Post Study Work Visa in the UK

Did you know that over 95% of international students who apply for a UK visa are successful? This impressive figure shows just how welcoming the UK is to students from around the world.

If you're considering studying in the UK, the Post Study Work Visa (PSW Visa) could be your key to a successful career. Whether you're aiming for a job at a top UK company or want to gain valuable experience, the PSW Visa provides an easy way to achieve your goals in one of the world's leading economies.

Here’s a quick timeline of the most recent changes to the Post-Study Work Visa policies in the UK.

• 2019: The UK government announced a new two-year post-study work visa for international students, expanding career opportunities in the UK.
• 2020: The new Graduate Route was launched for the 2020/21 intake, allowing eligible students to work or look for work after graduation.
• 2023: The UK Government released information about changes to the student visa route, including expanded opportunities for dependents of international students.
• January 1, 2024: The new eligibility criteria for dependents and updated rules for PhD students took effect.
• January 31, 2024: The annual Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee increased to INR 1,05,000 (approximately £1,035 for all other visa and £3,105 for a 3-year visa).

The UK offers several work visa categories designed to support international graduates and skilled professionals in building their careers. Each post study work visa UK type provides unique opportunities depending on your qualifications, career goals, and job offers.

Graduate visa

The Graduate Immigration Route, also known as the Points-Based Immigration Route, is an unsponsored visa option that allows students to work or search for employment in the UK for up to two years after completing a bachelor's or master's degree or up to three years for doctoral graduates.

To qualify, the education must align with the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) linked to your Student (or Tier 4) visa or follow a course change that was permitted without needing additional visa approval.

Eligibility

You can apply for a Graduate visa if:

You are currently in the UK.

• Your existing visa is a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.
• You have studied a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or another eligible course for the required duration on your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.
• Your education provider has notified the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course.

Document Required

When applying for the Graduate visa, you’ll need to provide:

• A valid passport or travel document that confirms your identity and nationality.
• Your biometric residence permit (BRP), if you received one with your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.
• Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa application. If you can't locate your CAS reference number, contact your education provider to obtain it.

Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa lets you live and work in the UK with an approved employer and has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. To qualify, you need to be employed by a UK employer approved by the Home Office and have a certificate of sponsorship detailing your job role.

Eligibility

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:

• Work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
• Have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer detailing your role in the UK.
• Perform a job listed in the eligible occupations.
• Meet the minimum salary requirement, which varies depending on the type of job and the date your CoS was issued.

Document Required

When you apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you’ll need to provide:

• Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number (provided by your employer).
• Proof of your English language proficiency.
• A valid passport or other document showing your identity and nationality.
• Your job title and annual salary.
• Your job’s occupation code.
• The name of your employer and their sponsor licence number (found on your Certificate of Sponsorship).

Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

Senior or Specialist Worker Visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to work in an eligible role at your employer’s UK branch. It has replaced the Intra-company Transfer Visa, formerly known as the Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa.

Eligibility

To qualify for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa, you must:

• Be an existing employee of an organisation approved by the Home Office as a sponsor.
• Have a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer detailing your work in the UK.
• Perform a job listed in the eligible occupations.

Be paid at least INR 48,00,000 per year (approximately GBP 48,500).

Document Required

When you apply for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa, you’ll need to provide:

• Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number (provided by your employer).
• A valid passport or other document showing your identity and nationality.
• Your job title and annual salary.
• Your job’s occupation code.
• The name of your employer and their sponsor licence number (found on your Certificate of Sponsorship).
• Evidence of sufficient personal savings to support yourself in the UK, such as bank statements, unless your Certificate of Sponsorship confirms employer support.
• Proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they are applying with you.
• Your tuberculosis test results if you are from a listed country.

Transitioning from studying to working in the UK is an exciting step, and applying for a post-study work visa in the UK is a crucial part of this journey. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process smoothly.

• Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria for the Graduate Route or other applicable post-study work visas.
• Gather Documents: Collect required documents, including your passport, biometric residence permit (if applicable), and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number.
• Complete Application: Apply online via the UK Government’s official website or through a visa application centre. Provide details about your education, job, and financial status.
• Pay Fees: Submit the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
• Biometrics Appointment: Book and attend an appointment to provide your biometric information (photo and fingerprints) if required.
• Await Decision: Track your application status online and wait for the decision, which will be communicated via email or post.

To apply for a post-study work visa in the UK, follow these guidelines:

1. Be in the UK: You must be present in the UK when applying. If you leave the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands before receiving a decision, your application will be withdrawn.
2. Complete the Required Course: You should have finished a bachelor's, postgraduate, or doctoral degree in the UK for the required duration on your Student visa or Tier 4 student visa.
3. Current Visa Status: You must hold a valid Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa that has not expired.
4. Confirmation of Completion: Your education provider must have informed the Home Office that you have completed your course.
5. Duration of Study:
   • If your course was longer than 12 months, you should have studied and lived in the UK for at least 12 months.
   • If your course was shorter than 12 months, you must have studied for the entire duration of the course (e.g., 10 months for a 10-month course).
6. No Proof of Funds Required: If your course lasted more than 12 months and you were living and studying in the UK during that time, you do not need to provide evidence of funds.
7. English Language Proof: You are not required to demonstrate English language proficiency separately, as your UK university degree will suffice as proof of your English ability.
8. CAS Qualification: Ensure you have obtained the qualification listed on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) associated with your Student visa or Tier 4 visa.

Understanding the post-study work visa UK eligibility is essential for international graduates aiming to start their careers in the UK. Post study work visa is also known as the Graduate visa.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Educational Qualification: Must have completed a degree or higher qualification from a recognised UK institution.
• Institution: The educational institution must be a registered Higher Education Provider with a Track Record of Compliance.
• Course Completion: The course must be at least 12 months long (or 9 months for a course of less than 12 months).

Application Timing: Apply for the Graduate Visa before your Student Visa expires, but only after your course has ended.

Duration of Stay:

• General: The visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 2 years after completing your course.
• Doctoral Graduates: If you have completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification, you can stay for up to 3 years.

Work Conditions:

• Employment: You can work full-time, part-time, or be self-employed.
• Employer Sponsorship: Not required for most roles; however, if you wish to switch to a visa that requires sponsorship, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, you need to meet its specific requirements.

Field-Specific Conditions:

• Health and Care Sector: Graduates in health and care fields may have additional pathways or faster routes to visa extensions due to high demand in these areas.
• STEM Fields: Graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) might benefit from additional post-study work opportunities or targeted programs.
• Creative Arts: Those in creative sectors may face stricter conditions for finding employment and proving the relevance of their job role to their field of study.

Dependents: Your dependents who were with you on a Student Visa can also stay in the UK for the same duration as your Graduate Visa.

Financial Requirements: No specific maintenance funds requirement for the Graduate Visa; however, you must be able to support yourself and any dependents without recourse to public funds.

Immigration History: The Graduate Visa is not available if you have already held a Graduate Visa or similar post-study work visa previously.

The decision on your Graduate Visa application will be communicated within 8 weeks. During this period, it is advisable to remain in the UK. If the processing time extends beyond 8 weeks, you will be notified via email. Possible reasons for a delay include the need for additional verification of your attached documents.

The Post-Study Work Visa, known as the Graduate Visa in the UK, allows international graduates to stay and work for up to 2 years after completing their studies or 3 years if they have a doctoral qualification. Extensions of this visa are not possible; however, visa holders can transition to other visa types if they wish to stay longer.

To transition to a different visa, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, you must secure a job with an approved sponsor and meet the specific criteria of that visa category.

The Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Visa) allows international students to stay in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for doctoral graduates) to gain work experience. While the visa cannot be extended, it provides a route to other visa types like the Skilled Worker Visa.

Ready to take the next step in your career with a post-study work visa UK? Contact AECC today to get expert guidance and support tailored to your needs. Let us help you navigate the eligibility criteria and make your career aspirations a reality!