The UK provides students with the best career opportunities in addition to being home to world-class educational institutions. For this reason, international students apply for post-study work visas in the UK or PSW UK.
International students may have a wealth of opportunities to build a successful future with the help of a UK post-study work visa. For international students who want to advance in their careers in the UK, this is an excellent opportunity. Please read this article to learn more about UK post-study work visas.
Why Do You Need A Post-study Work Visa In The UK?
Let us start by understanding why international students apply for a post-study work visa in the UK:
- Career prospects: The UK is home to a number of leading corporations, including Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Meta, among others, that welcome diverse talent from around the world and provides them with rewarding career opportunities.
- Low rate of unemployment: The UK’s current unemployment rate is only 4.3%, which is also steadily declining. Consequently, you won’t have to worry about finding work while living in the UK.
- Flexible working hours: The standard workday for employees in the UK is 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Additionally, you will be entitled to 28 days of paid leave each year. In your spare time, you can choose from a variety of part-time jobs offered in the UK.
- Growth opportunities: In one of the biggest economies in the world, you can absolutely anticipate success and the opportunity to learn new things. Your job will not only pay well, but it will also help you learn skills that are essential for both your professional and personal development.
Types Of Post Study Work Visa In UK
After graduating, you must apply for a UK PGWP, also known as a UK Post Graduate Work Permit, in order to remain in the country. Based on the kind of work you intend to do, the UK government offers 4 different categories of long-term work visas.
- Skilled worker visa
- Health and care work visa
- Senior or specialist worker visa
- Minister of religion visa
- International sportsperson visa
You just have to be aware of the rules to apply for a post-study work visa in the UK which has been discussed below:
Skilled Worker Visa
In the UK, the skilled worker visa has taken the place of Tier 2 (General) work visa, allowing you to remain in the country as long as you work for an approved employer and for a job that qualifies.
Eligibility criteria:
- The Home Office in the UK must approve your employer.
- A “certificate of sponsorship,” describing your job role while working in the UK, must be provided by your employer.
- You must be eligible for the position for which you have applied.
- A base salary must be given to you.
- When you submit an application for a work visa, you will need to show evidence of your English language ability.
Note: Public funds and state pension plans cannot be applied for. Additionally, you are not visited to change jobs or employers without first renewing your visa.
Health And Care Worker Visa
Medical professionals can stay in the UK and work for the NHS, an NHS supplier, or an adult social care facility with this type of visa.
Eligibility criteria:
- You must be a doctor, nurse, health or adult social care professional
- Have eligible health or social care-related job
- Be employed under a UK employer approved by the Home Office
- Have a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ from your employer stating your job role in the UK
- Be paid the minimum salary depending on your job type
- Provide proof of English language proficiency
Senior Or Specialist Worker Visa
If you plan to work an eligible job at your employer’s UK branch while you are in the UK, you may be eligible for this visa. This visa has been replaced by the Tier 2 Intra Company Transfer Visa.)
Eligibility criteria:
- Be an existing employee of an organization approved by the Home Office
- Have a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ from your employer describing your job role in the UK
- Be employed in an eligible occupation
- A minimum salary of £42,400 or £23,000 is required to qualify for an intra-company transfer visa or an intra-company graduate trainee visa, respectively.
Minister Of Religion Visa
If you are offered a job in a religious organization in the UK, you will require this kind of visa.
Eligibility criteria:
- Have a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ for your job
- Provide proof of English language proficiency
- Be 18 years or above at the time of application
- Provide tuberculosis test results if you are from a listed country
- Show personal savings to support yourself in the UK
- Provide travel history from the last 5 years
International Sportsperson Visa
International Sportsperson Visa is applicable under the following situations:
- The sport’s governing body has recognized you as a qualified elite athlete or coach at the highest level of your field.
- An organization that governs a particular sport has approved your application.
- If your employer has any potential to support the growth of sports in the UK.
Eligibility criteria:
- Provide a valid ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ for your job
- Submit proof of English language proficiency
- Provide tuberculosis test results if you are from a listed country
- Have personal savings to support yourself while staying in the UK
- Provide travel and travel history from the last 5 years
- Must have an eligible qualification
Eligibility Criteria To Apply For A Graduate Visa
Now that we have discussed the latest update on work visas after study in the UK, let us take a look at the eligibility criteria to apply for a UK post-study visa:
- You must apply from the UK;
- You must have a Tier 4 (General) student visa;
- You are required to complete a UK undergraduate or postgraduate degree with your student visa;
- After receiving confirmation from your education provider that you have successfully completed the program you are enrolled in, you can submit the application.
Documents Required To Apply For Post Study Work Visa In UK
A checklist of documents required to complete the application process is given below:
- The reference number on your certificate of sponsorship
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Copy of passport or other document showing proof of identity and nationality
- Details of job title and annual salary
- Occupation code of your job
- Name of your employer and their sponsor license number
Additionally, keep the following documents handy as these may be required to complete the application process:
- Proof of personal savings such as bank statements to support yourself in the UK
- Tuberculosis test results if you are from a listed country
- Certificate of criminal records
- Proof of relationship with partner or children who are applying as your dependents
- Valid ATAS certificate
IMPORTANT: Before requesting a visa, you must have a job offer.
How Do I Apply For A Post Study Work Visa In The UK?
You might be wondering, “How can I get a post-study work visa in the UK?” now that you are aware of your stay-back options after studying in the UK. Up to three months prior to the anticipated start date of employment in the UK, you may apply for a work visa.
Applications for work visas, along with the required paperwork and application fee, can be submitted online. In addition, the standard processing time is 3 weeks for applications submitted from outside the UK and 8 weeks for applications submitted from the UK.
What Is The Price Of A Post Study Work Visa In The UK?
When you apply for a UK student visa post-study work visa, you must keep in mind the following expenses:
- Application fees range between £625 to £1,423 depending on where you are applying from and your duration of stay in the UK;
- Annual healthcare surcharge of £624;
- If you arrive in the UK, you will need at least £1,270 to support yourself.
Why Did Your Uk Post-Study Work Visa Get Deny?
The Applicant Failed A Course Or Did Not Pass Their Dissertation
Many applicants who request a UK post-study work visa do so prior to finishing their program or dissertation. They may not have anticipated the possibility of failing their dissertation or a course during this time. However, it is still a possibility and a major factor in post-study work visa denials.
Some applicants might still submit an application for a visa even though they are aware that they have not yet completed their course or dissertation, but doing so will not produce the desired results because they will not have met the academic requirements for obtaining a UK post-study work visa.
Before requesting a UK post-study work visa, international students who are having difficulty in their course should take the necessary steps to pass, such as hiring a tutor or seeking advice from a student advisor.
International students won’t have the option to finish a failed course or dissertation while also applying for a post-study work visa in the UK after their student visa has expired. They might, however, ask for a visa extension, which leads to our following point.
The Applicant Did Not Seek A Visa Extension
Failure to request a visa extension when a student is having academic difficulty is another major factor that can lead to a rejection of their application for a UK post-study work visa.
If a student fails a course, they may receive a reassessment by retaking an exam or resubmitting a project. A student may be given a different amount of time to complete their reassessment.
A visa extension should be requested six to one month prior to the student visa’s expiration date.
What approach should students take? They ought to explain their circumstance in a letter to their faculty or school. This may enable them to obtain a student visa extension that will allow them to remain in the UK while completing their reassessment and to apply for a UK post-study work visa once they have successfully completed it.
The Application Was Made Outside The UK
The fact that the applicant submits their application while they are outside of the UK is another reason why a UK post-study work visa is rejected.
Students who sincerely want to get this visa must apply for a post-study work visa while they’re still in the UK. They must submit their application before their student visa expires.