Alternative to Post Study Visa?

nipper88 wrote:Ok so from what I understand:

• - GF is in Tier 4 now, so she can apply for ANY job at a company that is on the UKBA register, in ANY field.
  
  Yes she can given the company is willing to hire her. It has to be a graduate level job with correct NVQ level. Check the Tier2 Guide I think its NVQ6.
  
  - Because she's in Tier 4, she will be exempt from ALL RLMT's registered companies would otherwise have to do.
  
  Yes.
  
  - The job she applies for must meet the minimum wage for the sector it is in (eg, psychology: £17000ish).
  
  Yes in accordance with the SOC
  
  - She can apply directly to them or via searching the internet or job centre.

Whatever is easier cause it really doesn't matter how you find the job. The bottom line is the company must be willing to give your g.f a job offer and provide her with a COS. It's not always easy to get a job as soon as you graduate. But if she tries hard she can. Nothing is impossible.

Mate you have to read the guidelines again cause everything is mentioned in the guidelines.

Is all the above correct?

• - I assume when you said SOC in your last sentence you meant COS?
  
  - My GF will have a masters degree by September, so that is NVQ level 6.
  
  - Does she have to wait till September after she has got her masters to apply to jobs, or can she start submitting CV's NOW, and say 'will have masters by Sept'? Or is that not really worth it or recommended?

nipper88 wrote:Thanks a lot for your help!

I assume when you said SOC in your last sentence you meant COS?

SOC = Code of practise | COS = Certificate of sponsorship. Don't mix things up

Code of practise is the document which states the job titles/ job NVQ level/ Job description / Job code / Salary level

Certificate of sponsorship is the virtual certificate issued by an employer to sponsor your g.f (This is a number) This number has information about its validity period (Job start/end date) Job title, Job code, Salary, Working hours etc.

You have to first check the code of practise for your g.fs job title, job level, salary requirement etc and you can get an idea what sort of job she has to get in order to qualify for the TIER2 General sponsorship.

Now if she finds a company which is willing to hire her for a particular job they will have to refer to code of practise and make sure they match the job code to the closest of her particular job. e.g: If Psychologist job title is ABC123 then they have to match this and willing to pay her the salary according to code of practise.

If the company is not registered with UKBA they can. It will cost them some money, take about 2 months (Subject to change, Usually longer than 2 months) and they have to make an online application, followed by sending documentation to prove that the company is genuine. They will be subjected to post/pre audits by UKBA officers. (It's a whole process with having a good HR system, employee record keeping etc)

When getting a sponsorship license the company can be given a A rating or B rating. If they receive an A rating then only they will be able to provide a COS and sponsorship.

So your g.f must be pretty damn good at convincing the potential company that she is worth for them to go through this process. So that's why I advised you to look for a company which is already registered with UKBA and familiar with the formalities. For them its just a matter of providing her a COS. (The virtual number) if ur g.f is lucky they might even have a spare unassigned COS Then its like a 10 min job for them to assign it to her.

- My GF will have a masters degree by September, so that is NVQ level 6.

Yes that's correct. The most important thing here is to make sure apart from NVQ level is the Job title matches with her job description and the company is willing to pay her according to code of practise. I can't advise you on the codes as I do not know what your g.f does exactly. You should seek professional help.

- Does she have to wait till September after she has got her masters to apply to jobs, or can she start submitting CV's NOW, and say 'will have masters by Sept'? Or is that not really worth it or recommended?

Yes that should qualify her. Also with this masters she will fill the English requirements.

Go here: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculator

Put her Masters qualification here and it will tell you whether her masters will cover her English requirement or not.

Remember she has to complete the studies to be eligible to apply for Tier2. But I advise she starts looking for a job from now. in UK finding a job can be very hard. So I advise she chase things up. As soon as she completes and graduates she can apply (Given she finds a job) and before her TIER4 expires.

Edit: So for example on the register of companies that offer Tier 2 sponsorship, I have found a private college near us. But would all the companies on this list be NVQ6+ or not? Would I need to contact this college and ask 'Do you have any vacancies for a masters (NVQ6+) graduate that will pay at least 17k'??

I don't know whats the best approach here. I advise you try and find a company which has a license. Look for a vacancy which is suitable for your g.f and then discuss the need for Tier2 sponsorship. This is why the PSW was so good cause it gave people like your g.f 2 years of unlimited access to gaining experience and prove the companies that you are worth sponsoring. (Until it was abused of course)

I'm sorry mate but you are on a treacherous path. Good luck.

nipper88 wrote:Mate thanks a million.

I have had an idea. We are gonna go together to a career advice meeting at my GFs uni where we'll ask for some advice and realistic prospects of her being able to find a sponsor before her Tier 4 visa expires so she can get a Tier 2. That will make things clearer.

However, if she cannot find one in time, what about this:

RE-APPLY for a Tier 4 visa? At a language school for example. Her English is GOOD but not perfect, and she would like to eventually take an English PHD, so could she apply for a new Tier 4 visa and then study English at a language school?

Greenie wrote:Hmm.

When does her current visa finish and when does the PhD start.

madona587 wrote:

nipper88 wrote:Mate thanks a million.

I have had an idea. We are gonna go together to a career advice meeting at my GFs uni where we'll ask for some advice and realistic prospects of her being able to find a sponsor before her Tier 4 visa expires so she can get a Tier 2. That will make things clearer.

However, if she cannot find one in time, what about this:

RE-APPLY for a Tier 4 visa? At a language school for example. Her English is GOOD but not perfect, and she would like to eventually take an English PHD, so could she apply for a new Tier 4 visa and then study English at a language school?

As long as the new studies will gain her a higher qualification than her present one (You must show academic progress) she will be able to extend her Tier4. I can't comment on the specifics of her studies/route. This depends on your circumstances.

I think we went slightly off topic; Answer this question mate..

Greenie wrote:Hmm.

When does her current visa finish and when does the PhD start.

• If a Tier 4 (General) student has a CAS and previously had permission to stay as a Student or a Tier 4 (General) Student then a Tier 4 Sponsor can give them a CAS for a new course, only if that new course represents academic progress from the previous study.

• An example of academic progress would be where a student will be studying for a new qualification at a higher academic level – for instance moving from a course at NQF 6 to one at NQF 7, or study at the same academic level that complements or enhances previous study at the same level.

• Existing employees and switching immigration categories
  
  You do not need to complete a resident labour market test if the migrant currently has permission to stay in the UK under:
  
  Tier 1 (Post-study work);
  the International Graduates Scheme;
  the Fresh Talent Working in Scotland Scheme; or
  the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme.

Greenie wrote:Because employers on the tier 2 register do not exclusively employ tier 2 migrants.

madona587 wrote:Any luck with the jobs mate?

Thanks for asking. She has applied for three research assistant positions at universities, one of which was EXACTLY in her field. 2 have been rejected with no reason given. I suspect it could simply be due to her needing a tier 2 visa? Her CV is excellent and fitted the rolls perfectly.

She's disheartened but will try more and also branch out to any other job categories. Such an annoyance, we suffer so much when she'd be an asset to the economy whereas illegal layabouts get away with everything.

newperson wrote:

Thanks for asking. She has applied for three research assistant positions at universities, one of which was EXACTLY in her field. 2 have been rejected with no reason given. I suspect it could simply be due to her needing a tier 2 visa? Her CV is excellent and fitted the rolls perfectly.

She's disheartened but will try more and also branch out to any other job categories. Such an annoyance, we suffer so much when she'd be an asset to the economy whereas illegal layabouts get away with everything.

I used to work within an academic department of a large London-based university. On five occasions within the last three years we advertised vacancies for entry-level research assistant positions.

For each of the five positions, we received between 100-200 responses, many of them extremely qualified. Often over-qualified, actually.

One of the methods we used to winnow down candidates to a short list was by rejecting any candidate who wasn't a UK citizen, an EU/EEA citizen or a permanent resident/ILR holder. Doing so was absolutely legal. Why go through the hassle of hiring someone with limited leave when there are so many other qualified UK/EU applicants? That's just the reality of the situation.

Even worse, I have to say...psychology has a lot more available talent than positions available. It's oversubscribed and a hirers' market. Guess what I'm trying to say is to perhaps reconsider the marriage route, mate. Keep trying and branch out into related industries outside academia. But jot down the number of the registry office just in case. :-/

nipper88 wrote:

newperson wrote:

Thanks for asking. She has applied for three research assistant positions at universities, one of which was EXACTLY in her field. 2 have been rejected with no reason given. I suspect it could simply be due to her needing a tier 2 visa? Her CV is excellent and fitted the rolls perfectly.

She's disheartened but will try more and also branch out to any other job categories. Such an annoyance, we suffer so much when she'd be an asset to the economy whereas illegal layabouts get away with everything.

I used to work within an academic department of a large London-based university. On five occasions within the last three years we advertised vacancies for entry-level research assistant positions.

For each of the five positions, we received between 100-200 responses, many of them extremely qualified. Often over-qualified, actually.

One of the methods we used to winnow down candidates to a short list was by rejecting any candidate who wasn't a UK citizen, an EU/EEA citizen or a permanent resident/ILR holder. Doing so was absolutely legal. Why go through the hassle of hiring someone with limited leave when there are so many other qualified UK/EU applicants? That's just the reality of the situation.

Even worse, I have to say...psychology has a lot more available talent than positions available. It's oversubscribed and a hirers' market. Guess what I'm trying to say is to perhaps reconsider the marriage route, mate. Keep trying and branch out into related industries outside academia. But jot down the number of the registry office just in case. :-/

Hmm thanks for the sobering facts there. We will do as you say, continue trying since we have enough time left and keep the marriage possibility open too. At least I have found out recently that we can get married even just a few months before her current visas expiry! (Used to be no more than 6 months or a certificate of approval was required).

madona587 wrote:

nipper88 wrote:

newperson wrote:

Thanks for asking. She has applied for three research assistant positions at universities, one of which was EXACTLY in her field. 2 have been rejected with no reason given. I suspect it could simply be due to her needing a tier 2 visa? Her CV is excellent and fitted the rolls perfectly.

She's disheartened but will try more and also branch out to any other job categories. Such an annoyance, we suffer so much when she'd be an asset to the economy whereas illegal layabouts get away with everything.

I used to work within an academic department of a large London-based university. On five occasions within the last three years we advertised vacancies for entry-level research assistant positions.

For each of the five positions, we received between 100-200 responses, many of them extremely qualified. Often over-qualified, actually.

One of the methods we used to winnow down candidates to a short list was by rejecting any candidate who wasn't a UK citizen, an EU/EEA citizen or a permanent resident/ILR holder. Doing so was absolutely legal. Why go through the hassle of hiring someone with limited leave when there are so many other qualified UK/EU applicants? That's just the reality of the situation.

Even worse, I have to say...psychology has a lot more available talent than positions available. It's oversubscribed and a hirers' market. Guess what I'm trying to say is to perhaps reconsider the marriage route, mate. Keep trying and branch out into related industries outside academia. But jot down the number of the registry office just in case. :-/

Hmm thanks for the sobering facts there. We will do as you say, continue trying since we have enough time left and keep the marriage possibility open too. At least I have found out recently that we can get married even just a few months before her current visas expiry! (Used to be no more than 6 months or a certificate of approval was required).

I understand the situation you been put in as marriage is a big commitment so you may want to have a good think I know lot of cases where girls got married here to get their "status" then dumping the guy. Not trying to scaremonger you or question your girl friends intentions. Just something to think about as it happens often.

Make sure to keep all your proof of you living together. (Add her name to your council tax, Gas & elec bills etc) Keep photos of your holiday so on. You are going to need them.

I agree with you on the illegals get away with everything. It makes me sick that if I lose my skilled job I will have 2 months to find another one or leave the county but UK govt is paying tax payers money to protect the rights of a terrorist. (Giving away benefits and round the clock police protection) its ridiculous.

End of rant/

MPH80 wrote:Yes - but the only caveat being that you do have to intend to live together in order to use FLR(M) to apply for an extension as a spouse.

If, at the renewal point (2.5 years), you aren't living together, they might not judge it as a subsisting relationship.

M

anniecc wrote:It sounds like they have an internal policy to prioritise EEA applicants. This is probably because there's quite a lot of paperwork and compliance involved in sponsoring someone, so they don't want to do it if there are suitable candidates that don't require sponsorship.