1. Life After Post- Study Work? Immigration options for the futureImmigration options for the future Clare Best and Hazel Carling - Visa Guidance Team 31 st March 2011

2. 2 Current Position (1) – Tier 1 (PSW) Tier 1 (Post Study Work) category will close from April 2012 (exact date not yet specified) Students who are awarded before this will be able to apply in this category Same criteria – must score 95 points (75 points for attributes + 10 for English Language + 10 for maintenance) Length of visa still 2 years from date application is processed

3. 3 Current Position (2): - Tier 1 (PSW) Visa allows holder to remain in UK for 2 years without restrictions on employment Not necessary to have an employer in order to apply - can still be looking for work Not linked to a particular sponsor so holder can change employer or work for employer without Tier 2 licence Can be self-employed

4. Proposed Changes Highly Skilled WorkersHighly Skilled Workers

5. 5 From April 2011… Tier 1 (General) will be ‘replaced’ by: Tier 1 Investors Tier 1 Entrepreneurs/Potential Entrepreneurs Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) All categories can lead to settlement (permanent residence) after max 5 years

6. 6 Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent)–Who qualifies? To qualify applicants need to score a minimum of 75 points for Attributes and 10 points for English Language 75 points are based on the applicant holding an endorsement by a ‘Designated Competent Body’ List of ‘Designated Competent Bodies’ to be published on UKBA website (by 06/04/11?) Limited to 1000 visas per year in this category (700 science/300 arts) Applicants need to apply for Entry Clearance in this category

7. 7 From April 2012…. Tier 1 (PSW) will close New Category of Tier 2 (General) for recent graduates recruited into jobs that are on Graduate Occupations List Possible to ‘switch’ in UK from Tier 4 (General) but only if valid application made before Tier 4 visa expires

8. 8 From April 2012… Tier 2 for recent graduates not subject to Tier 2 quota which applies to other Tier 2 migrants If ‘Graduate Occupation’ applicants still need to meet all standard Tier 2 requirements but will NOT be subject to the Resident Labour Market Test Minimum salary needed will be £20,000 (but must also be ‘Graduate Occupation’ to qualify)

9. 9 In Summary Exceptionally Talented’ or Investors/Entrepreneurs may still qualify under Tier 1 without sponsorship Post-Study work closing April 2012 Possible to switch into Tier 2 but MUST have graduate level job to do so Full Details will be published on UKBA website at some stage before April 2012

10. 10 Useful Websites http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workinginthe uk/http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workinginthe uk/ http://www.ukcisa.org.uk http://www.southampton.ac.uk/sais/visa/index.sh tmlhttp://www.southampton.ac.uk/sais/visa/index.sh tml We aim to keep you up to date with changes as they happen!