How To Make a Post Study Work Application in the UK International Office Fiona O’Carroll, Assistant Director Monday 5 July 2010, Howlands Building

∂ Our Aims today: To give you an overview of the Tier 1 Post Study Work Scheme: The benefits for graduates The main requirements The application process Frequently Asked Questions Further information and help

∂ Context Changing immigration environment – new government Several work based routes in Points Based System Graduates most likely to meet requirements for Tier 1 (Post Study Work) Early indications are that PSW will not be affected by immigration cap

∂ The Benefits: What does Post Study Work (PSW) mean for you? Allows graduates to work for 2 years in the UK Any employment or self employment (except work for doctors in training) No job offer required Flexibility - not tied to an employer Can switch into other employment categories later if can meet the requirements Leave in the Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) category does not count towards settlement

∂ Post Study Work Quiz: For 5 minutes only... Your chance to speak to your neighbours! Q 1You can make a post study work application as soon as you have completed your studies? True/ False? Q 2You can make your application without needing to send all of your documents at the same time? True/ False?

∂ Main requirements: How to Score the required 95 Points! PSW Visa = Requirements + Correct evidence + Completed form + Fee 75 Points for: Qualification (20); the University (20); Immigration Status (20) and Time Limit (15) 10 Points awarded for English language (if you meet above) 10 Points for Maintenance (the required funds)

∂ Do you Qualify? Eligible UK Qualifications & Institution (40 Points): Bachelor’s degree; Masters Degree; PhD recognised UK institution/ PGCE from a UK institution; HND from a Scottish institution Visa Status (20 Points): You must have studied on a student or student related visa (if applying from within the UK) Time Limit (15 Points): Apply within 12 months of the date that you first get notice of your award – NOT YOUR GRADUATION DATE! English Language (10 points): if you score points for all the above Maintenance (10 Points): Minimum bank balance of £800 (if in UK); £2,800 (if outside UK) maintained for 3 months

∂ How to make your application in the UK Check that you meet all the requirements! Complete PBS self assessment tool on UKBA website Complete the Tier 1 Post Study Work Application Form Make sure you include all evidence required! Post your application before your visa expires Postal Application fee: £550 In Person Applications: £800

∂ Supporting Documents: Originals Only! Degree Certificate and Letter from SPA confirming details of your award OR If applying before graduation:- Letter from SPA confirming award Passports/ID cards showing all your leave in the UK Photos – 2 identical photos must follow UKBA photo guidance Police Registration Certificate (if required to register) Financial Evidence - showing balance of £800 for at least every day for the last 3 months Letter of Consent from Official Financial Sponsor - if you have been supported in the last 12 months

∂ Quiz Answers Q1You can make a post study work application as soon as you have completed your studies? False: You should make your application ONLY when you have met ALL the requirements AND after you have received official confirmation that you have been awarded a relevant qualification. If your student immigration permission expires before you get your results, you will have to leave the UK and apply for entry clearance in your home country. This means that you will have to meet the higher maintenance (funds) requirement of showing £2,800 in your bank account for three months.

∂ Q 2 You can make your application without needing to send all of your documents at the same time? True/ False? False :You will not get the opportunity to present further documents after you have submitted your application. Incomplete application or documents will lead to your application being refused! Remember that all of your documents must be originals not copies! Quiz Answers

∂ FAQs: about my immigration status What is my immigration status while my application is being considered by the UKBA? You are legally allowed to remain in the UK under the conditions that you hold as a student as long as you made a valid PSW application BEFORE your student visa expired. This means that you are allowed to take up temporary work while your application is being considered. For confirmation of this you refer to the Home Office Letter- details in our handout

∂ FAQs: About Working After Studies Can I work full time after my studies have finished? Yes, providing you have completed your studies and you are just waiting for your results. You can work full time on a temporary contract until the expiry date of your student visa providing this is not longer than four months and you can continue working until the UKBA make a decision on your PSW application. You cannot engage in business, self employment or take up employment as a professional sportsperson or entertainer or pursue a career by filling a permanent full-time vacancy.

∂ FAQs: About my Dependants I have dependants with me can they apply to be my dependants under PSW Yes, if they have immigration status as your dependants. Each dependant must complete an application form and pay a fee of £100 (postal application) or £125 (in person) or £315 (outside UK). If you have been in the UK for 12 months or more, each of your dependants will need to show they have £533 to support themselves or show £1,600 if you have been in the UK for less than 12 months. If your dependants are in your home country then they can apply to join you as your dependants once you have secured your Post Study work status.

∂ Applying from outside the UK Fee :£315 Complete forms VAF9 and Appendix 4 Refer to PSW guidance for your home country from the UKBA Ukvisas website:

∂ Guidance from the International Office Handout on making a Post Study Work application Information Session later in July – only for students with visas expiring up to 30 November 2010 We also hope to run an information session for students with visas expiring in January 2011 later in the year – details available for International Office web-site

∂ Many thanks for your time... We hope you enjoyed your time at Durham and wish you all the best with your future career!