What is the UK Post Study Work?

The UK Post-Study Work Visa, also known as the Graduate Visa, allows international students to stay in the UK and seek employment after completing their studies. This visa route is designed to help graduates gain valuable work experience in the UK, enhancing their career prospects. The Graduate Route is available to students who have completed their degree at a recognised UK university.

UK Post-study work visa

The UK Post-Study Work Visa was launched on 1 July 2021 under the Tier 4 visa route for international students. It grants permission to stay and work in the UK for at least 2 years for Master’s degree holders and 3 years for Ph.D. graduates after successfully completing their course in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria

• Degree Completion: You must have successfully completed your degree and obtained your final results. Attendance at the graduation ceremony is not required. For Ph.D. students, completion is typically marked by the submission of the hardbound thesis.
• Presence in the UK: You must be in the UK and hold a valid student visa (or old-style Tier 4 visa) at the time of application.
• English Proficiency: There is no requirement to demonstrate English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL for this visa.
• Non-Extendable Visa: This visa is not extendable and can only be applied for once in a lifetime. If you wish to stay in the UK beyond the initial 2 or 3 years, you must switch to another visa category, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, before the post-study work visa expires.
• Separate Application Required: The post-study work visa is not granted automatically. A separate immigration application must be submitted, and applicants must pay the associated fees.

The Application Process:

1. Once you have successfully completed your degree, your university will notify UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
2. You can submit your application after receiving your final results and once your university record has been updated to reflect completion.
3. Submit your application before your Tier 4 visa expires.
4. There will be a fee for the application, which must be paid at the time of submission.

What are the basic benefits obtained?

• This visa is part of the UK’s strategy to ensure its universities remain attractive to international students by providing them with ample career opportunities.
• It allows graduates to stay in the UK and seek any kind of job, providing a pathway to switch to a general work visa eventually.
• Facilitates international students in gaining significant work experience related to their professional careers.