Changes for International Graduates Wanting to Work in the UK

From April 2012, the legal arrangements allowing international students to work in the UK after they graduate will change when the current scheme is replaced by a new provision under the new Tier 2 Sponsored Skilled Workers programme. Full details may however not be released until as late as March 2012.

The information on the new Tier 2 scheme is that applicants must have a job offer from an employer before their student visa expires (currently the length of the course, plus 4 months), and must be paid a minimum salary that is likely to be in the region of £20,000 (or the salary specified in the Standard Occupational Code published by the UKBA). The individual also has to meet points requirements. The employer will not have to apply the Resident Labour Market Test, unlike the main scheme under Tier 2 arrangements for those looking for long term employment in the UK.

Possible sources of help for those affected by the changes are:

• Tier 2 Register of Sponsors

• UKBA Employer Helpline: tel 0300 123 4699 or via email

• UKCISA advice line open from Monday to Friday, 1pm - 4pm: 020 7107 9922

Source: AGCAS

Useful Web References for International Students on Working in the UK

The following information has been provided by Karen Shaw, Senior Adviser (Academic Liaison) at the University of Cumbria following the introduction of new restrictions on the entitlement of international students to work in the UK:

Once in the UK, the majority of EEA nationals are able to work unrestricted hours, nor do they require permission to do so. However we would advise students to confirm this by visiting the UK Border Agency website for further details. Students will require a National Insurance (NI) number and can apply for one by visiting the application page on the Directgov website.

Any non-EEA nationals in the UK should have a visa which indicates the restrictions relating to employment. Visit the UK Border Agency working in the uk webpage for more information.

Normally students on a Tier 4 visa studying in the UK on a full time course which is level 6 or above are restricted to a maximum of 20 working hours per week during term time (except if the work is part of the course and you have permission to do so from the University of Cumbria). Visit the UKCISA working in the uk during your studies webpage for more information.

Students on a Student Visitor visa are not able to work in the UK.

Students who wish to remain in the UK to work after completing their course should refer to UK Border Agency working in the uk webpage UKCISA working in the uk after your studies for information.

Please be advised that it is your responsibility to ensure that you do not break the conditions of your visa. If you are in breach of your visa, you are likely to be asked to return home.