Post-Study Work Visa in the UK

Table of contents:

  1. Eligibility for Post-Study Work Visa in the UK
  2. When Should You Apply for a Post-Study Work Visa in the UK?
  3. Do’s and Don’ts of a Post-Study Work Visa in the UK
  4. Cost of Applying for a Post-Study Work Visa in the UK
  5. How to get a Job in the UK with a Post-Study Work Visa?
  6. Frequently Asked Questions

The UK is a popular destination for international students with over half a million international students. The UK offers top-quality education with a range of courses and top universities. The UK is ranked 13th in quality of life and 9th in best countries overall. Many international students utilize the graduate route visa (post-study) to work after they have completed their studies. Post-study work visas in the UK allow students to stay back for 2 years (graduate students) and 3 years (PhD or other doctoral students).

Eligibility for Post-Study Work Visa in the UK

Candidates can apply for a post-study work visa in the UK if they are:

  • Staying in the UK
  • The current visa is a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
  • Studies a UK bachelor’s or master’s degree or other eligible course for a minimum period with a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
  • Your university or college has informed the Home Office that you’ve completed your course

When Should You Apply for a Post-Study Work Visa in the UK?

Candidates should apply for a post-study work visa in the UK before their Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa expires. Other requirements are as follows:

  • Apply after your university or college has informed the Home Office that you’ve completed the program of study you took with a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.
  • You do not have to wait until the end of your graduation or your certificate.
  • Apply online when you are ready with your necessary documents.

Documents Required for a Post-Study Work Visa in the UK

To apply for a post-study work visa in the UK, you must have the following documents:

  • Valid Passport proving your identity and nationality
  • Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) – if given when you applied for a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number, provided by your university or college when you completed your course on Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa

Do’s and Don’ts of a Post-Study Work Visa in the UK

What you can do with your post-study work visa:

  • Work in most jobs
  • Look for work
  • Be self-employed
  • Continue living in the UK with your partner and children (if they’re eligible)
  • Do voluntary work travel abroad and return to the UK

What you cannot do with your post-study work visa:

  • Apply for most benefits (public funds) or the state pension
  • Work as a professional sportsperson

Cost of Applying for a Post-Study Work Visa in the UK

The costs of applying for a post-study work visa are divided into two elements, they are:

  • Graduate route visa application fee: £822
  • Healthcare Surcharge: £1,035 for each year you’ll be in the UK. You’ll also have to pay for a healthcare surcharge which is £2,070 for 2 years and £3,105 for 3 years.

How to get a Job in the UK with a Post-Study Work Visa?

There are various ways to get a job in the UK with a Post-Study Work Visa, they are:

Skilled Worker Visa:

The details for the skilled worker visa are as follows:

Particular Details

About

Allows you to come or stay in the UK for a job with an approved employer

Replaced

The skilled worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa

Eligibility

  • Work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office
  • Have a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ (CoS) from your employer with information about your job role
  • Do a job that is on the list of eligible occupations
  • Be paid a minimum salary

Duration of Stay

5 Years (post 5 years you need to extend the visa)

Application Process

  • Apply for a visa 3 months before your joining date
  • You’ll get a decision within 3 weeks (if outside the UK) or 8 weeks (if inside the UK)

Application Fee

£719 – £1,639

Proof of Funds

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to support yourself

Health-Care Worker Visa

The details for the health-care worker visa are as follows:

Particular

Details

About

Allows medical professionals to come or stay in the UK for eligible jobs with NHS, NHS supplier or adult social care

Eligibility

  • Qualified doctor, nurse, health professional or adult social care professional
  • Work in an eligible health or social care job
  • Work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office
  • Have a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ from your employer with information about your job role
  • Be paid a minimum salary

Duration of Stay

5 Years (post 5 years you need to extend the visa)

Application Process

Apply for a visa 3 months before your joining date and you’ll get a decision within 3 weeks

Application Fee

  • Up to 3 years – £284
  • More than 3 years – £551

Proof of Funds

Must have at least £1,270 in your bank account as proof of funds

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my post-study work visa to the UK?

No, you cannot extend your post-study work visa. Post expiration, you can apply for a skilled worker visa or any other relevant work visa.

When should I apply for the Skilled Worker visa in the UK?

You must apply for the Skilled Worker visa 3 months before your joining date.

Is a job offer required to apply for a post-study work visa in the UK?

No, with a post-study work visa in the UK, you can look for jobs or start your own business.

Can I travel to my home country while on a post-study work visa in the UK?

Yes, you are allowed to work anywhere in the world while on a post-study work visa in the UK.

Can my spouse join me on a skilled worker visa in the UK?

Yes, your spouse/children/family members can also apply to join. However, they are required to complete separate applications.

What does UKVI – UK Visas and Immigration do?

UKVI handles all the visa responsibilities and decides who gets the right to visit or stay in the country.

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