The Tier 1 Post-Study Worker route has closed on 5 April 2012 to all new applicants. However, under provisions introduced by the UK Home Office, graduates who would previously been eligible under the Post-Study route will now be able to switch into Tier 2 (General), or may consider the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) route. Please contact our offices for more information in this regard.

The information below is thus only applicable to migrants already in the UK with this type of visa.

The Tier 1 Post-Study Worker category allows international graduates, who have studied in the UK, to work in the UK for a period of two years without sponsor for the length of their Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) leave.

The aim of this category is to provide international graduates with a bridge to highly skilled or skilled work in the UK and individuals with leave in this category will be expected to switch into another part of the points-based system as soon as they are able to do so.

How to qualify

In order to qualify applicants need to have obtained a UK degree at Bachelor or Postgraduate level, or a UK Postgraduate certificate in Education or a Higher National Diploma from a Scottish institution. The application for the visa must be made within 12 months of obtaining the relevant qualification. Applicants will also need to meet an English language requirement and a requirement for maintenance funds.

Length of stay and right to work

If successful in your application, a single grant of leave for two years will be permitted, with no further grant of leave possible after this. There are no work restrictions but you may not be employed as a doctor in training whilst on this visa.

Permanent Residence

As this is a temporary visa it does not lead to permanent residence. In addition time spent in this category does not count towards eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain.