Post-study workers
Eligibility
This page explains the requirements you must meet to be accepted into the post-study worker category (Tier 1 Post-study work) of our points-based system to work in the United Kingdom.
On this page
Full details of all requirements are in the immigration rules at paragraphs 245V - 245ZA of part 6a, which you can find on the right of this page. You must read the policy guidance before you apply under this category. You can download the guidance and application form from the Applying section.
What points you have to score to apply as a post-study worker
To apply under our points-based system and be accepted into the post-study worker category, you must pass a points-based assessment.
You must score:
- 75 points for your attributes, which are a United Kingdom qualification, study at a United Kingdom institution, your immigration status during United Kingdom study and/or research, and the date of award of the qualification; and
- 10 points for English language; and
- 10 points for available maintenance (funds).
If you do not score a minimum of 75 points for your attributes and 10 points for English language and 10 points for available maintenance (funds), your application will be refused.
Use the points-based calculator to calculate how many points you have and whether you are eligible to work in the United Kingdom as a post-study worker under the points-based system.
How the points differ for initial applications and applications under the transitional arrangements
The requirements that you must meet to score points are different depending on whether you are:
- switching from student status (which includes students, student nurses, students resitting examiniations,and students writing up a thesis) and applying for permission to enter or stay in the United Kingdom under the post-study worker category (initial applications); or
- currently have leave under the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme (SEGS), International Graduates Scheme (IGS) or Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme (FT:WISS), and are applying to stay in the United Kingdom under the post-study worker category (transitional arrangements).
You should read all the information in this section before you apply. You must pay the correct fee with your application, and send the correct supporting evidence to support your application. If you make an application and it is unsuccessful because you do not meet the requirements, we will not refund your fee. You should read the section on costs for details.
If you meet the requirements in this section, read the section on initial applications or transitional arrangements for information on how to apply.