If you have completed a UK degree course recently, then you can apply for a PSW visa which will allow you to work in the UK for upto 24 months.

You need to demonstrate that you can accomodate and maintain yourself by demonstrating a minimum balance in your bank account for the last 90 days.

This visa cannot be extended so you would need to switch into a Tier 2 Work Permit before your visa ends if you wish to remain in the UK.

The Tier 2 Work Permit scheme is desgined for those people that have a job offer from a UK based company.

The UK based company must first be authorised by the UK Border Agency to employ foreign individulas before a Tier 2 application can be submitted.

The length of this visa depends on the assessment of the employing company in the UK by the UK Border Agency and can be for up to 60 months.

The Tier 4 student visa has been dramitically overhauled in 2011. All Colleges and Universities have to be awarded a license to sponsor overseas students and strict controls are now in place to ensure students are regularly attending and progressing on their courses.

The length of the Tier 4 visa depends on the course being followed and are only extended after the student can demonstrate they have completed the course or modules.

If you have been in the UK in certain visa categories, you can apply for Permanent Residency in the UK.

The conditions you must satisfy to apply for Permanent Residency depend on the visa you hold. If you are a Tier 1 visa holder the UK Border Agency will require you to deostrate you are still earning sufficiently to qualifiy for this visa.

If you are a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa holder, you must meets certain requirements.

The Tier 1 General Visa was ceased in 2011. Those already on this visa can continue to extend their visa on the basis that existed when they first obtain this visa status.

You have to score the required points to secure an extension of your visa based on your age, qualifications and earnings over the last 12 months.