Working After Studies Phill Wilcox and Tim Rhodes International Student Office University of Leeds

What this presentation will cover Tier 2 Tier 4 - 12 months leave to remain for completed PhD students

Tier 2 – Sponsored Employment Tier 2 (General) is for graduates who have a job offer The offer must be from a licensed sponsor The employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship The job must be a graduate occupation – as per the UKBA Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code Minimum salary level of £20,300 gross P.A

Tier 2 (General) To qualify, the applicant must score: 50 points for attributes; and 10 points for English language; and 10 points for maintenance

Tier 2 Attributes 20 points will be awarded if: You are switching into Tier 2 from holding a Tier 4 visa and that leave remains valid and you are applying within the UK OR You are switching into Tier 2 from holding a Tier 1 PSW visa and that leave remains valid and that you are applying within the UK OR The role is on the shortage occupation list OR The resident labour market test is met OR The role has a salary of £150k 20 points will be awarded if: The role is paid at the appropriate salary rate

Switching from Tier 4 to Tier 2 You have current leave which has not expired and You have successfully completed a degree at Bachelor level or higher or have done at least 12 months UK study towards a PhD at a recognised institution and You had a valid visa for the time you were studying and You are applying from inside the UK

Tier 2 – Documents Required Passport and 2 recent passport sized photos Police registration certificate (if applicable) Degree certificate Certificate of sponsorship Bank statements – showing £900 held for last 90 days ending at date of application OR employer agrees to cover maintenance If you had official sponsorship during your studies, written consent from your sponsor if sponsored within last 12 months

Tier 2 - Conditions Leave will be granted for 3 years or end date of sponsorship certificate Leave is granted to work only for the specified employer Permission is required to change employer An extension will be granted providing requirements are still met Leads to indefinite leave to remain after 5 years, but from April 2016, you need to earn £35000 per year or appropriate salary for job Family members can be Tier 2 dependents

Your immigration status while waiting for a decision You can begin working for your employer from the moment you submit your Tier 2 application Under Section 3c of the 1971 Immigration Act, your leave is automatically extended and the same conditions, including right to take employment, apply. This means if you apply to move from Tier 4 to Tier 2 before your Tier 4 leave expires, you retain the rights of a Tier 4 visa holder until a decision is made.

12 months leave to remain for completed PhD students From 1st April 2013, completing PhD students are eligible for 12 months further leave to remain Must apply before Tier 4 visa expires and within 60 days before completing course Must meet requirements for Tier 4 Must maintain contact with institution during 12 months Dependents can apply

If you need further advice….. Please see: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/tier2/general/ for further information on Tier 2 requirements and application process Check our website for updates on the Tier 4 12 month extension www.ilac.org.uk – for external legal advice

Any Questions?