University of Leeds
Working in the UK 2015
A Guide for International Students
A summary of the main options for international students to work in the UK given the latest
work visa and equality legislation
Recruiting
Key
Points for graduate positions: Visa Options
Tier 2 is the primary route for international students (outside the EEA) to work in the UK after
graduation.
International PhD students can now stay in the UK to look for work or gain work experience for
12 months after completing their studies
There are options under Tier 5 for other students for a maximum of 12 months following
graduation. Tier 5 visas are not necessarily sponsored by an employer, dependent upon which
country you are from.
The University of Leeds can sponsor students to start their own business in the UK under Tier 1 –
Graduate
Entrepreneur
visa. Sponsored Tier 2 Visa
Option One:
Employer
Employers can apply for a Tier 2 sponsor license from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
This allows registered employers to hire international applicants and then issue them with a
certificate of sponsorship. A graduating international student can then apply for a Tier 2 visa.
You must meet a points-based assessment including the post paying a minimum salary for
the post
Tier 2 visas are renewable for up to 6 years. Please note that minimum salary requirements
apply for renewal of a Tier 2 visa and any application for indefinite leave to remain in the UK
Key Points: The job must meet a minimum salary and skill level criteria in accordance with
the Tier 2 Codes of Practice. However, for students switching from a valid student visa into
Tier 2, the post is exempt from the resident labour market test.
What to do next? You must find employment from a Tier 2 licensed sponsor to be able to
apply under this category. The Tier 2 sponsor register can be viewed at
www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licenses-sponsors-workers
The requirements for apply for a Tier 2 visa can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/tier-2general
Option Two: The Doctoral Extension Scheme – 12 month visa for PhD
Graduates
www.ukcisa.org.uk/International-Students/The-next-stage/Working-after-yourstudies/Doctorate-Extension-Scheme/
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University of Leeds
International PhD students currently holding a student visa can apply for an additional 12
months following the end of their studies to allow them to work in any role, to look for work or
set up a business as an entrepreneur.
Key Points: This scheme allows you to work full time in the UK without the need to be
sponsored by an employer
What to do next? The application process is similar to that of a Tier 4 student visa, a CAS is
required for this application and it can be requested by downloading the form from this web
page: http://www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/immigration/working_after_study/
Option Three: Tier 4 Student Visa
http://ukcisa.org.uk/International-Students/Study-work--more/Working-during-your-studies/
International students should have up to 4 months remaining on their student visa after
completing their studies. Students are able to take employment during this time (subject to
any restrictions on their visa) as long as they do not take a permanent, full-time position.
Some graduate employers have hired graduates on a fixed term contract or part time basis
during this time until an alternative visa is available or have hired them for short-term project
work.
Key Points: If you are working on a Tier 4 student visa after your studies have finished and
you have made an application for a Tier 2 visa based on a valid Certificate of Sponsorship,
you are able to take on the Tier 2 job for which the application was made pending the
outcome of that application
What to do now: Check your visa to confirm your work permission in the UK.
Option Four: Tier 5 visas
http://ukcisa.org.uk/International-Students/The-next-stage/Working-after-your-studies/
International students seeking short term work experience can obtain visa sponsorship
through a third party for a fixed period of work. This is usually between 6-12 months
depending on the scheme. They must secure the job before applying for the visa
Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange Programmes allow graduates to work for 6
months (or 12 months if the job is related to your degree qualification studied). Sponsoring
organisations include BUNAC, GTI, AIESEC or ISIS. You can take any job with no minimum
salary with any employer. Some organisations charge the graduate a fee (BUNAC) and
others charge the recruiter (AIESEC/GTI)
Tier 5 Youth Mobility is a scheme that allows nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan,
Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Taiwan as well as British Overseas Citizens,
British Overseas Territories Citizens and British Nationals (Overseas) to live and work in the
UK for any employer for 2 years
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University of Leeds
Key Points: Graduates on a Tier 5 visa cannot swap to a Tier 2 visa without leaving the UK
and meeting the conditions of Tier 2 from outside the UK. Also, most applicants for a Tier 5
visa must do so outside the UK.
Option Five: Tier 1 – Graduate Entrepreneur
The University of Leeds can sponsor students under the Tier 1 – Graduate Entrepreneur
visa scheme if you are looking to start your own business in the UK. This visa will permit you
to establish your business in the UK for an initial 12 month period and you can extend this
visa for a further 12 months before its expiry.
Key Points: Your business idea must be genuine and credible, the University of Leeds can
sponsor up to 20 students in a 12 month period under this scheme. You can switch from
your Tier 4 visa to this visa in the UK. You are able to establish your business from the date
you make your Tier 1 – Graduate Entrepreneur application pending the outcome of that
application. The requirements for this visa can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/tier-1graduate-entrepreneur-visa
What to do next: Arrange to speak to Brian Baillie in the SPARK team at the Careers
Centre to discuss your business idea with him. Advice regarding the immigration
requirements can be sought from Tim Rhodes at the International Student Office.
Recruiting for Placements, Internships and Holiday Work during study
If you are an EEA student there are no restrictions on you working during study. Please note
that students from Croatia need to register with the Home Office before taking employment
https://www.gov.uk/croatian-national/overview
Work restrictions should be displayed clearly on your student visa. You can find more
information regarding working during study here: http://ukcisa.org.uk/InternationalStudents/Study-work--more/Working-during-your-studies/How-many-hours-a-week-can-Iwork/
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