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Tier 1 (Post-study work) - closed to new applicants

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Conditions of your stay

This page explains how long you can stay in the UK under Tier 1 (Post-study work) of the points-based system, and sets out the conditions of your stay here.

How long can you stay?

If you successfully apply for a visa or to switch into Tier 1 (Post-study work), you can come here for a maximum period of 2 years. You cannot apply to extend your stay at the end of this period. You are expected to switch into another part of the points-based system as soon as you are able to do so.

You can apply to extend your total stay in the UK to a maximum of 2 years if you are currently here under:

  • the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme (SEGS); or
  • the International Graduates Scheme (IGS); or
  • the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme (FT: WISS).

What can you do while you are in the UK?

Your permission to stay will be subject to the following conditions:

  • you will have no access to public funds, which means that you will not be able to claim most benefits paid by the state;
  • you must register with the police if required under paragraph 326 in Part 10 of the Immigration Rules; and
  • you may not be employed as a doctor in training, unless:
    • you have a UK primary degree in medicine or dentistry at or above bachelor's level, from a UK recognised or listed body or an institution that holds a Tier 4 sponsor licence; or
    • you last had permission to stay in a category that allowed you to be employed as a doctor or dentist in training, and you were employed as a doctor or dentist in training during that time.