US National > Job in UK After Grad. From UK BA or MA Program?

Hey guys (and girls),

I am interested in either completing my BA in the UK this or next year if possible or an MA during 08/09.

I understand that in terms of the job market in the EU all employers legally have to exhaust all options from within the EU before appointing people from abroad.

I am curious about this because after obtaining either an MA or both a BA and MA from the UK I would very much like to remain in the UK permanately.  THat said I understand I would have to return to ths US in order to obtain a Work Permit Visa and by judging from the above sentence it seems that to even acquire a Work Permit will be very difficult.

Perhaps there are ways around this or certain things to consider and so on.  If anyone has had any experience with this or any ideas/suggestions I cannot tell you how grateful I would be to hear (read even) them.

Thanks all!

Yes, in order to apply for a Work Permit for you, an employer needs to show that there is no suitable local person (i.e. someone settled in the EEA or Switzerland).  But if the job is in a shortage occupation, there is no need for them to have to show this.

You do not need to return to the US to switch from student status to Work Permit holder, you can do it in the UK (if you find an employer who will employ you before your student visa runs out, of course).

What's more, you may not need a Work Permit at all.  If you complete a postgraduate course, you can now stay and work in the UK for 12 months without a Work Permit under the SEGS scheme.  When the 12 months is up, you need to either leave the UK or switch to a status that allows you to continue to work, eg. HSMP or Work Permit holder.

This is an overview.  There is more about SEGS, Work Permits and HSMP at www.workingintheuk.gov.uk