based system, in order to stay in the UK after graduating you need to meet a minimum of 95 points in order to be able to apply for a tier 1 post study work visa. These points are worked out by considering factors such as your age, immigration status, type of qualifications and previous earnings. The work permit experts will also check your ability in the English language and if you have had any previous work experience. Additionally you need to be able to prove that you have some funds available to be able to stay in the UK and find work after finishing your education.
European, Swiss and Commonwealth citizens (with permission to stay in UK) are not required to apply for the post study work visa. However residents of countries outside the European Union and Switzerland will need to apply. If you have any children or dependents and want to keep them in the UK with you while you work they will also need to fill out a separate application to stay. Applicants from some countries will need to first register with the Worker Registration Scheme before applying for a visa. These countries include the following Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Latvia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. Romanian and Bulgarian nationals will need to wait for permission from work permit experts before applying.
If you are currently a student and worried about how to apply for a post study work visa now is the time to ask from advice from college or university welfare office. By getting the paperwork prepared well in advance you will be in a better position to plan for your future, however you are only actually able to submit the application once you have obtained your qualification. Likewise as you need to able to prove you have funds available to support yourself you may think about saving some money before finishing your studies as this will help towards your application to stay to work in the UK.
By taking the time now to plan well in advance, you will be able to seek help and advice on how to full out your form. If you fail to full out the application correctly or do not attach the correct fee and supporting documents, you could run the risk of your application being refused. If your application is approved you can stay in the UK for up to two years and there are no restrictions on the type of work you can do during this time.
