Working in the UK after studies

Sarah WoodsInternational Student Adviser

Student Advice Centre20 May 2014

What are the options?

• Short-term work experience?

• 2-3 years?

• Permanent post?

What are the options?

• Tier 2• Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme• Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur

Scheme• Tier 5• Other routes

Tier 2

• 3 years + 3 years• No RLMT or cap• No self employment • Student must work for named

employer

Tier 2 – the essentials

• Student needs a job offer from a registered sponsor - http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/business-sponsors/points/sponsoringmigrants/registerofsponsors/

• Job must be at graduate level

Tier 2 – the essentials

• Salary in line with relevant Code of Practice - http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/business-sponsors/points/sponsoringmigrants/employingmigrants/codesofpractice/

• And student must be paid at least £20,500

Tier 2 – criteria?

• Current Tier 4/student visa• Awarded UK degree/completed 12

months of UK PhD

• Maintenance – from 1st July £945 for 90 days and £630 per dependant

• Sponsor’s unconditional consent

Tier 2 – when to apply?

• Before expiry of current Tier 4/student visa

• After award of degree ( or after 12 mths PhD)

• AVOID TRAVEL before application• Application MUST be made in UK

Tier 2 – how to apply?

• Get Tier 2 Certificate of Student Status from SSiD

• Complete Tier 2 form• Have form checked with Adviser

at SAC.

Key messages to students

• Focus on finding Tier 2 sponsor – don’t delay your job search!

• Explain your rights to work to employer using our materials

• Avoid travel after degree is awarded• Set aside at least £945 for living

expenses

Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme

New visa for PhD Students:

1. 12 months visa to allow you to look for work or set up in business

2. You can only apply in UK before degree is awarded

3. You will need sponsorship from University

Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme

You will need to: • be within 60 days of the final award of your PhD

and still have a valid Tier 4 visa.•  get a CAS from the University which confirms

their 'sponsorship' of you under this route.• satisfy all the Tier 4 requirements regarding

funds, consent from sponsor etc.• If you were covered by ATAS as a student you

will need to show a valid certificate

Tier 1 Graduate Entreprenuer Scheme

• New scheme for students with ‘genuine and credible business ideas’

• 10 places available per year • Student must be ‘endorsed’ by the University• One year visa initially• Further one year if likely to qualify for Tier 1

Entrepreneur category• Can do full time work as well as work on

business

Sirius Programme

• Funded by UK Dept of Trade & Industry.  • This route is still under Tier 1 GES• But provides £12000 funds per eligible

person & full support for setting up your business in the UK.

• More details can be found at

http://www.siriusprogramme.com/

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Tier 5

• 6-12 months paid internship in UK• Student needs to find the placement• Maintenance £945 for 90 days• English language requirements• Must apply for visa from home country (unless

linked to course e.g (Government Authorised Exchange)

• Many other schemes eg. http://tier5intern.com/

Other routes

• Marriage/relationship with – British citizen or settled person or – EEA national– Student or worker

• UK Ancestry• Long residence

Help and guidance

• Student Advice Centre• Website:

http://www.shef.ac.uk/union/student-advice-centre/immigration/working-in-the-uk/

• Drop-ins 1-3pm daily or appointments• Open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (4pm

vacations)• advice@sheffield.ac.uk

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