Many international students select the United Kingdom as their study destination due to the work opportunities they can access after receiving their education. Well, yes, I am talking about getting a post-study work permit in the United Kingdom. International students see study abroad as an opportunity to immigrate to other countries for work and even get settled there. 

The Graduate Route 

On July 1, 2021, it was announced by the government of the United Kingdom that international students who have studied in the UK for either an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate degree from a recognized higher education institution can stay back in the country for two years to pursue work opportunities. This pathway to obtaining a work permit in the UK is popularly known as the “graduate route.” International students pursuing a Ph.D. in the UK can stay back for three years on a work visa according to this route. 

This route is unsponsored, which means that you don’t need any job offer or to work at any stipulated salary range. You can stay back under this visa, and look for work opportunities, which can be full-time or part-time. It’s totally your choice how you wish to work, where you wish to work. 

Post Study Work Visa UK Eligibility

To obtain a post-study work permit in the UK, a student should meet the following eligibility criteria: 

1. You must apply when you are in the United Kingdom

2. The current visa that you hold should be a Tier 4 General Student visa

3. You must have studied for an undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctorate degree at a reputed university in the UK.

4. The university should have declared that your studies are complete to the home officer. 

UK Post Study Visa Basic Requirements 

The following requirements must be filled by the international student before applying for a post-study work visa in the UK: 

• You must have a valid passport with an extended expiry date

• You should have a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) reference number

• You should have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

• A letter from the scholarship provider (only if you received a scholarship during your studies)

When to apply for Post study work visa in the UK

You have to apply for post-study work visa – 

• Before your Tier 4 study visa expires

• After your education provider has conveyed to the home officer that your course is finished. (no need to wait for results or a degree) 

The cost of obtaining a Post study work visa in the UK

While applying for a post-study work visa or graduate visa in the UK, you have to bear the following costs: 

• Application fee –   £715

• Healthcare surcharge – £624 for each year you live in the UK

• To support yourself in the UK – £1,270

Do’s and Don’ts with a Graduate Visa

Do’s 

• Look for jobs

• Engage in full-time or part-time work

• Carry out freelance work

• Be self-employed

• Do volunteering

• Travel to other nations and then return to the UK

Don’t 

• Work as a professional sportsperson

• Claim for state pension or public funds 

If your post-study visa expires, then you cannot extend it. You have to go for a tier 2 work visa to continue working in the UK.