Fresh Talent - Working in Scotland Scheme

The Fresh Talent - Working in Scotland Scheme (FTWiSS) is a programme created by the Scottish Executive to allow non-EEA nationals who have studied in Scotland to live and work in the country for up to 2 years after graduation. After two years, participants must either leave the UK or switch into another work scheme, like the Work Permit programme, or the new Tier 1 (General) programme.

The purpose of the scheme is to deal with problems of population decline and skill shortages in Scotland.

Tier 1 (Post Study Work)

FTWiSS and the similar International Graduates Scheme was replaced on 30 June 2008 by a new 2-year scheme, Tier 1 (Post Study Work), as part of the UK's roll out of a points-based immigration system. The UK Border Agency describes Tier 1 (Post Study Work) as "a bridge to highly skilled or skilled work. People with Post Study Work leave will be expected toswitch into another part of the points system as soon as they are able to do so". [http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/managingourborders/pbsdocs/statementofintent/highlyskilledunderpbs.pdf?view=Binary] .

In most aspects, Post Study Work is very similar to the schemes it replaces. However, there are some key differences:

* Applicants must have obtained their qualification with the immigration status of student or dependant. Those who obtained their qualification with another status, for example Working Holidaymaker or Work Permit holder, or who completed their studies outside the UK, will not be eligible.
* The "cash reserve" required from IGS and FTWiSS applications to cover initial basic living costs has always been unspecified and flexible, and hence it allowed for applicants with very different costs of living to meet the eligibility criteria. Under Post Study Work, an amount for the cash reserve has been specified. Those switching in the UK from student to Post Study Work need to show a cash reserve of at least £800; those applying for entry clearance in their home country will need to show at least £2800. [cite web|url=http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/managingourborders/pbsdocs/statementofintent/highlyskilledunderpbs.pdf?view=Binary|title=Highly skilled migrants under the points-based system: Statement of intent|publisher=Border & Immigration Agency|accessdate=2008-04-27]
* The application fee to extend leave in the UK under Post Study Work has increased to £400 (from £395 for FTWiSS and IGS). Entry clearance applications for the scheme at a British Embassy or High Commission are expected to increase to £205 (£200 for FTWiSS and IGS) [http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2008/draft/pdf/ukdsi_9780110814582_en.pdf] .
* The deadline for applying is still 12 months after successfully completing the course. Under IGS and FTWiSS, this date was defined several different ways, most generously as the end date of the student leave issued for the relevant course, which is normally 4 months after the formal end date of the course. Under Post Study Work, the relevant date is defined as the actual date when formal notification of the result was received.

References

ee also

Immigration to the United Kingdom

External links

* [http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/working_in_the_uk/en/homepage/schemes_and_programmes/fresh_talent__working.html? Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme]