New International Graduates Scheme (IGS)

From 1 May 2007 the International Graduate Scheme (IGS) will replace the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme (SEGS).

Work Permits UK has published information saying that the International Graduate Scheme will allow people from outside the European Economic Area studying in the UK at degree level or above to work in the UK for up to 12 months after they have finished their studies.

The information says that the new scheme covers students at recognised institutions whatever their subject and is thus broader than the SEGS scheme, which was for science and engineering graduates only.

The information from Work Permits UK says that IGS participants can take any form of employment or self-employment. It describes the IGS as a ‘transitional route which enables students who have studied in the UK to access the labour market and gain work experience in the UK'. Leave under the IGS will be given for a maximum of 12 months, after which those who wish to remain in the UK will need to identify an appropriate employment or self employment category.

The information from Work Permits UK says that people can apply for the scheme if they have completed their course in the 12 months preceding their application. However, the scheme will be open only to those who have completed their course on or after 1 May 2007. Full details are awaited.

Recent changes to the rules for short-term students, and the introduction of a new student visitor visa, were originally to have been introduced on 19 April 2007 but have now been delayed to 1 September, so everyone will be watching closely to see whether Work Permits UK can introduce the IGS scheme on time.

The IGS may offer an alternative to students who are unable to apply under the Highly Skilled Migrants Programme (HSMP) at the time when they complete their studies, because they have not earned enough money in the past to gain sufficient points to be eligible under the scheme.