Written question asked by Bill Wiggin (Conservative) on Wednesday, 21 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 September 2004. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Monday, 13 September 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has to make it easier for non-EU students to work in the UK after they have graduated provided they have graduated from a UK university, with particular reference to residency criteria.

Answer: Mr. Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to make it easier for non-EU students to work in the UK after they have graduated provided they have graduated from a UK university, with particular reference to residency criteria. [186817] Mr. Browne: The Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme (SEGS), to be introduced on 29 October 2004, will allow non-EU graduates from UK universities who have graduated in specific science and engineering courses to apply to remain in the UK to seek work. Participants on SEGS will be required to show that they have achieved a degree at 2:2 or above in such courses and that they can maintain and accommodate themselves without recourse to public funds. Participants will be granted leave for one year and will be able to live and work in any region of the UK. Participants on the scheme will be allowed to switch, at any time during the year, to other managed migration categories provided they meet the criteria. In summer 2005, a further pilot scheme (Fresh Talent: Scotland) should be introduced to allow third country national graduates from Scottish universities to apply to stay in Scotland and look for work for up to two years.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 424 c1410W;424 c1408W; 186817
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Employment Graduates Engineering Overseas students Students Science Work permits
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk