Guest blog by Bethan Ovens, who works at the International Student Visa Advice Team (ISVAT) at LSE. Below are answers to your most frequently asked questions about visas and working after your studies. If you’re looking to employ LSE students, please read ISVAT’s guide on working in the UK.

Will I automatically be eligible for a work visa at the end of my studies?

There are a number of working routes available, but many require you to find a sponsor to employ you at the end of your studies. LSE students have found employment under the Tier 2 and Tier 5 routes. You can find details of the different types of work visas on the gov.uk Visas and Immigration web pages.

How do I know which employers have a Tier 2 sponsor licence?

You can find a list of Tier 2 sponsor licence holders on the gov.uk Tier 2 sponsor information as of 10 September 2014 publication.

My prospective employer doesn’t have a sponsor licence. Can ISVAT advise them how to apply for a Tier 2 sponsor licence?

ISVAT specialises in the student immigration rules. Unfortunately, we are unable to advise on the process of applying for a Tier 2 sponsor licence or the length of time it takes. Your prospective employer may wish to seek legal advice. Specialists can be found on the ILPA or OISC webpages.

Can LSE help me apply for my Tier 2 visa?

The ISVAT team at LSE is able to advise what you need to be able to switch into Tier 2 from a Tier 4 visa. However, you should ask your employer for assistance in completing your application for Tier 2. As a Tier 2 sponsor, they will need to know the requirements of the application.

How long does it take to switch into Tier 2?

If you haven’t already been awarded a UK degree, you will be unable to apply for your Tier 2 visa in the UK until you have completed and been awarded your degree. You can apply once your award has been confirmed in writing by the Registry. You do not need to wait until after your graduation ceremony. Some employers may be willing to sponsor you to apply from outside the UK. In this case you do not need to have been awarded a UK degree to apply.

How do I take the Resident Labour Market Test?

The Resident Labour Market Test is something your employer needs to complete to prove that they were unable to recruit a UK/EU national for the position. It is not a physical test which you need to complete.

Can an employer refuse to sponsor me?

Unfortunately, even if an employer holds a sponsor licence, it is not guaranteed that they will be able to sponsor you. There are many reasons for this, but unfortunately it is at the employer’s discretion.

Does LSE sponsor students for the Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme?

Yes. PhD students can find out more about the scheme on our working after your studies web pages.

Does LSE participate in the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) Scheme?

Yes. Since its introduction, LSE has been able to sponsor students through the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) scheme. Successful candidates are chosen through the Generate at LSE Careers competitions.

Can universities sponsor graduates from other institutions? Can LSE sponsor me under Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)?

If you are from another institution and you are working with LSE students on a business plan, it may be possible for the LSE to sponsor you. Unfortunately, the scheme is very popular and it is unlikely that we are unable to sponsor individuals who are not working with LSE students.

Do I have to be sponsored to be able to work in the UK?

No. There are some routes available which do not require you to have a sponsor under the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) routes. Unfortunately, these are not open to all nationalities.

I’m still on my Tier 4 visa. Can I take a permanent position after completing my studies?

You are unable to take a permanent position until you have submitted your Tier 2 (General) application. If you have been offered a permanent position and know that you will be sponsored, you will need to negotiate with your employer to hire you on a temporary basis until you can apply for Tier 2.

I haven’t found a sponsor. What’s the latest date I can stay in the UK and work?

You are only permitted to work until the expiry date of your visa. Once the expiry date of your visa has passed, you become an ‘overstayer’ and you lose the right to work. Overstaying is a breach of immigration rules. You may hear people talking about a 28 day “grace” period. This only applies to the number of days in which you can submit a visa application in the UK after your visa has expired. Once you are an overstayer, you will need to declare the number of days you overstayed on future immigration applications to the UK.

I’m a graduate. How long can ISVAT advise me on my immigration options for working in the UK?

ISVAT is able to advise you on your immigration options whilst:

• you hold a valid Tier 4 visa for LSE
• you are sponsored under Tier 4 (Doctorate Extension Scheme) by LSE
• you are sponsored under Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) by LSE

This guidance is based on frequently asked questions. It is not intended to be used on its own and you should always refer to the guidance on working during and after your studies on the ISVAT web pages.

• For further advice on the immigration rules contact the ISVAT team online.
• For information on finding jobs in the UK and overseas contact LSE Careers.
• External immigration advisers can be found at ILPA or OISC.