We noticed a recent blog post by a chap called Simbsi who is wondering why he can't find a job because he can't convince any employer that his visa is valid.

He says, "I have been back since the last 2 months (no wait nearly 3 months) and I still haven’t found a job. It is really frustrating having to play the waiting game when you know that your visa expires in the second quarter of 2009 (the first month of the second quarter though it can be extended for a further year). It sucks even more when one has to go to all the agencies and to convince them that you can work...Why the hell did the government create the IGS (1 Year) and replace it with the PSW (2 Years) when it doesn’t even bother educating the stupid people out there?"

It seems that Simbsi is in the UK under the IGS (International Graduate Scheme).  This allows him to work unrestrictedly for a period of one year.  To qualify for the IGS you need to obtain a degree in the UK.  While studying you have a student visa then switch to IGS once they are finished the degree.   

Then, while on the IGS, you can earns enough money to qualify for the Tier 1 (General) requirement after a year or impress your employer enough to convince them to sponsor you for a work permit.

Under the new Points Base System this IGS category is Tier 1 (Post Study) and it's now issued for a two-year period.  Those currently under IGS can move over to the Tier 1 (Post Study) and extend their stay with a further year.  If you hold IGS / Tier 1 (Post Study) visa, you can work unrestrictedly, so you can do contract/locum work too.

Most employers are not expert in immigration issues and can't be expected to know all the rules.  They see the expiry date on the visa, and jump to an obvious conclusion.  

Simbsi should print off the info on the BIA website where it explains the new rules and that he can work unrestrictedly to show to prospective employers.

The UK government is beefing up the rules to stop immigrants using bogus college courses to enter the UK.

Last Wednesday, July 30, the UK Border Control Agency announced it would introduce a raft of new requirements. Colleges or universities wishing to attract overseas students must register with the agency to be granted a licence. The educating body must also accept a pledge that they accept responsibility for the students while they are in the UK.

The student needs confirmation of acceptance on a course or the sponsoring UKBA-approved institution to apply for a visa. The student must also prove they have the means to support themselves (for courses longer than 12 months show funds for their first year’s tuition fees plus, £9,600 and an additional  £535 a month per dependent).

Colleges or universities could face a ban and lose their licence if they don’t follow the rules. They must keep copies of students’ passports; keep up-to-date student contact details; alert the UKBA if a student fails to enrol on a course and report unauthorised absences or if a student stops their studies.

International students make a substantial contribution to the UK economy -  £2.5b each year just in tuition fees, along with an estimated contribution of  £8.5b. But the UK government wants to ensure it is attracting the right sort of student to whom it is making some concessions; earlier this year, the government announced a special visa category allowing international students who had graduated from British universities to work in the UK for up to two years.