Jump to content

Tier 1 (Post-study work)

Image of a graduate

This section explains whether and how you can come to or remain in the UK under the Tier 1 (Post-study work) category of the points-based system.

The Tier 1 (Post-study work) category allows the UK to retain the most able international (non-European) graduates who have studied here. It also enhances the UK's overall offer to international students.

During your permission to stay under Tier 1 (Post-study work), you can look for work without needing to have a sponsor.

The category provides a bridge to highly skilled or skilled work. If we give you permission to stay as a post-study worker, we expect that you will switch into another tier of the points-based system as soon as you can.

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.

To find out whether you can make an application under Tier 1 (Post-study work), read the Can you apply? pages.

If you know the Tier 1 (Post-study work) requirements and you want to make an application, you can go directly to the Applying from inside the UK or Applying from outside the UK pages.

Do you need a Tier 1 (Post-study work) visa to come to the UK?

Tier 1 (Post-study work) is part of our points-based system, which is for migrants from outside Europe. You do not need to apply under the points-based system if:

  • you are a national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland - the European nationals section describes your right to work in the UK;
  • you are a British overseas territories citizen, unless you are from one of the sovereign base areas in Cyprus;
  • you are a Commonwealth citizen with permission to enter or stay in the UK because at least one of your grandparents was born here - the UK ancestry section explains how you can apply;
  • your partner or (if you are under 18) one of your parents has permission to stay in the UK under Tier 1 (Post-study work) - you should apply as their dependant; or
  • you have no conditions or time limit attached to your stay.