Removal of Pharmacist from Shortage Occupation List. Working VISA enquiry

[Etoliee]

Hi all,

I am a non-EU student studying MPharm final year in UK. As you may aware of removal of pharmacists from shortage occupation list (14/11/2011) and withdrawal of Post-Study work visa from next year April, non-EU pharmacists or those non-EU who graduated here in UK can't actually work unless they are sponsored by the company. I have heard information that LloydsPharmacy is refusing to support any, which means starting from this year/next year they won't accept any non-EU who needs support in applying for VISA tier 2. I have signed contract with Boots Pharmacy for pre-reg 2012/2013, but I am not sure of their policy whether they will really support us in applying for VISA tier 2. Does anyone of you have any idea?

Thanks,
Etoliee

[Asterix]

So ospaps cant get a job then

[johnep]

Situation in USA is that international students cannot get sponsorship for their intern year same is happening here. You are just one of the unfortunates caught out. Unless government removes requirement for sponsorship, then you and many others will have been left out in the cold. Will have a British degree, but not able to work in UK as cannot be registered. Presumably such students will be expected to return home.
Under present unemployment conditions, government unlikely to be bothered about overseas wanting to work in UK. Look in archive for posts by Raoul.
johnep

[Tony Schofield]

But Raoul got sorted. Have they not learned from their mistakes?

Our universities have world class reputations and attract large numbers of students who pay very high fees. If they are kicked in the teeth in this manner it will destroy that reputation.

[Asterix]

does this apply to docs?

[Gordon Mackenzie]

Check on the UK Border Agency site as regulations may change but it seems that it is still possible to get a tier 2 visa to work as a doctor. Perhaps this is because doctors are not usually employed by large commercial concerns which have the resources to recruit throughout the EEA and quite often from the countries with the lowest wages as is the case in pharmacy which is no longer a shortage occupation.

[Etoliee]

Johnep or anyone,

Can you show me the link to it (Raoul) as I couldn't find it? Many thanks.

Will boots really sponsor me even if I signed the contract? Anyone from Boots management?

Thanks,
Etoliee

[johnep]

Ok, Raoul changed posting name to Rafael. click on his name and then 'all posts by poster'.
johnep

[Rafael]

Just thought to drop in and say hi @ i am working atm, till midnight. 28 quid/hour and been doing it for the same place for a while now. I saw 10 patients from 8pm till now. Hope you guys been alright xx