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International Student Office

“I remember my first couple of years I never really had any international students as friends, but now I find myself at a loss without them. I truly value the amazing insight they can give you into other cultures’ world views, as well as helping me to construct my own global view of life which is so important in our modern day societies.” Jamie, UK

Working After Study

Working After Study

If you are graduating and want to stay in the UK to work, please read the information on this page and external links very carefully. A good place to start reading about your immigration options is the UK Council for International Student Affairs’ information sheet “Working in the UK after study”

We are now able to check Tier 2 applications from the start of February to the end of July, you should book an appointment at the International Student Office if you wish for us to check your application form and documents, however we cannot send the application for you. This service is offered by us free of charge, however the application fee for a Tier 2 application form 6th April 2013 is £578.

Tier 2

Students who now graduate with a degree from a UK university will be entitled to apply in the Tier 2 (skilled worker) category. In relation to Tier 2, please note the following:

  • You must have completed your course of study and have your full and final results. Provisional results are not acceptable.
  • You must have an offer of employment from an employer who is registered as a Tier 2 sponsor
  • You must have a Certificate of Sponsorship from that employer
  • The job must pay you at least £20,300 per year and be within the normal salary range for the job

If, after reading these pages, you still have questions, you can call the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) advice line or seek independent legal advice.

Application forms and guidance documents are available from the UK Border Agency website.

A list of current Tier 2 licensed sponsors can also be found on the UK Border Agency website.

The International Student Office has also designed a Power Point Presentation regarding the Tier 2 requirements.

Tier 5

There are several opportunities to apply to work in the UK under a Tier 5 category of the Points Based System. A full list of the categories can be viewed here

You can also refer to the International Student Office Tier 5 Power Point Presentation for further information on two of the branches of Tier 5 to apply under.

Employment after studies for completing PhD students

On 6 April 2013 the UK government introduced a scheme to allow doctoral students to remain in the UK for 12 months following completion of their PhD.  We are still working on the final details of how this will work at the University of Leeds. In the meantime, here are some key points for you to consider:

  • You can only request a CAS to participate in this scheme after your viva has taken place.
  • You can apply for the scheme up to 60 days before your “expected completion date”.  This date is agreed between you and the University after your viva, and is the estimated date that your name will appear on a pass list.
  • You cannot apply for the scheme after your expected completion date.
  • You cannot apply for the scheme after your Tier 4 (or student) visa has expired.
  • You need to have held £1600 in your bank account for 28 days to make a valid application.

We will update you with any further information as soon as it becomes available

You can find information generally about the scheme here

Immigration

Remember, if you are planning to stay in the UK you must make an immigration application before your current permission expires. Alternatively, you can make applications in your home country but remember to check the criteria very carefully as there are different requirements for applications made outside of the UK.

Most nationals from the European Economic Area (EEA) are free to work in the UK without restriction. Nationals of Bulgaria and Romania need to apply for worker authorisation or a registration certficate.

Finding and applying for jobs

It is a good idea to visit the University of Leeds Careers Centre before you apply for a job or attend an interview. The Centre offers help with understanding the skills that employers require, making good applications, presenting your skills, writing effective CVs and developing your interview technique. They also run events to help you understand what UK employers expect and how to present yourself well. Use the Careers Consultants to get expert advice on your personal situation.

Keep in touch

When you graduate from Leeds you will automatically become part of a global community of Leeds graduates. The University is in contact with over 130,000 former Leeds Students in more than 150 countries worldwide and has informal alumni associations in many countries including Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Japan. To join the Leeds online alumni community, sign up here.

The University of Leeds Alumni Office can help you keep in touch with friends and classmates, meet up with Leeds graduates wherever you are in the world and keep informed of what is happening here in Leeds. You will receive Leeds magazine twice a year - which is always packed full of news stories about research breakthroughs and alumni achievements.

To ensure you keep in touch, don’t forget to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) the Alumni Office with your home contact details before you leave.

Help future international students at Leeds

The Careers Centre provides information about international job markets. Help them to advise Leeds students and graduates by emailing them to let them know how your career develops and pass on useful tips.