When you chose the UK as your study destination, you likely picked it to not only complete your studies but lay the groundwork for your future. Isn’t that right? Whether you have completed your studies or nearing graduation, you’re probably wondering: What’s next? Naturally, you would want to work and settle in this vibrant country. To work in the UK after graduation, you need a post-study work visa.
What exactly are these? Why apply for post-study work visas in the UK? How to apply for one? We will explore all of these questions and more in this guide, helping you confidently navigate the visa process.
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What Are Post-Study Work Visas?
Post-study work visas, specifically the Graduate Route, allow international students to stay and work in the UK for a few years without restrictions. When the Graduate Route visa is about to expire, you can transition to other work visas, such as a Skilled Worker Visa to extend your stay in the UK.
Why Apply For Post-Study Work Visas In The UK?
Here are some compelling reasons to apply for post-study work visas in the UK:
- Positive Employment Rate: The employment rate has steadily increased since the pandemic. According to a report, the employment rate in August 2024 was 75 percent, almost a 0.5% increase compared to 74.7 percent in the same period of 2023. This means the job market is recovering, and this trend suggests a favorable environment for job hunting, especially for international students seeking to apply for post-study work visas.
- Pathway To Permanent Residency: Post-study work visas like the Skilled Worker Visa can open doors to permanent residency. If you secure a Skilled Worker Visa, you may be eligible for the Indefinite Leave to Remain scheme, which is a form of permanent residency in the UK, that allows international students to live and work without any time restrictions. According to the UK government, 129,029 grants of settlement were accepted in the year ending March 2024, a 2% increase compared to the last year. This means the UK government is encouraging international students and skilled workers to work and settle in the country.
- A Gateway To Build Career: The UK offers international students access to a large and diverse job market. To take full advantage of this opportunity and build your career, a post-study work visa is invaluable.
- Increased Earning Potential: The UK average wages have increased in recent months, and to take full advantage of this opportunity, you will need a post-study work visa. According to the UK government, average wages experienced an annual change of 1.7% from May to August 2024.
Different Types Of Post-Study Work Visas In The UK
In the UK, international students can have access to the following types of visas:
- Graduate Route Visa
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Global Talent Visa
- Scale-up Work Visa
| Visas | Description | Eligibility Criteria | Documents Required | Duration | When To Apply | Application Fee |
| Graduate Route Visa | The Graduate Visa is given to international students to work in the UK for a specified period without any restrictions. You can transition to other visas, such as a Skilled Worker Visa when your Graduate Visa is about to expire. | You need to hold a current Tier 4/Student Visa. Have studied a UK Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or PhD. Your university has told the Home Office that you have completed the degree. | A valid passport. You need to provide a Biometric residence permit, if you have taken one when applying for a Tier 4 visa. CAS )Confirmation of Acceptance For Studies) reference number. | Up to 2 years for Master’s students. Up to 3 years for PhD students. | Apply for the visa when your University has notified the UK Visas and Immigration Office that you have completed your degree. | 822 pounds. |
| Skilled Worker Visa | This visa allows employers to sponsor international students or non-UK nationals to work in the UK without restrictions. You can apply for permanent residency when your Skilled Worker Visa is about to expire. | Sponsored by a UK employer. You are required to receive a minimum salary. You must speak, write, and read English. If you are a student currently residing in the UK, you must meet one of the following: You must have completed your course. Your job start date is after your course has finished. Studied PhD for at least 24 months. | CAS )Confirmation of Acceptance For Studies) reference number. Proof of knowledge of the English language. A valid passport. In addition to these, you may be asked for additional documents when you apply. | Up to 5 years. | International students can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa when the Graduate Visa is about to expire. | 719 pounds to 1,639 pounds. |
| Global Talent Visa | The Global Talent Visa is for individuals who want to work in the UK. It is specifically designed for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional talent in fields such as academic or research, arts and culture, and digital technology. This visa also applies to international students who have completed their education at a reputed UK university. | You must be 18 years old. You need to either win an eligible award or demonstrate excellent talent in the field of arts, academics, and digital technology. If you are a student currently residing in the UK, you must have either: Completed your course. Studied PhD for at least 24 months. | A valid passport. Evidence of achievement and recognition in your field. A letter of endorsement from the employer or organization. Financial evidence. Proof of English Proficiency. In addition to these, you may be asked for additional documents when you apply. | Up to 5 years. | You can apply for this visa after completion of graduation from a recognized UK university. | 716 pounds. |
| Scale-up Work Visa | A scale-up Visa allows individuals to work in the UK for a fast-growing business. This visa also applies to international students who have completed their education at a reputed UK university. | You must have a job offer from an approved scale-up business for at least six months. You are required to receive a minimum salary. You must speak, write, and read English. If you are a student currently residing in the UK, you must meet one of the following: You must have completed your course. Your job start date is after your course has finished. Studied PhD for at least 24 months. | CAS reference number. Proof of English Proficiency. A valid passport. In addition to these, you may be asked for additional documents when you apply. | Up to 2 years. | You can apply for this visa after graduation and while your Graduate Visa is about to expire. | 822 pounds. |
| Health and Care Work Visa | This visa is given to medical professionals to work with NHS. It also applies to international students who have completed their medical education at a reputed UK university, provided they meet specific requirements. | You must be a doctor or a healthcare professional. Work for an employer. You must have a sponsorship certificate from the employer. You are required to receive a minimum salary. You must speak, write, and read English. If you are a student currently residing in the UK, you must meet one of the following: You must have completed your course. Your job start date is after your course has finished. Studied PhD for at least 24 months. | CAS reference number. Proof of English Proficiency. A valid passport. In addition to these, you may be asked for additional documents when you apply. | Up to 5 years. | You can apply for this visa after completion of your graduation and while your Graduate Route Visa or Skilled Worker Visa is about to expire. | At least 1,270 pounds. |
How To Apply For A Post-Study Work Permit In The UK?
| Visa | How To Apply |
| Graduate Route Visa (Application Link) Skilled Worker Visa (Application Link) Global Talent Visa (Application Link) Scale-up Work Visa (Application Link) Health and Care Work Visa (Application Link) | Here is a step-by-step process for applying for all these visas: 1. Go to the UK government’s official website and create an account. 2. Fill out the details like personal information, education history, job offer, etc. 3. Pay the application and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee. 4. Review the form and submit it. 5. Provide your biometrics. |
Comparison Between UK And US Post-Study Work Permits
| UK Post-Study Work Visa | US Post-Study Work Visa |
| The UK post-study work visas allow international students to work for up to 5 years. For example, the Graduate Visa allows Master’s students to work for up to 2 years. | The US post-study work visa is for up to 2 years. For example, OPT for most degrees is up to 12 months. |
| Allows students to work in any field without restrictions. | Students should work in a role related to their studies. |
| The visa application process is straightforward. | The visa application process is typically done through USCIS, which can be complex. |
Conclusion
Looking to kickstart your career in the UK? Explore the various work visas mentioned in this guide, understand their eligibility, and application process, and then apply. With the right visa, you can set the groundwork for your future in the UK.
FAQs
Yes, international students can work full-time without any restrictions.
Yes, you can switch to work visas like Skilled Worker Visa or Scale-up Work visa. That said, you must meet their requirements.
No, the visa is designed to provide a pathway for international students to work in the UK.