Post study work

The Points Based System for Immigration

The UK Government has launched a new immigration system. The Points Based System (PBS) is intended to simplify what had previously been a very complex immigration system by combining more than 80 pre-existing work and study routes in to the United Kingdom into five tiers. The tiers are:

Tier 1: Highly skilled individuals;
Tier 2: Skilled workers with a job offer;
Tier 3: Low skilled workers needed to fill temporary labour shortages;
Tier 4: Students;
Tier 5: Youth mobility and temporary workers.


Tier 1: post study work category

Of most interest to Glasgow’s students and graduates will undoubtedly be Tier 1. Tier 1 has four separate categories including the ‘post-study work’ category which from 30 June 2008, replaced both the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme (FT:WISS) and the International Graduates Scheme (IGS). The new post study work category provides 2 years leave to remain in the UK in order to seek employment throughout the UK – not only in Scotland. Applicants to the post study worker category must have completed a bachelor's degree, a postgraduate certificate or diploma, a postgraduate Masters or PhD and be able to present their results.

Post study workers, will be eligible to switch to a sponsored skilled worker category (Tier 2: skilled workers with a job offer) at any point within their 2 year leave to remain period providing they have amassed the requisite number of points on attributes such as age, previous salary or prospective salary and qualifications.

Also of interest to some will be the ‘Tier 1: General’ category which has replaced the Highly Skilled Migrants Programme.

Interim arrangements

Graduates who successfully applied to the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme will already have received permission to stay for two years and will not need any transitional arrangements. However, any graduates participating in the International Graduate Scheme can apply to the UK Border Agency to stay for an additional year.

For more information:

Home Office UK Border Agency
Relocation Advisory Service

For queries,

International Student Support Service at the University
Relocation Advisory Service: Tel :0845 602 0297
E-mail: info@scotlandistheplace.com