ADD ADVICE TO FAVWork permits
If you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and you want to work in the UK after finishing your degree, there’s a lot of information you need to understand.
Finding your way through the maze of graduate work permits and immigration issues is difficult, especially because the laws change so often. Here are some broad guidelines and references to external sources of information.
Members of the EEA
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Irish Republic
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are not members of the European Union (EU) but citizens of these countries have the same rights to enter, live in and work in the United Kingdom as EU citizens.
Visas and immigration
There are a few visa options open to graduates. More information about the schemes and application details can be found on the Border & Immigration Agency website. There’s also a helpline you can call: 0114 207 4074.
International Graduates Scheme (IGS)
The International Graduates Scheme (IGS) allows you to stay in the UK for 12 months after your course. It’s open to you if you’ve successfully completed one of the following courses after 1 May 2007:
- bachelor’s degree
- postgraduate certificate or diploma
- masters or PhD.
It doesn’t matter when you started your studies. You can apply once you have successfully completed your studies and before your student visa expires. You don’t need a job offer before applying.
If you manage to get a graduate job during the time you’re on the IGS, you have quite a good chance of converting to a more long-term visa. However, this is not guaranteed and it can be quite a complicated process.
Why not get a professional opinion? See sources of advice to find campus-based and other organisations which can provide support.
Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme
If you’ve completed an HND, degree, postgraduate certificate or diploma, or a PhD and you’ve lived in Scotland during your studies, you’re eligible for this scheme.
You may apply to stay in Scotland to work for up to two years after finishing your course. At the end of the two years, you might be able to change to a more permanent visa.
Coming soon – points-based immigration system
The UK is in the process of introducing a new points-based immigration system. Its five tiers will be introduced in stages. The system is still in development and may be subject to change, so check the Border & Immigration Agency website for the latest information.
As of March 2008, the only operational part of the new points-based immigration system is Tier 1 (General). This replaces the Highly Skilled Migrants Programme. You may be eligible for this if you reach the 95 points threshold. Points are gained from qualifications, age, previous earnings, UK experience, English and maintenance funds.
Coming soon is Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) which will eventually replace the International Graduates Scheme. The main difference between the old scheme and the new one is that instead of being able to stay in the UK for just 12 months, you’ll be able to stay for two years.
Other work permits and visas
There are other work permits that you might be eligible for. To find out more, visit the Border & Immigration Agency.
