The International Graduate Scheme ("IGS"), launched by the Home Office on 1 May 2007, has replaced the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme ("SEGS").

IGS is a transitional route that will enable non-EEA students who have successfully completed a relevant course (at a recognised or listed UK institution of Higher Education) to work in the UK for up to 12 months upon completion of their studies. Previously, under SEGS, only graduates on specified science engineering courses could remain in the UK for 12 months; the IGS has widened this considerably.

  • Students who complete their courses on or after 1 May 2007 can apply regardless of the subject they have studied. Those who finished their courses before 1 May 2007 may still apply under the old Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme rules.
  • IGS participants can take any type of employment or self-employment – there are no restrictions on the type of work individuals can do as an IGS participant.
  • An IGS participant wishing to remain in the UK beyond their leave under IGS in order to pursue their career can switch into various employment or self-employment categories in the UK, if they meet the relevant requirements.
  • Dependants in the UK at the time the applicant joins the IGS scheme are eligible to switch in line with the IGS applicant. If dependants are applying from abroad, they will need to obtain entry clearance.
  • To apply for the scheme whilst in the UK with leave as a student applicants will need to complete application form FLR(IGS). Applicants abroad returning to the UK under the IGS scheme will need to obtain entry clearance.

This scheme represents an opportunity to employ graduates for a year without the need to secure work permits. However, work permits should still be obtained where the proposed role is for longer than 12 months as this secures the individuals’ position for the longer term.

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The original publication date for this article was 03/05/2005.