Working After Studies in the UK: A Guide for International Students

1. Working After Studies Phill Wilcox and Tim Rhodes International Student Office University of Leeds

2. What this presentation will cover • Tier 2 • Tier 4 - 12 months leave to remain for completed PhD students

3. Tier 2 – Sponsored Employment Tier 2 (General) is for graduates who have a job offer • The offer must be from a licensed sponsor • The employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship • The job must be a graduate occupation – as per the UKBA Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code • Minimum salary level of £20,300 gross P.A

4. Tier 2 (General) To qualify, the applicant must score: • 50 points for attributes; and • 10 points for English language; and • 10 points for maintenance

5. Tier 2 Attributes

6. Switching from Tier 4 to Tier 2 • You have current leave which has not expired and • You have successfully completed a degree at Bachelor level or higher or have done at least 12 months UK study towards a PhD at a recognised institution and • You had a valid visa for the time you were studying and • You are applying from inside the UK

7. Tier 2 – Documents Required • Passport and 2 recent passport sized photos • Police registration certificate (if applicable) • Degree certificate • Certificate of sponsorship • Bank statements – showing £900 held for last 90 days ending at date of application OR employer agrees to cover maintenance • If you had official sponsorship during your studies, written consent from your sponsor if sponsored within last 12 months

8. Tier 2 - Conditions • Leave will be granted for 3 years or end date of sponsorship certificate • Leave is granted to work only for the specified employer • Permission is required to change employer • An extension will be granted providing requirements are still met • Leads to indefinite leave to remain after 5 years, but from April 2016, you need to earn £35000 per year or appropriate salary for job • Family members can be Tier 2 dependents

9. Your immigration status while waiting for a decision • You can begin working for your employer from the moment you submit your Tier 2 application • Under Section 3c of the 1971 Immigration Act, your leave is automatically extended and the same conditions, including right to take employment, apply. • This means if you apply to move from Tier 4 to Tier 2 before your Tier 4 leave expires, you retain the rights of a Tier 4 visa holder until a decision is made.

10. Doctorate Extension Scheme • From 1st April 2013, completing PhD students are eligible for 12 months further leave to remain • Must apply before Tier 4 visa expires and within 60 days before completing course – after viva!! • Must meet maintenance requirements for Tier 4 • Must maintain contact with institution during 12 months

11. Doctorate Extension Scheme • Request CAS from ISO – may need ATAS • Need to show financial documents before CAS can be issued • Apply in person or by post – ISO can check applications • Dependents can apply • No restrictions on type of work you can do

12. If you need further advice….. • Please see: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/tier2/general/ for further information on Tier 2 • http://www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/immigration/working_after_study/ - Tier 4 - DES • www.ilac.org.uk – for external legal advice

13. Any Questions?