A Complete Guide on UK Work Permit Visa

Did you know that more than 500,000 international students (including those on sponsored study visas and Graduate route visas) are studying in the UK as of March 2024? This makes the UK one of the top five destinations in the world for overseas education. Among these international students are both soon-to-be graduates and graduates. At this point, you may ask, “What UK work permit visa need to apply after their studies?” Well, there are several types of work visas for students to continue working and staying, and one of the popular work visas among them is the Graduate Route Visa. Additionally, there are various other work visas, which we will discuss in detail in the upcoming sections.

Key Statistics About UK Work Visas

Here are some key statistics that may interest you:

• The year 2023 saw a major increase in the issuance of work visas. According to the UK government report, more than 300,000 work visas were granted to applicants in 2023, marking a 26% increase compared to 2022, and almost two and half times more than those issued in 2019. This indicates the UK is becoming increasingly work-friendly.
• The Graduate Route Visa, which allows international students to work in the UK, also saw a significant increase in the issuance of visas in 2023. According to the UK government report, more than 110,000 Graduate route visas were issued in 2023, marking a 57% increase compared to 2022. This indicates a substantial chunk of work visas are now granted to international students studying in the UK.

So, what does this mean for international students? It indicates that the demand for skilled international workers in the UK is growing, making the UK an increasingly attractive destination for those who want to study and then transition from study to work.

Different Types of UK Work PERMIT Visa for International Students

There are different types of work visas for international students, each tailored to the different needs and requirements of individual students. Here is an overview of the most common work visas issued to international students:

1. Graduate Visa

A Graduate Visa allows international students to stay in the UK after completing a course in the UK. The visa is not extendable. After the visa expires, you need to switch to a different visa to stay longer in the UK. 

Eligibility

• You should be in the UK.
• You must hold a student visa or a Tier 4 student visa.
• You must have completed a graduate or postgraduate course in the UK with a student visa.
• Your institution or university must have told the UK Home Office that you have completed your course.

Documents Required

• A valid passport.
• Proof of student visa.
• Confirmation Acceptance For Studies (CAS) reference number. This number is issued to you when you apply for a student visa.

Key Observations

• In 2024, 139,175 Graduate Visas were issued to international students, a 48% increase from the previous year.
• Indian, Nigerian, and Pakistanis received the most Graduate Route visas, accounting for more than 65% of the total visas issued.

Application Fees
The application fee for a Graduate Visa is 822 pounds + additional charges.

Duration

• 2 years for graduate and postgraduate students.
• 3 years for doctoral students.

2. Health And Care Worker Visa

A Health and Care Worker Visa is for medical professionals who want to work in the UK. They can work in NHS or adult care. This visa is also applicable to international students who are already in the UK on a student visa. A medical professional must have a valid job in the UK to be eligible for this visa. The processing time of the Health and Care Worker Visa is shorter compared to other types of work visas. 

Eligibility

• You must have a job from an approved UK employer.
• You must be a doctor, nurse, or any other medical practitioner.
• Your job should be eligible for the visa.
• You must get a minimum salary.
• You should know English. To prove your English proficiency, you must have passed the Secure English Language Test or have a degree taught in English.

Documents Required

• A valid passport.
• Name of your employer and their license number.
• Job title and annual salary.
• Certificate of sponsorship number.

Key Observations

If you are looking to pursue healthcare-related studies in the UK, your chances of converting a student visa to a work visa are brighter. According to a recent report, the UK Home Office granted around 350,000 health and care visas in 2023, compared to 110,000 work visas in the other sectors. This means the share of health and care worker visas saw a 17% increase in 2023 compared to 2022.

Application Fees

From 284 pounds to 551 pounds per person. Additionally, you must have at least 1000+ pounds in your bank account to show the immigration authorities that you can support yourself when you are in the UK.

Duration

The duration is up to 5 years.

3. Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa allows students and job seekers to study and work in the UK for a specific period of time.

Eligibility

A student in the UK must meet one of the following requirements:

• Must have completed the course that you were studying in the UK.
• The job date should be after the course has been completed.

Here are some of the other requirements:

• The job should be eligible for the visa.
• The employer should be approved by the UK Home Office.
• The applicant must know how to read, write, and speak English.

Documents Required

• Passport.
• Proof of employment.
• Job title and job salary.
• Name of employer and their license number.
• Occupation Code.

Key Observations

The Skilled Worker Visa is the largest work visa category. In 2023, over 200,000 visas were issued, which was three times more than in 2021. That said, the Skilled Worker Visa saw a slight decline in the numbers by the first half of 2024 due to various reasons.

Application Fees

The application fee is 700 pounds – 1,600 pounds per person.

Duration

The duration is up to 5 years.

4. High Potential Individual Visa (HPI)

The High Potential Individual Visa is for recent graduates from top global universities (excluding the UK) who can come to the UK to live, study, work, or start a business. HPI visa holders can work full-time, self-employment, or freelance.

Eligibility

• This visa is eligible for students who have not studied in the UK. That said, if you are on a short-term UK student visa, you should leave the UK and then apply for the visa from abroad.
• To be eligible for this visa, you must have a degree from an eligible university. Check this list of eligible universities to ensure that your institution qualifies.
• International students must have a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree.
• International students must have a postgraduate degree equivalent to a UK postgraduate degree.
• International students must have a PhD equivalent to a UK PhD.

Documents Required

• A valid passport.
• Proof of English proficiency.
• Online proof of your immigration status.

Key Observations

In 2022, around 1,342 HPI visas were issued to recent graduates from top global universities. Unfortunately, as of now, there are no official statistics for 2024.

Application Fees

The application fee is 822 pounds + additional charges.

Duration

The duration is up to 2 to 3 years.

5. Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder Visa is for those who want to start an innovative business that is different from any other business in the UK market. The business should be endorsed by endorsing bodies, such as a UK educational institution, a business accelerator, or other bodies.

Eligibility

• If you are a student in the UK, you must have completed the course that you were sponsored to study.
• Meet English language requirements.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must prove that the business idea is new, scalable, innovative, and has growth potential.

Documents Required

• A valid passport.
• Bank statements showing enough funds.
• Proof of English proficiency.

Key Observations

A significant number of Innovator Founder Visas was granted in 2023 compared to 2022, although the exact number is not available as of today.

Application Fees

The application fee is 1000 pounds – 1,200 pounds + additional charges.

Duration

The duration is up to 3 years. You can extend your visa for another 3 years when your visa is due to expire.

How to Apply for a UK Work Permit Visa?

Applying for a UK work visa, whether you are a student in the UK or applying from outside, follows the same process but with a slight difference. Here’s an overview of the steps involved in the application process:

For students already in the UK and students applying from outside, here are the common steps:

• The first step in the application process involves visiting the UK Visas and Immigration website. This is where all the information about different visas is available. In addition to this, the website gives you access to an online application portal.
• Once on the website, you will need to choose the different types of visas, such as Graduate Visa or Skilled Worker Visa, according to your needs.
• After selecting the visa, you will be directed to the online application form. Fill out the form by giving your personal details, details of your studies, and employment. Additionally, you may be asked to fill out your immigration status, financial standing, and other information.
• The application form may ask for proof of details, such as proof of the degree, proof of a job offer depending on the type of visa you choose, proof of English proficiency like IELTS, and financial evidence like copies of bank statements or sponsorship letters.
• Upload the supporting documents such as a copy of a passport, degree certificate, job certificate, and other documents.
• Pay the application fee. Review the form and submit it.
• You may also required to visit a Visa Application Center to have your biometrics taken. This depends on your visa type and nationality.

For students already in the UK and students applying from outside, here is the key difference: A student in the UK looking to switch visa from a student visa to a work visa does not need to attend a visa interview at a Visa Application Center while a student applying from outside needs to attend a visa interview depending on the visa type.

Comparison Table On Key Differences Between the UK Work Visas

Here’s a table that summarizes some of the key differences between the Graduate Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, Heath and Care Worker Visa, High Potential Individual Visa, and Innovator Founder Visa:

Visa Type	Salary/Financial Requirements	Sponsorship or Job Offered Requirement	Dependents	Pathway to Permanent Residency	IHS Fee	Visa Processing Time
Graduate Visa	Applicants are not required to have a minimum salary or financial funds for this visa.	Applicants are not required to have a job in hand.	Yes, you can bring dependents if you meet the financial requirements.	It is only possible when students switch to other types of visas, such as a Skilled Worker Visa.	An IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) fee is required for this visa.	Typically 8 weeks
Health and Care Worker Visa	Minimum salary of 20,960 pounds per year	Applicants are required to have a job offer in hand.	Yes, you can bring dependents if you meet the financial requirements.	Applicants can be eligible for permanent residency after 5 years.	An IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) fee is not required for this visa.	Within 3 weeks
Skilled Worker Visa	The applicant should get a minimum salary of at least 38,000 pounds per year.	Applicants are required to have a job offer in hand.	Yes, you can bring dependents if you meet the financial requirements.	Yes, this visa allows applicants to transition to permanent residency after 5 years.	IHS is generally required for this visa. That said, the fee can be waived for those who are applying for occupations that are limited in numbers.	The processing time of the visa typically takes 3 weeks for those people who have applied outside the UK and 8 weeks for those who have applied from within the UK.
Potential Individual Visa (HPI)	There is no minimum salary requirement. However, the applicants must prove that they have funds, around 1,270 pounds in their bank account at the time of application.	Applicants are required to have a job offer in hand.	Yes, you can bring dependents if you meet the financial requirements.	Transition to other visas for permanent residency.	An IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) fee is required for this visa.	The processing time of the visa takes between 3 weeks and 8 weeks.
Innovator Founder Visa	Innovator Founder Visa doesn’t require applicants to have minimum investment funds to start a business. However, the applicants must prove that they have funds, around 1,270 pounds in their bank account at the time of application.	Applicants are not required to have a job offer in hand.	Yes, you can bring dependents if you meet the financial requirements.	After three years of Innovator Fund Visa, applicants can apply for permanent residency.	An IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) fee is required for this visa.	The processing time is around 8 weeks.

Tips on How To Navigate the UK Work Permit Visa Process Successfully 

• Research each type of visa thoroughly, as each has its own specific requirements.
• Pick employers that sponsor work visas, especially if you are applying for a Skilled Worker Visa. Not all employers in the UK provide work visa sponsorship, so when job hunting, look for employers that explicitly mention work visa sponsorship.
• Apply early, as many of the visas have a processing time of at least 8 weeks. By applying early, you can ensure that your visa is ready before your job start date.
• Keep an eye on the changing immigration policies. The immigration policies keep on changing – for instance, the Graduate Visa is relatively a new option, and its duration or eligibility criteria may change in the future.

Conclusion

The UK offers a wide range of work visas for international students. Whether you have a job offer, plan to start your own business, or looking for job opportunities in the UK, there is a specific visa option tailored to each situation. Understanding each visa type, its requirements, and its duration will help you make an informed decision based on your career goals.

FAQs