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

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Can you apply?

From 6 April 2012, Tier 1 (Post-study work) will be closed to all new applicants. Dependants can still apply to join applicants who have obtained prior entry clearance for Tier 1 (Post-study work).

The information in this section is only relevant to you and your dependents, if you are already in the United Kingdom under the post-study work category.



This page explains the requirements you must meet if you want to enter or remain in the UK under Tier 1 (Post-study work) of our points-based system.

For your application to be successful, you must score a total of 95 points and meet all the other requirements of the Immigration Rules - see 'More information' below.

If you are already in the UK in a different immigration category, you may be able to 'switch' into Tier 1 (Post-study work) - see 'More information' below.

You can use the points-based calculator to calculate whether you have enough points to apply under Tier 1 (Post-study work).

Points for your attributes

You can score points for various aspects of your recent UK qualification. These are called your 'attributes', and you must score 75 points for them.

Attribute Points available

You have a UK qualification

20 points

You studied for this qualification at a UK institution

20 points
You had a valid immigration status during your UK study and/or research 20 points
The date of award of your qualification was no more than 12 months before the date when you apply under Tier 1 (Post-study work) 15 points



Select the links above to find out more about these requirements.

You will automatically score 75 points for your attributes if you are currently in the UK under:

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

However, you cannot apply under Tier 1 (Post-study work) at all if your permission to stay under the above schemes was granted for the full 2 years.

Points for your English language ability

You will automatically score 10 points for English language if you score 75 points for your attributes.

Points for maintenance (funds)

You must score 10 points for having enough money to support yourself during your stay - this is called 'maintenance'. The Maintenance page contains more information.

More information

Application forms

Tier 1 (Post-study work) guidance

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