In order to be successful under Tier One (Post-Study Work) applicants are required to obtain 75 points under the specific requirements of the category in addition to satisfying the English Language and Maintenance requirement.

Requirement one - 20 points

The applicant must have successfully completed a course resulting in:

• a recognised UK bachelor's degree;
• a recognised UK postgraduate level degree;
• a UK postgraduate diploma or certificate; or
• an HND qualification from a recognised Scottish institution.

Requirement two - 20 points

The educational institution must be either:

• a United Kingdom recognised or United Kingdom listed body; or
• a Scottish publicly funded institution of further or higher education, or a Scottish bona fide private education institution which keeps satisfactory records of enrolment and attendance; or
• one which holds a sponsor licence under Tier Four of the Points-Based System (once this is launched).

Requirement three - 20 points

The qualification must have been obtained by the candidate whilst in the UK with immigration status as a:

• student;
• student nurse;
• student resitting an examination;
• student writing up a thesis; or
• dependant of someone with leave in any category that allows dependants to join them in the United Kingdom.

Requirement four - 15 points

The application must be made within 12 months of obtaining the qualification.

English language requirement.

If the applicant meets requirements one to four, the English Language requirement is deemed to have been met.

Maintenance

The level of funds needed to satisfy the maintenance requirement is dependent on where the application is made and whether any dependants are included in the application.

For applications lodged outside the UK, the main applicant will need to demonstrate funds of £2,800, that have been held continuously over a three month period. The balance must not have fallen below this level at any point during that three month period. For each dependant there need to be funds of £1,600 that has been held continuously over the three month period. Evidence must be in the form of cash funds. Other accounts or financial instruments such as shares, bonds, pension funds etc, regardless of notice period are not acceptable.

Normally, main applicants applying in the UK are required to demonstrate funds of £800 over the three month period and for each dependant funds of £533 over the three month period. However, up until 30th October 2008, transitional arrangements are in place which mean that individuals only need to show appropriate level of funds for the one month prior to the date of application.

Extensions: Individuals will not be able to apply for extensions under this category and will be expected to switch in another category of the Points Based System. We can advise as to the most appropriate category based on individual circumstances.

Accompanying family members: Family members will almost always require entry clearances before travelling to the United Kingdom and these will usually be applied for at the same time as the main applicant.