All about the UK post-study work visa!
Before planning your studies abroad, you always have a list of questions for your study abroad consultant, such as: how long can you stay there after the completion of your course; what are the criteria to get a post-study visa; and who can apply for it. In this post, we have provided student visa guidance that includes each and every piece of information you should have about obtaining a post-study visa in the UK.
Once you have successfully completed a course from a recognized university in the UK, you can apply for a post-study, also known as a graduate visa. It allows foreign students to stay in the UK for at least two years, and if you have completed your Ph.D. or other doctorate degrees, you can stay for at least three years.
Here is more information on the post-study work visa:
Who is eligible for a post-study work visa?
If you have completed a bachelor’s degree, post-graduate degree, or other elective courses for a minimum period of time with a UK student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa, then you are eligible for a post-study visa in the UK.
How to Apply?
You have to apply online for a post-study visa.
What are the pre-conditions for a UK post-study visa?
To apply for a UK post-study visa, you must be in the UK and should have a student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa. Your educational institution should have informed the Home Office about the successful completion of your course. Also, you need not wait till your graduation to apply for the visa. Additionally, you have to prove your identity and provide documents as part of your application. In general, it usually takes at least 8 weeks for the decision on your application, and in the meantime, you can stay in the UK to wait for the decision.
What is the duration of the visa?
You can stay in the UK with a post-study visa for at least 2 years with a graduate degree and for at least 3 years with a Ph.D. or other doctorate degree. The visa starts from the day of approval of your application. However, you cannot extend your study visa and need to apply for another visa such as a skilled worker visa to stay longer in the UK.
How much does the visa cost?
Application fee for post-study Visa costs of £715. An additional healthcare surcharge costs £624 per year. If you work in health or adult social care, it may cost less for you. You can get visa assistance from a study abroad consultant.
What are the benefits of a UK post-study visa?
With a UK post-study visa, you get benefits such as:
- You can work on most of the jobs.
- You can be self-employed.
- You can continue living in the UK with your family if they are also eligible.
- You can apply for volunteer work.
- Moreover, you can also travel abroad and return to the UK if you have a post-study visa.
However, you cannot take benefits such as public funds or state pension plans. You can get a list of things included in your post-study visa from visa service providers. They can also provide visa guidance, and admission services and provide all the required assistance.