The Work Permit Scheme in the United Kingdom

The Work Permit Scheme

On 28 March 2007, a new program was announced called the INTERNATIONAL GRADUATES SCHEME (IGS). The new scheme will enable international students to stay in the UK for a year to work after completing their studies. The scheme came into effect on 1 May 2007 and will replace the existing Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme (SEGS) which only allowed students of certain disciplines to stay in the UK after graduation.

The IGS will be open to those who have received a bachelor's degree or a postgraduate diploma or certificate in any subject from a recognised or listed institution of higher education. Secondly, it makes an amendment to the eligibility criteria for The Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme, opening it to those with postgraduate certificates or diplomas awarded by a recognised or listed institution in Scotland.

Key Features of the IGS include:

(1)(unlike SEGS), any degree class (grade) except fail, will be eligible
(2) Those with post-graduate certificates and diplomas, such as a Post Graduate Certificate in Education will be eligible to apply
(3) The IGS is meant to be a transitional route from studying in the UK to skilled employment
(4) For a migrant to stay in the UK after the 12 month IGS period, they must apply for and meet the criteria of another immigration scheme, such as the HSMP, Work Permits, Innovator, Persons seeking to establish themselves in a business or Student Leave.