Recruiting International Students – Information for non-EEA Students
Working in the UK after your studies
 Start job hunting early- before the end of your studies.
 Understand UK employers’ multi stage application process (employers can use on-line tests,
telephone interviews, assessment centres before face to face interviews).
 Prepare yourself - use the Careers and Employability workshops, online resources and careers advice
available.
 Refer to the UKBA list of Registered Sponsors (list of companies and organisations that are licenced
as sponsors on the UKBA website) to apply to their advertised positions or to make speculative
applications.
Benefits to an Employer of employing an international student

You will bring knowledge of other cultures to help an employer deal with overseas customers and
suppliers, you may have existing business contacts.

Global mobility - your ability to live and operate across a range of cultures.

Foreign languages - to translate commercial literature, assist with global marketing.

Help your employer compete effectively in a global market place.
Conversations with Employers

Placements, internships, short-term contracts and projects - can be arranged through your student
visa (Tier 4). You are able to work 20 hours during term time, full time during vacations and following
your studies up to the end of your Tier 4 visa (Check any work restriction on your individual passport).

Tier 4 Doctoral Extension Scheme - stay and work in the UK 1 year following completion of your PhD.

Tier 1 post Study Work visa - if you hold this visa you are entitled to stay in the UK and work until
expiry of this visa.

Right to remain in the UK’ - you may be entitled to work in the UK for reasons of ancestry,
relationship or length of time in the UK. All other international students wishing to work in the UK
following their degree will need a Tier 2 visa sponsored by an Employer.

All international students can apply for any advertised role following their degree as long as
 Salary stipulated in the UKBA Standard Occupational Code for the job role and not less than
£20,300.
 You have the required UKBA points (see UKBA website).
 The employer is listed on the Register of Sponsors, or will agree to apply to be registered.
The employer will issue you with a Tier 2 Certificate of Sponsorship. You will then need to
apply for a Tier 2 visa though the UKBA website.

Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange - e.g. BUNAC Intern in Britain six months work experience
can be arranged with any UK employer, but you have to apply from your home country. Please see
the BUNAC website for the cost to apply.

Check with your own embassy for any additional information on employers who are recruiting and
changes within the labour market at home.
Further information
www.ukcisa.org.uk
http://www.bunac.org/interninbritain/
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/service/careers/
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/employersandsponsors/pointsbasedsystem/pb
sregisterofsponsors
This update is only a summary of the law in force at the present time and is not exhaustive,
nor does it contain definitive advice. Specialist advice should be sought from a member
of the Freeth Cartwright Immigration Team in relation to any queries that may arise.
Recruiting International Students – Information for Employers
Information regarding regulations for international students’ right to work in the UK after their studies.
Employing International Students - the benefits
 Help you understand and deal effectively with overseas customers and suppliers.
 Facilitate business development into new global markets.
 Broaden the outlook of your workforce and help your business to be receptive to new ideas.
 Recruit the ‘brightest and best’ employees from around the world.
Employing International Students - the options
 Recruitment for Placement and Internships - Tier 4 Student Visa
 International Students can work part time during study, full time during vacations, work following
their degree until expiry of Tier 4 visa (e.g. contract, project or consultancy work).
 Recruitment for Graduate Positions - Employer Sponsored Tier 2 Visa
 Employer must apply and be listed on UK Border Agency (UKBA) Register of Sponsors.
 Salary stipulated in the UKBA Standard Occupational Code for the job role and not less than £20,300.
 Student must meet the UKBA point requirements (e.g. points are awarded for degree, salary level,
certificate of sponsorship, English language, maintenance).
 Employer can recruit the best person for the role – no “resident labour market test” required (if
student applies from within the UK following graduation).
 Employer issues international student with Certificate of Sponsorship.
 Student must apply for Tier 2, if within the UK, before expiry of current visa.

Recruitment for Graduate Positions - 2 year Post Study Work Visa (PSW) Tier 1
 New applications to Tier 1 PSW visa closed from April 2012.
 Student with existing PSW visas can be employed until expiry of PSW visa.
 Can switch from existing PSW to Tier 2 to continue working.

Recruitment for Work Experience - Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) - some examples
 Covers work experience for specific professions (e.g. Architecture, Pharmacy), visas organised by
GAE Sponsors e.g. Professional Bodies.
 An opportunity for students to gain six months work experience arranged by the student with any
employer (e.g. BUNAC Intern in Britain Programme).
 International Student needs to apply from their home country.

Recruitment of PhD Students - Tier 4 Doctoral Extension Scheme
 PhD students can stay in the UK and work for 12 months following completion of their PhD.
Employing International Students - Next Steps
 Employer must be listed on the UKBA Register of Sponsors to get a sponsorship licence
(for breakdown of application costs see UKBA website).
 Issue the international student with a Certificate of Sponsorship.
 Keep accurate personnel records for your international employee during employment.
This update is only a summary of the law in force at the present time and is not exhaustive,
nor does it contain definitive advice. Specialist advice should be sought from a member
of the Freeth Cartwright Immigration Team in relation to any queries that may arise.