International Graduates Scheme
Encyclopedia
The International Graduates Scheme (IGS) was a UK immigration scheme which was launched on 1 May 2007 and ended on 30 June 2008, when it was replaced by Tier 1 (Post Study Work). It allowed non-EEA
nationals who successfully complete a relevant UK degree or postgraduate qualification to work or set up a business in the UK for 12 months without needing a Work Permit
. The principle of the scheme, and of its successor, is to retain skilled and educated graduates as part of the UK labour force, who will switch into a longer-term work schemes.
On 1 May 2006, SEGS was expanded to include all postgraduate courses in any subject area that started after that date.
IGS replaced SEGS from 1 May 2007. However, applicants who had successfully completed their course before 1 May 2007 could still qualify under the old SEGS rules if they had successfully completed the relevant course in the last 12 months.
IGS and the similar Fresh Talent - Working in Scotland Scheme
were discontinued on 30 June 2008, and replaced with Tier 1 (Post Study Work).
European Economic Area
The European Economic Area was established on 1 January 1994 following an agreement between the member states of the European Free Trade Association and the European Community, later the European Union . Specifically, it allows Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway to participate in the EU's Internal...
nationals who successfully complete a relevant UK degree or postgraduate qualification to work or set up a business in the UK for 12 months without needing a Work Permit
Work permit (United Kingdom)
The UK Work Permit scheme was an immigration category used to encourage skilled workers to enter the United Kingdom up till November 2008, when it was replaced by the points-based immigration system...
. The principle of the scheme, and of its successor, is to retain skilled and educated graduates as part of the UK labour force, who will switch into a longer-term work schemes.
History
The Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme (SEGS) launched in October 2004, allowing graduates with a UK degree in certain subject areas to work in the UK after graduation for twelve months.On 1 May 2006, SEGS was expanded to include all postgraduate courses in any subject area that started after that date.
IGS replaced SEGS from 1 May 2007. However, applicants who had successfully completed their course before 1 May 2007 could still qualify under the old SEGS rules if they had successfully completed the relevant course in the last 12 months.
IGS and the similar Fresh Talent - Working in Scotland Scheme
Fresh Talent - Working in Scotland Scheme
The Fresh Talent – Working in Scotland Scheme was a UK immigration scheme which was launched to deal with problems of population decline and skill shortages in Scotland. It ended on 29 June 2008, when it was replaced by Tier 1...
were discontinued on 30 June 2008, and replaced with Tier 1 (Post Study Work).
See also
- Immigration to the United KingdomImmigration to the United KingdomImmigration to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland since 1922 has been substantial, in particular from Ireland and the former colonies and other territories of the British Empire - such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Caribbean, South Africa, Kenya and Hong Kong - under...
- Points-based immigration system (United Kingdom)Points-based immigration system (United Kingdom)The points-based immigration system is the means of regulating immigration to the United Kingdom from outside the European Economic Area . The scheme was phased in between 2008 and 2010. It is composed of five "tiers" which replaced all the previous work permits and entry schemes, including...