International Recruitment

Global engagement is a key cross-cutting strategic goal at Strathclyde as is the retention and attraction of talent. The recruitment and employment of high quality international staff is recognised as being of the utmost strategic importance to the University.

The University has an A-rated licence to sponsor employees under the Skilled Worker and Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange visa (T5) routes and successfully welcomes and supports staff and visitors from around the world.  The Skilled Worker sponsorship license allows us to recruit and employ international staff under the Points Based System of Immigration (PBS). The Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange visa (T5) sponsorship license allows us to host sponsored visiting researchers under the Points Based System of Immigration (PBS).

In order to continue to recruit and employ high quality international staff we must ensure on-going compliance with Home Office UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations. Further details on compliance responsibilities can be found in the University’s Home Office Points Based System Policy.  For general guidance on the university’s Recruitment process please visit the Human Resources website.

The relevant categories for immigration for the University’s purposes are:

Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent visa route is available for leaders, potential leaders and promising academics, researchers and specialists who are working in the fields of science, humanities, engineering, the arts (including film, fashion design and architecture) and digital technology. Applications involve obtaining an endorsement from a UK body with expertise in the individual’s field and must be undertaken independently. Top scientists and researchers benefit from a quicker endorsement process as part of a fast track STEM scheme. Further guidance can be found on the UK Government website and the University’s PBS Recruiting and Monitoring Procedure.  

Skilled Worker Visa

For prospective employees who do not have a right to work in the UK independently, an application may be made to Home Office for permission to work in the UK through the Points Based System of Immigration (PBS), prior to employment commencing. A Skilled Worker visa, which replaces Tier 2 (General) visa, allows individuals to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job, should they meet the criteria. 

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, individuals must have:

• a confirmed job offer from the University of Strathclyde
• a certificate of sponsorship, issued by Human Resources prior to visa application
• do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
• be paid a minimum salary - how much depends on the type of work
• be able to speak, read, write and understand English. Individuals will normally be required to prove their knowledge of English when they apply

Further guidance can be found on the UK Government website and the University’s PBS Recruiting and Monitoring Procedure.  

Student Visa

The Student visa, which replaces the Tier 4 Visa, allows students to work whilst undertaking study.  Student visa holders are generally permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time outwith term-time dependent upon the level of study and when the work is undertaken.  It should be noted that PhD students do not have set term-times and are limited to 20 hours per week all year round. Further guidance can be found in the Student Visa Working Permissions Guidance Note and on the UK Government website.

Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES) visa

Tier 4/ Student visa holders may be eligible to apply for a Doctorate Extension Scheme (DSE) visa. A DES visa allows for students who are near completing their PhD course to apply to stay in the UK for a further 12 months beyond the end of their course. Once the Student has successfully completed their PhD, there will be fewer restrictions on the work they can do and they can use the 12 months to gain further experience in their chosen field, seek skilled work, or develop plans to set up as an entrepreneur. Further guidance can be found in the Student Visa Working Permissions Guidance Note and on the UK Government website.

Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange visa (T5)

The Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange visa (T5), which replaces the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange) visa, allows individuals to be sponsored by the University to come to the UK for a period, in order to share knowledge, experience and best practice and to experience the social and cultural life of the UK.  Individuals can stay in the UK for up to 24 months via an approved Government Authorised Exchange scheme.  This category cannot be used to fill job vacancies or to bring unskilled labour to the UK.

To qualify for a Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange visa (T5), individuals must have:

• a certificate of sponsorship, issued by Human Resources prior to visa application
• enough money to support themselves in the UK - you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available

Further guidance can be found on the UK Government website.  

The candidate’s application for permission to enter the UK or permission to stay in the UK is managed between the candidate and the Home Office. The University has no formal role in this application beyond providing the CoS reference. The candidate should however advise the University at the earliest opportunity of the outcome of this application or any delays in the application being processed.

A list of work visas most commonly used/seen by the University which can be obtained independently can be found at the Right to Work in the UK webpage.

Support for International Candidates

As a people orientated employer, the University of Strathclyde recognises that individuals relocating to the UK may need assistance and support.

The University offers a relocation package to candidates with an eligible contract of employment who are coming from overseas. For more information on this please refer to the University’s Relocation Policy.

To provide financial support to new and existing staff members in relation to visa and NHS surcharge costs, the University can provide an interest free loan facility to assist staff and their dependents with payment of upfront UK visa fees and/or NHS surcharge costs. For further details, please contact Human Resources.