All the international students, Whether they are already studying in the United Kingdom or they are simply considering it, students may be looking ahead at their options once they graduate. The UK attracts a very large proportion of all international students from all around the world. It is considered to be the second-most popular destination for international students after America and around 20% of those in higher education in the UK in 2017-18 were mostly international students. Among the big attraction for students is the high quality of life as well as good employment prospects post-graduation. So far citizens of a country in the European Union or the European Economic Area (EEA) have been able to live in the United Kingdom with few restrictions. But now things will change and all international students will need to jump a few hurdles to stay in the United Kingdom post their course completes. To conclude International students will be needing to find well-paid work or a job.

As soon as students graduate, international students need to switch their visa to a work-related one. if you wish to extend your stay. Though, new laws have made it tougher for foreign students to do so, and also the post-study work visa was scrapped in the year 2012. So this had allowed non-EU students to stay in the UK as well as work for up to around two years after graduation while looking for a job, whereas international students are now able to stay for just four months after the completion of their course from their respective universities. To add up most international students who are able to find work will need to have a starting salary of at least £20,800. In the month of September in 2019, the government announced that the UK would go back to its earlier policy and will also allow graduates the chance to stay for around two years post-graduation. This rule will be implied to all students who start an undergraduate or another course from 2020 or later. 

Though job hunting is tough. It can take almost six months to find a good graduate position here, it’s so competitive. Though Fortunately students are able to survive by working in bars or clubs or other small jobs, they pay well too and also gives the freedom to stay and do casual work for as long as students wished, and its is a huge help or actually a privilege for the international students from outside the EEA.

Exploring Visa options-

There are multiple options available when applying for a visa, and students should go through them carefully before deciding which is right for them. Although they will normally have to complete their course before applying, they should plan in advance so act quickly. It can take a very long time for students to sponsor to issue a certificate and for their visa to be processed completely. A full list can be found on the United Kingdom government website, but most students apply for one of three visas. 

• Tier 2

Tier 2 is the most common visa route for international students. To qualify students will be needing to find work with an employer who is willing to pay you a minimum salary of £20,800 per annum and depending on the type of work they wish to do, this figure can also rise. Furthermore, the employer is usually required to demonstrate that they have advertised the job well and also were unable to find a suitable UK applicant to fill the position before they can offer it to an international student.

There’s no denying it can be tough to obtain a Tier 2 visa for international students. Though keen determination will always fetch you work. Talent always speaks up. International students should be focused and keen to find work, they surely will get a decent job. Also, there is no denying that staying and working in the UK after students have studied there is a difficult challenge. But students have also seen with the right preparation by exploring all your options and working hard, it is possible to do it. For international students, the university’s careers office is a good place to go for further advice. As they can provide knowledge of lots of people who have done it, how they did it, and can give you advice specific to your situation and talents as well as interests.