The New Post-Study Work category of the new Tier one visa system is designed as a transitional route to allow the most talented non-EEA nationals graduating from UK universities to transfer into a work or business visa .

The Post-study work visa replaces both the International Graduates Scheme (IGS), allowing successful applicants to transfer into any other tier 1 visa category under the Points Based System if they can meet the specific requirements of that category. Post-Study Work visa holders will also be able to transfer into tier 2, which replaces the previous system of UK work permits.

Update December 2008: As of1 December 2008, IWP are able to get the PSW visa approved on a same day / premium service basis at the Home Office. The Home Office / Border Agency have restricted the number advisors can represent so call us should you require a slot.

International Work Permits provide a complete range of UK Immigration Services to help both individuals and businesses to get the best from the new Points Based System (PBS) . Our specialist team of OISC registered consultants are able to assist in all aspects of UK visas and work permits. International Work Permits can also assist employers to sponsor non-EEA nationals and assist in the new rules for obtaining a sponsorship licence.

The Points Based System has yet to be implemented so we are currently applying the old schemes [such as Highly Skilled Migrant Programme and the International Graduate Scheme ]. If in any doubt, please complete our online assessment or contact us for a FREE phone consultation:- 0207 866 8170

Eligibility

Although part of the tier 1 immigration structure, the General, Entrepreneur and Investor UK visa categories are all issued for an initial duration of three years. At the end of this period, subject to meeting the specific requirements of a visa extension, candidates may extend their leave to remain in the UK for a further two years, after which they may seek permanent residency in the UK (also known as 'Indefinite Leave to Remain '). International Work Permits are able to get permanent residency endorsed within 24 hours of being instructed and reviewing the supporting documentation.

The Post-Study Work category issues visas for only two years and does not allow candidates to extend their time in the UK under this subdivision. The is category is not extendable and the two-year duration does not count toward the residency requirements for getting settled in the UK [permanent residence]. Post Study Work visas are issued as a means to allow talented graduates to progress to either another category of tier one, or to tier two by getting an employer sponsorship.

General Requirements

Like the Highly Skilled Migrant programme - HSMP [currently in operation] candidates will be required to achieve a minimum pass mark of 75 points.

English Language Requirement

The Post-Study Work program will require candidates to fulfill a language requirement. This can be satisfied if the candidate has successfully completed a qualifying course at a recognised UK educational institution.

Maintenance Requirements

As with the General and Entrepreneur categories, each applicant must be able to support him or herself financially and must be able to support any dependents who may be joining them. The total sum required to meet the maintenance requirement for the main applicant is £2800. The sum for the first dependent will be 2/3 of this amount with any dependents thereafter requiring 1/3 of the figure.

Specific Requirements

The Post-Study Work visa requires a pass mark of 75, and although it divides the criteria into four specific requirements each with a points value, all of these areas must be satisfied by the following:-

* Requirement 1 - 20 points

- A recognised UK Bachelor's degree

- A recognised Master's degree

- A recognised PhD

* Requirement 2 - 20 points

- The educational institution must either be a listed UK institution or included in the tier 4 sponsors register once this is in place. Please refer to our Work Permit page for the current legislations for sponsorship.

* Requirement 3 - 20 points

The qualification must have been obtained by the candidate whilst in the UK with one of the following immigration permissions

- A tier 4 student visa

- As a dependent of another main applicant in the UK

* Requirement 4 - 15 points

- The application must be made within 12 months of obtaining the qualification.

Extending a Tier 1 Visa

It is important to note that uniquely among the tier one categories, the Post-Study Work Visa cannot be extended beyond its two-year duration. International Work Permits can have this issued [once the scheme has started] as a bridging category and successful applicants will be obliged to transfer into another category, having met the appropriate requirements, within two years.