International Graduate Scheme (IGS)
The International Graduate Scheme (IGS) is a recent initiative that was set up to encourage graduates to pursue a career in the UK.
The IGS enables those who have successfully completed and obtained a degree, postgraduate certificate or diploma at a recognised UK educational institution since 1st May 2007 to apply for permission to undertake work without the need for any other work permission.
- You do not need to have competed a qualification in a certain discipline in order to qualify;
- Work permission will be granted for one year for successful candidates;
- There is no restriction to the type of work you can do;
- For those in the UK with student immigration status, you can ‘switch’ into this scheme without having to leave the UK;
- You can apply for this scheme even if you are overseas as long as you are within one year of completing your course. A visa will be required to re-enter;
Main points:
Before the one year period comes to a close, candidates can switch their status to a long term work category such as the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) or work permit scheme should they be eligible.
Migrate UK are able to prepare and submit IGS applications on your behalf via our ‘fast track’ facility. Please see this page for further information: http://www.migrate-uk.com/immigration/fast-track.php
For those who have completed Bachelors, Masters of PhD courses successfully in the UK at a recognized institution prior to 1st May 2007, you can still qualify to remain in the UK under the previous Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme (SEGS) which provides the same advantages as the IGS.
Please feel free to contact us to check your eligibility.
