A Guide to International Graduate Scheme (IGS)

International Graduate Scheme (IGS)

1. What is the International Graduates Scheme (IGS)?

The International Graduates Scheme (IGS) replaces the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme (SEGS). IGS started on 1 May 2007

The purpose of the scheme is to encourage graduates of UK higher educational institutions to pursue a career in the UK.

2. How do I qualify under the scheme?

To qualify under this scheme, the applicant must:

• Have successfully completed a relevant course at a recognised or listed UK institution of Higher or Further Education on or after 1 May 2007. A relevant course is: a Bachelor's degree course; or a Master’s or PhD course; or a Postgraduate Certificate or diploma.
• Have completed their course in the last 12 months (as shown by the date of expiry of leave as a Student to complete the course)
• Intend to work during the period of leave granted under the scheme
• Able to maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependants without recourse to public funds; and
• Intend to leave the UK at the end of their stay

3. What course must I study to qualify under this scheme?

If the course was completed on or after 1 May 2007, then you are eligible to apply under this scheme regardless of the course completed. If you completed your course before 1 May 2007 then your application will be considered under the conditions of the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme (SEGS)

4. Do I qualify if I hold a postgraduate certificate or diploma?

Yes. The applicant qualifies under this scheme providing the certificate or diploma was obtained from a recognised or listed body (e.g. PGCE – Post Graduate Certificate in Education).

5. What if I finished my course before 1 May 2007 and was planning to apply under the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme (SEGS)?

The application should be made on the new IGS form; however, the application will be reviewed under the condition of the SEGS as it existed on 30 April 2007.

To be granted leave under SEGS, the applicant must have:

• Successfully completed a relevant course at a recognised or listed UK institution of Higher or Further Education. A relevant course:
• A degree course (with second class honours (2.2) or higher; OR
• Master's or PhD on the relevant list of physical science, mathematics and engineering courses approved by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) for the purposes of this scheme; AND MUST
• Have completed their course in the last 12 months (as shown by the date of expiry of leave as a Student to complete this course)
• Intend to work during the period of leave granted under the scheme
• Be able to maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependants without recourse to public funds; AND
• Intend to leave the UK at the end of their stay

6. What if I started a Master’s or PhD after 1 May 2006 and finished it before 1 May 2007 in a subject not on the list?

Yes.

7. How long can I stay in the UK under the scheme?

Under this scheme, the applicant can be granted a maximum of twelve months of leave.

8. Can I switch into other employment categories?

Yes. IGS participants can switch employment categories providing they meet the criteria of that particular category.

Please contact our offices at 0121 214 5453 to discuss your matter with a member of the Immigration team.