Visas and work permits

Work permits and visas

Post Study Work visa (Tier 1 of points-based immigration system)

The International Graduates Scheme (IGS) which was implemented in 01 May 2007 has been replaced by the Post Study Work visa. The Post Study Work visa falls under Tier One of the Points Based Immigration System. It enables international students who have acquired a Bachelor degree or higher qualification in any subject to apply for a visa and remain in the UK to work for up to two years.

Full details can be found at UK Border Agency: Post Study Workers and the Post Study Work application form and policy guidance notes at: Tier 1 - Post Study Work

Key features of the scheme:
• Applicants must apply within twelve months of obtaining their qualification.
• Any degree class (except fail) will be eligible
• Those with postgraduate diplomas will be eligible to apply
• Eligible international graduates will be offered a permit granting permission to stay in the UK for up to two years in order to seek work.

Once working in the UK, with the PSW visa, it may be possible to apply for transfer to another tier of the points based system when they are eligible, which can be a route to settlement in the UK.

IGS and SEGS

The International Graduate Scheme (IGS) and Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme (SEGS) have now been replaced by the post-study workers visa. Graduates currently residing in the UK under SEGS or IGS may also be able to transfer to the PSW visa before their current visa expires, thus extending their leave to remain in the UK to work for up to two years.

Work permits

Traditionally, the main route for international students and graduates to obtain permission to work in the UK on completion of their studies is through a prospective employer applying for a work permit under the Business and Commercial category, see UK Border Agency: Work Permits Work permits arrangements are due to be replaced by a new points-based system for Skilled workers of Tier 2, due to be introduced later in 2008.

Further advice

Please note, the Careers Service is unable to give detailed advice and individual guidance on visa and work permit issues. The information on our website is intended as a basic guide and full details must be sought from the UK Border Agency

Students' Union Advice Centre

At LSE, the immigration advisers are housed in the Students' Union Advice and Welfare Centre, where students can seek further information and assistance with their application.

Full and up to date details of all work permission programmes and permits can be found on the UK Border Agency website.

LSE websites

Extending your student visa

LSE Students' Union Advice and Counselling Centre - has dedicated immigration advisers.

Useful websites

British Council - British Council activities, including their English language teaching operations abroad

Education UK - welfare information, links to colleges and universities and information about coming to the UK to study

Department for Education and Skills - international student pages including a fee status questionnaire and statement of UK government policy

MoreThanWork - information for students who are working while they study, including employment rights and how to handle stress and time management.

UKCISA - the Council for International Education - an independent, not-for-profit organisation committed to promoting educational mobility and providing support to international students and the professionals who work with them.

UK Border Agency - the official Home Office website for all matters regarding immigration, work permits and visas. Contains full details of points-based immigration visas and other work permit schemes, application forms and details and the first place to view latest news and announcements.

UKVisas - a joint Home Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office unit which runs the UK's visa service through British diplomatic posts overseas