What’s the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme?

The scheme started in June 2005. It enables people who have been living in Scotland and studying at a Scottish college or university to apply to stay and work in Scotland for two years after the end of their course without the need for a work permit.

How do I qualify for the scheme?

To be granted leave under the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme you must:

•Have been awarded an HND, or a UK recognised undergraduate degree, Master's degree or PhD by a Scottish institution of Higher or Further Education.

•Have lived in Scotland for an appropriate period whilst studying for your HND, degree, Masters or PhD.

•Intend to work in Scotland during the period of leave granted under the scheme.

•Be able to maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants without recourse to public funds.

•It doesn’t include students graduating with a Higher National Certificate or postgraduate diploma, recipients of honorary degrees, or people who lived outside Scotland while studying.

When will I be able to apply for the scheme?

You can apply to take part in the scheme within a year of the date you complete your studies (taken as the date on your graduation certificate or, if you are a Master’s or Ph.D. graduate, the date of the expiry of your leave to enter or remain as a student).

How do I apply?

To apply while you are in the UK, you will need to complete the relevant application form, which is an FLR(FT:WISS).Then you can apply to the Home Office in the normal way. The form is available at http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/6353/11406/formflrftwiss0606.pdf

To apply from outside the UK, you will need to complete a VAF1 – non settlement form. This form is available at http://www.fco.gov.uk/Files/kfile/VAF1Oct06,2.pdf. Further details on applying for a visa or entry clearance can be found on the UK Visas website

How long do I need to have"stayed in Scotland"to qualify?

You do not have to show that you have stayed in Scotland for the full period of your studies. It is expected that you will return home for holidays or even work abroad or study abroad as part of your studies. This will be assessed in a case by case status by the Home Office. For example, for courses lasting one academic year, the student can normally be expected to have lived in Scotland for at least three months.

For courses lasting two academic years, the student can normally be expected to have lived in Scotland for at least six months.

For courses lasting three academic years, the student can normally be expected to have lived in Scotland for at least 12 months.

What if I have completed my studies but have not yet got my graduation certificates?

Applicants should provide their degree certificate to show that they have successfully completed their course. However, where an applicant wishes to apply from within the UK but will not graduate before the expiry of his leave as a student, he may instead include a letter from his personal tutor at the awarding institution. This must be an original letter (not a photography), bear the official stamp of the institution, and confirm that the applicant has successfully completed a relevant course and is awaiting graduation.

How do I show I am intending to work?

You must be able to show that you have made plans to work in Scotland. To show this you could supply evidence of job applications; registrations with employment agencies or a business plan if you intend to be self employed.

Can the Scheme find me a job?

No. However, the Scottish Executive is trying to ensure that work is available, and the Relocation Advisory Service run by the Scottish Executive will give you advice and guidance on how to find employment.

The scheme is also being promoted to employers so they can be proactive in recruiting international graduates.

Where can I find out more?

Further information on the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme will be available at www.workingintheuk.gov.uk and www.scotlandistheplace.com/chinese