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

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Immigration status during your UK study and/or research

This page explains how you can score points for your immigration status during your UK study and/or research, when you make an application under Tier 1 (Post-study work) of the points-based system.

Before you apply, you must read the Tier 1 (Post-study work) policy guidance, which you can find on the right side of this page. The policy guidance is based on Part 6A of the Immigration Rules.

You will score 20 points if you can show that, during your period of study and/or research in the UK for your UK qualification, you had permission to enter or stay here in one of the following categories:

  • Tier 4 of the points-based system
  • student *
  • student nurse *
  • student re-sitting an examination *
  • student writing up a thesis *
  • dependant of someone with permission to stay in any category that allows dependants to join them in the UK

* These former categories were replaced by Tier 4 of the points-based system in 2009.

We will not award any points if you had any other immigration status.

You do not need to have lived in the UK throughout the entire period of your study. For example, you may have studied overseas and/or done research for your UK qualification.

Application forms

Tier 1 (Post-study work) guidance

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