Graduate Careers & Immigration Options for Tier 4/Student Visa Holders - March 2021 - King's College ...
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Graduate Careers & Immigration
Options for Tier 4/Student Visa
Holders
March 2021
Who are we? • Specialist International Student Advisers – part of the Advice & Guidance service • We provide advice and support for prospective and current international students studying at King’s, including immigration advice, and advice on working during studies; For working after studies, we do not provide 1-1 advice at this moment but can provide general advice to groups when suited. • We are the only staff at King’s who are regulated to provide immigration advice by the OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner). • We are members of UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs), who provide us with regular training and support. • See our website for further details: www.kcl.ac.uk/advice
Main Visa Options for Work After Study
Main options available:
• Skilled Worker Route (formerly called Tier 2 General)
• Doctorate Extension Scheme
• Graduation Immigration Route – from 1st July 2021
• Start-up Visa
• Youth Mobility Scheme (T5)
• Other often seen routes
A reminder: Work during studies on Tier 4/StudentVisa
The information in this presentation was correct at the time of delivering. However, the Immigration Rules do change
frequently.
Please do refer to www.gov.uk and www.ukcisa.org.uk for the most up-to-date information.
Immigration Health Surcharge The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) was increased Dec 2020, and at March 2021: Student Visa and Youth Mobility Scheme: £470 per year of visa granted (£235 every 6 months ) All other visa routes: £624 per year of visa granted Dependants Each dependant must pay the same as the main applicant for each year visa is granted https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application
Skilled Worker Route
Skilled Worker Route replaced Tier 2 General on 1 December 2020.
• You have an offer of a “graduate level” job earning over a threshold (this could vary for different
job categories) AND
• Job is with an employer who has a Sponsor Licence (this employer will be listed on UKVI’s
Register of Sponsors), and this employer is willing to sponsor you AND
• You are within 3 months of your course end date listed on your CAS, or you have completed
your degree (or have completed at least 12 months of a PhD) during your most recent / current
period of immigration leave.
• You can apply from inside the UK and overseas.
Skilled Worker Route – Key Changes
• Specifically tailored to those who have studied in the UK with a Tier 4 or Student route visa and who now
wish to apply under the Skilled Worker route, either in the UK or in their home country.
• Applying in your home country for a Skilled Worker visa no longer has the extra requirements for
employers that the old Tier 2 route had.
• Both the Resident Labour Market Test and Restricted Certificates of Sponsorship were abolished when
the Skilled Worker route replaced Tier 2. The Immigration Skills Charge for employers does still remain for
applications from outside the UK.
• Former UK students who apply later in their home country, are considered a "new entrant" under the
Skilled Worker rules about "tradable points".
NB: International Student Advice cannot provide 1-1 advice on this route. Please check information on the
government official website https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa. Employers should seek their own legal
advice on this process and/or consult the UKVI’s Business Helpdesk: businesshelpdesk@homeoffice.gov.uk
Skilled Worker Route – Maintenance
• If you apply from inside the UK and have been living in the UK on a valid visa for 12 months or
longer - NO maintenance evidence required.
• If you apply from inside the UK but have not been living in the UK for at least 12 months, or you
apply from outside the UK, you need £1,270 held in your OWN account.
You will need extra funds of £285 for your partner, £315 for the first dependant child, and £200 for
any further dependant children. The funds for dependants can be held in their names.
In a case that you need to show financial evidence, all funds have to be held for at least 28
consecutive days prior to the application. You can check detail here Financial evidence for sponsored
or endorsed work routes.
Skilled Worker Route - When you can start? • If you were financially sponsored by a government or international scholarship agency during your course, and this sponsorship covered your tuition fees + living costs in the UK in full, you must obtain permission from your sponsor to stay in the UK. • To demonstrate that you have successfully completed your course / are within the last 3 months of your course, you can request a Skilled Worker Completion of Study letter from Student Services. This can serve as an “academic reference” if you haven’t yet received your final degree transcript or degree certificate. • IMPORTANT: if you applied for your current Tier 4 visa BEFORE 1st October 2019, you cannot begin working for your work employer on your new permanent contract until you have the Skilled Worker visa decision confirmed to you. • https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES)
• Open to any PhD student who has almost completed their degree and still has time left on their current
Student/Tier 4 visa
• Allows you to stay in the UK for up to 12 months after the end of your course to work / look for work
• Can work without restriction after the award date of your PhD, except as a professional
sportsperson/coach or doctor/dentist in training
• DES is under Student Visa route, and King’s remains your sponsor, therefore will monitor you via emails
during your time on the DES visa.
• Must apply for DES visa from within the UK.DES – when to apply?
• Submit CAS request for DES via Student Services Online just before your viva + complete declaration form (i.e.
monitoring agreement).
• Financial maintenance: unlikely will be required as most PhD students have been in the UK for at least 12 months
prior to the point. If this is not satisfied, you then need to show evidence of 2 months' funds.
NB: this amount does not include any dependants.
• Your CAS will be processed once your final thesis + corrections have been approved by your supervisor / examiners.
At this point, you must make your Tier 4 DES application (via the UKVI website) before your date of award.
Note: DES should merge into the new Graduate Immigration Route (GIR). PhD students after completing
their degrees are likely to have 3 years under GIR. However, currently no provisions as released from UKVI
indicating that DES holders can switch into GIR.
You are advised to check details when full guidance on GIR announced.DES – when is my date of award? The date of award of your PhD is usually the 1st of the month following the approval of your final thesis + corrections by your supervisor / examiners. It’s calculated as follows: • If your final thesis (including corrections) is submitted, and has been approved by your examiners, on or before the 24th of the month, then your PhD award date from King’s should be the 1st of the following month. • e.g. if you submit your final thesis and your corrections have been approved on or before 23 rd June, your award date should be 1st July. • However, if the corrections have been approved by your examiners after 24 th June, then your award date should be 1st August. NB: You can only work full-time once your PhD has been awarded.
DES – supporting documents
• Valid passport + visa/BRP for your current PhD
• Police Registration Certificate (if appropriate)
• Bank statements (if applicable)
• If you have received official financial sponsorship in the past 12 months, you will need to obtain
written confirmation from your sponsor that they have no objection to you remaining in the UK
after the completion of your PhD.
• ATAS: you will only be required to obtain a new ATAS certificate if you required ATAS
clearance for your PhD and the award date for your PhD is more than 3 months later than the
Course End Date that was specified on your most recent CAS for your PhD study.
Most students therefore do not require fresh ATAS clearance for their Tier 4 (DES) visa
applicationWhat we know so far…
Up until today, announcement on GIR has been made --
New Story https://www.gov.uk/government/news/graduate-route-to-open-to-international-students-on-1-july-2021
• The new route will open for applications on 01/07/2021, to international students who
successfully complete a degree at undergraduate level or above in the UK.
• Application fee will be £700.
• Students who began their studies in Autumn 2020 will now have until 21 June 2021 to enter
the UK (updated from 6 April 2021) in order to be eligible for the Graduate route.
• Students who began their studies in January or February 2021 will need to be in the UK by 27
September 2021.What we know so far… • Still some logistics to be worked out in terms of how institutions will inform UKVI of successful completion of studies for applicants. • Applicants will have to quote their current CAS number on the application. • We anticipate a further official update from UKVI on the Graduate Immigration Route in May/June. For now, we would strongly recommend that for more information in the meantime, please read the UKCISA Graduate Route here: https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Working/Working-after-studies#layer-6629
Start-up Visa
Purpose
“This category is for people seeking to establish a business in the UK for the first time. Applicants
will have an innovative, viable and scalable business idea which is supported by an endorsing body.
This category offers leave for 2 years and does not lead directly to settlement in the UK, but
applicants may progress into the Innovator category.”
Immigration Rules (Appendix W)Start-up Visa • UKVI defines a business as “an enterprise as a sole trader, a partnership or a company registered in the UK.” • You need to be a student or alum of King’s College London to apply to King’s Entrepreneurship for endorsement. Applicants must be a member of the founding team of the business and be starting a business in the UK for the first time. • There are up to 20 endorsements available per year, and 2 application windows per year. The next application window is April – May 2021. • On King’s Entrepreneurship official website https://www.kcl.ac.uk/entrepreneurship has more information on the endorsement process at King’s, you can book a slot with the team mentors to discuss your ideas here Ideas Feedback Session to kick start .
Start-up Visa • Applicants will need to pass a written application stage + interview stage. Successful applicants will then receive an endorsement from King’s. This endorsement is valid for 3 months. • This endorsement is then used to apply to UKVI for the Start-up visa. You will also need £1270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days. • More detail on the requirements is listed https://www.gov.uk/start-up-visa/documents-youll- need-to-apply • NB: you can start some preparation activities once you have made your Start-up visa application. You don’t need to wait for the application to be granted (although if your application is unsuccessful, this may cause problems).
What happens once you get the visa? • All Start-up Visas are granted for 2 years. This is the maximum amount of time you can hold a Start-up visa, after which you are expected to switch into an alternative visa. • Under the Start-up Visa, there is no restriction on the number of hours you can spend working on your business. • You are expected to spend the “majority” of your time developing your business. This may therefore mean that you could find it challenging to study or work full-time while working on your business idea. • For the duration of your Start-up visa, King’s will monitor and evaluate your progress in developing your business. This also ensures that you are indeed spending the requisite time focused on your business.
Youth Mobility Scheme – what is it? • Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) is for young people from participating countries and territories who wish to experience life in the United Kingdom. • While on YMS, you can live, study and work in the UK for up to 24 months. • You can take up any form of employment except work as a doctor in training or professional sportsperson. • You can be self-employed, but only if you carry out your business from rented premises or your own home, the total value of any equipment used does not exceed £5000, and you have no employees.
Youth Mobility Scheme – who can apply? • You must be a national of: Australia, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, San Marino or Taiwan. Alternatively, you can be a British National (Overseas), British Overseas Citizen or British Overseas Territories Citizen passport holder. https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility • You must be 18-30 years old at the time of making your visa application. • You must apply for this visa from outside the UK. • You will need to demonstrate that you hold £2530 in savings. • You cannot extend your stay under YMS beyond the 2 years granted, but can switch to another visa category if applicable.
Youth Mobility Scheme – Sponsorship Sponsorship requirement Where the applicant is a citizen, or the rightful holder of a passport issued by: • San Marino: -- the applicant must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship issued by, and must apply from, San Marino. • Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Monaco, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Republic of Korea: -- the applicant’s passport must be provided as evidence of sponsorship and the application may be made at any post worldwide which accepts such applications. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/points-based-system-tier-5-youth-mobility-scheme
Main options • Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) This category is for people “coming to the UK through approved schemes for a short time for work experience or to do training, an Overseas Government Language Programme, research or a fellowship.” • New immigration route for BN(O) Hong Kong - Such applicants if granted have the right to study and work in the UK. Please see detail here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/british- nationals-overseas-in-hong-kong • Pre-settlement or settlement status holders (or being a close family member of those) under EUSS • Dependants or spouses of visa holders who have right to reside in the UK.
Student/Tier 4 Visa: A reminder of the rules • Those on a Student/Tier 4 visa for a full-time course can work: • Part-time during term-time. (up to 20 hours per week, as stated in the conditions on your visa / BRP) • Full-time in the vacations, as listed in the term dates on the King’s website. (NB: the summer is not a vacation for Master’s students, as you are expected to be working on your dissertation during this time) • Full-time after the end date of your course (as stated on your CAS), for up to 4 months or until your leave expires - whichever is sooner.
Student/Tier 4: A reminder of the rules Those on a Tier 4 visa: • Cannot be self-employed, take up a full-time, permanent role or work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer Remember: “work” includes both paid and unpaid work. If you have any questions about whether the kind of work you would like to undertake falls within the conditions of your Tier 4 visa, do contact the Visas & International Student Advice team.
Where to seek help • Speak to your employer (HR department particularly) should understand these procedures • UKCISA website – Work After Study options https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information-- Advice/Working/Working-after-studies • May wish to seek advice from an immigration lawyer – see www.lawcentres.org.uk to find a local law centre, or use the OISC Adviser Finder to search for a regulated immigration adviser in your area: http://home.oisc.gov.uk/adviser_finder/finder.aspx
KING’S CAREERS & EMPLOYABILITY Building Success VISAT & King’s Careers & Employability Webinar - 10 March 2021 Supporting International Students with Exploring International Opportunities Andrew Wright, Head of Employer Engagement kcl.ac.uk/careers
KING’S CAREERS
& EMPLOYABILITY
“ How the King’s Careers &
Employability Team can Support You
Discover
“ How employers are reacting to changes
and navigate the UK market
Focus
“ How to frame your applications
for UK-based roles
ActionKING’S CAREERS
& EMPLOYABILITY
What resources can
we help you with?KING’S CAREERS
& EMPLOYABILITY
Practice Interviews
One-to-One Careers Careers Events, King’s Experience
& Application
Guidance Panels & Festivals Awards & KURF
Appointments
Future Advantage
Digital Careers
Workshops & Online Vacancy King’s Internships
Education & E-
Employer Board Support
Learning
MasterclassesKING’S CAREERS & EMPLOYABILITY
KING’S CAREERS & EMPLOYABILITY
KING’S CAREERS
& EMPLOYABILITY
Step One: Understanding our Support
Step Two: Navigating the Immigration & Visa Landscape
Step Three: Engaging with Employers
Step Four: Working in the UK During your Studies
Step Five: Working in the UK After your Studies
Step Six: Country-specific SupportKING’S CAREERS & EMPLOYABILITY
KING’S CAREERS
& EMPLOYABILITY
How are employers
reacting to these
changes?KING’S CAREERS & EMPLOYABILITY • Many employers are still understanding the new process • Those who previously sponsored graduates through the Tier 2 route are largely committed to the new Skilled Worker route • However employers who were not on the government’s sponsorship register previously but may have recruited significant EU/EEA candidates are now having to undergo this process – so possible delays • Conversely, many multinational organisations are less interested in the Graduate route – if you are joining onto a training programme, they want security you will stay – so expect to need the Skilled Worker route
KING’S CAREERS
& EMPLOYABILITY
How to frame your
applications for UK-
based rolesGraduate Opportunities
GRADUATE SCHEMES
• Large, multinational companies
• Hiring lots of graduates at once
• Deadlines early into academic
year
• 1-3 year training schemes
• Supported by further
professional qualifications
• Typical industries: banking and
finance, law, fast-moving consumer
goods, energy, technology,
consultancy.Graduate Opportunities
DIRECT ENTRY ROLES
• Comprise 90% of graduate
opportunities
• Recruitment occurs when vacancies
arise
• Small-medium organisations
• Check if they sponsor international
students
• Typical industries: advertising, creative
arts, pharmaceuticals, charities, media,
research, human resources.Graduate Opportunities
HIDDEN JOB MARKETNo photos
No pictures,
fancy fonts or
graphics
No personal
details apart from
contact details
Grades for
relevant
modules
Reverse
chronological
order
Tailored to
role: include
outcomes
Check spelling
and grammarKING’S CAREERS
& EMPLOYABILITY
Check with the HR department if you are unsure!
Application forms: specific guidance
YES NO COMMENTS
“Do you have the right to work in the UK?” I am on a Tier
I am on a Tier
4/Student visa
4/Student visa and
and will be making
“Do you have the permanent right to work in the UK?” have the ability to
an application to
switch to the
the Graduate
Skilled Worker
“Do you have any visa restrictions?” route entitling me
route if you are
to work for two
able to provide
years
“Do you require sponsorship to work in the UK?” sponsorship
unsponsoredKING’S CAREERS
& EMPLOYABILITY
Adaptability
Cultural
Resilience
agility
Self- Global
awareness knowledge
Linguistic
Drive
skills
Source: Global Graduates into Global Leaders Research Report
(National Centre for Universities and Businesses)
http://www.ncub.co.uk/reports/global-graduates-into-global-leaders.htmlKING’S CAREERS
& EMPLOYABILITY
Discover: Research, research, research!
Focus: Use your resources and contacts to source new opportunities.
Visit us in King’s Careers & Employability for support and guidance.
Action: Tailor your CV and cover letter to the role you’re applying for and
provide evidence of your suitability for the role.
Use the ‘Action’ section of the Careers & Employability KEATS space for
support with your applications.KING’S CAREERS
& EMPLOYABILITY Keep an eye on our King’s Careers &
Employability blog:
blogs.kcl.ac.uk/kingscareers
Follow us on social media to keep up with our
latest events, resources and information
@kingscareers
#BuildingSuccessKING’S CAREERS
& EMPLOYABILITY
Thank you
King’s Careers & Employability
BH(SE) 5.15
Bush House South East Wing
300 Strand
London WC2B 4BG
+44(0)20 7848 7134
kcl.ac.uk/careers
careers@kcl.ac.uk
@kingscareers © King’s College London 2021
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