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

2. What this presentation will cover
Tier 2
Tier months leave to remain for completed PhD students

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. If you need further advice…..
Please see: for further information on Tier 2 requirements and application process
Check our website for updates on the Tier 4 12 month extension
– for external legal advice

12. Any Questions?