Students graduating in the UK

From July 2008, the International Graduates Scheme, which itself replaced the SEGS, converts into Post Study Work in Tier 1. Variation of leave or visa will be granted for two years.

This should enable them to qualify for Tier 1 (General) by the time a further extension of leave is necessary.

Application in Tier 1 is by on-line pre-assessment followed either in-country or at UK Visas posts abroad by personal attendance to file support documents and undertake biometrics process - submitting to fingerprinting and digital photographing.

No sponsorship is required but evidence of competence in English to Level C1, CEFLL (Council of Europe) must be provided. Applicants from identified majority English speaking countries are exempt from proving competence in English. In the general category of Tier 1, it appears that similar rules will apply as in the HSMP currently, as revised in November 2006. Procedure will be different to the extent that the current two-stage process will be merged, so that a successful result will issue a residence permit or visa.

In the Post Study category, qualification for residence permit or visa requires 75 points for PBS attributes - from a degree at a UK institution within the last 12 months; another 10 for English language skills and finally another 10 for sufficiency of maintenance funds. Post Study Work may then provide a bridge into the (General) Category of Tier 1 or Tier 2 Employment, and consequently a route to UK settlement.

MfB can advise and assist with preparation of applications before formal pre-assessment; generating or evaluating support documentation; assisting with reviews and appeals.