International Students: Post-Graduation Uk Stay Options

International students who wish to stay in the UK after graduation can apply for a Graduate visa, which allows them to work or look for work in any sector for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD students). The Graduate visa costs £822, with an additional Immigration Health Surcharge of £1035 per year. Applicants must have completed a UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree, or other eligible course for a minimum period with a Student/Tier 4 visa. They must also still have valid Student/Tier 4 leave when they apply. Dependant family members of international students can also apply for permission to stay in the UK under the Graduate route.

Graduate visa requirements

International students can apply for a Graduate Visa to stay in the UK for at least two years after completing their course. If they hold a PhD, they may be eligible for an additional year, taking it up to three years. The Graduate Visa allows eligible graduates to work, or look for work, in the UK. It is not linked to a specific job or employer, so graduates can have multiple jobs, at any skill level, and switch jobs during the course of the visa.

To apply for a Graduate Visa, you must:

• Be in the UK when you apply.
• Have studied a UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree, PGCE/PGDE (level 7) or other eligible course for a minimum period of time with your Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.
• Receive confirmation from your education provider that they have informed the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course.
• Prove your identity (with a passport or other identification).
• Provide your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number.
• Provide proof of your current student visa – this will be as a biometric residence permit (BRP) or by sharing your eVisa.
• If you received a scholarship or bursary, you may also be asked for proof of these funds if they paid for your course fees or living costs.

There is a one-off application fee of £822, and you must also pay the full amount for the Immigration Health Surcharge. As of 6 February 2024, this will cost £1035 annually.

Switching from a student visa

International students on a Student/Tier 4 visa can apply for a Graduate visa to stay and work in the UK for at least two years after completing their degree. This period is extended to three years for PhD students. The Graduate visa costs £822, and applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year.

To be eligible for a Graduate visa, you must have completed the degree for which your Student/Tier 4 visa was granted. If you have a Tier 4/Student visa for a four-year Integrated Masters course, you are eligible to apply for the Graduate visa if you exit with a Bachelor's qualification and do not proceed to the fourth year, or after completing the fourth year. However, if you switch to a Student/Tier 4 visa from another immigration category during your course, you will not be eligible for a Graduate visa unless you have studied for the minimum required time on your most recent Student/Tier 4 visa prior to completion.

For courses lasting 12 months or less, you must have spent the entire time studying in the UK on a Student/Tier 4 visa. For courses longer than 12 months, you must have spent at least 12 months of study in the UK on a Student/Tier 4 visa. If you have studied overseas, these time-bound criteria still apply.

You can apply for a Graduate visa after your education provider has informed the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course. You do not need to wait until you have graduated or received a certificate. You must still have valid Student/Tier 4 leave when you apply, and you must be in the UK.

If you are not eligible for a Graduate visa, you may be able to switch to a different visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa.

Visa costs

The cost of a UK work visa depends on the type of visa and the duration of its validity. The visa fee is not the only cost to consider when applying for a visa to stay in the UK after graduation. There may be additional costs, such as the cost of a health assessment, a criminal record check, and expedited processing. The processing time for a UK work visa can vary depending on the type of visa and the time of year. For example, the processing time for a Graduate visa is around eight weeks.

One popular option for international students wishing to stay in the UK after graduation is the Graduate visa. This visa allows students to stay in the UK for up to two years to seek employment. The Graduate visa does not require sponsorship from an employer, so students can apply without a job offer in hand. The cost of this visa will depend on how long it lasts, and applicants will also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of their application.

Another option for international students is the Skilled Worker visa. This visa may be more complex and challenging to secure, and applicants will need to gather all the necessary documents and information beforehand to ensure a smooth and efficient process. The cost of this visa will depend on its specific type and duration.

It is important to stay up-to-date with the latest immigration policies and procedures, particularly in light of Brexit, to understand the costs and requirements for staying in the UK after graduation. The UK government has introduced stricter rules for international students, including mandatory English tests and restrictions on bringing family members to the country.

Dependant family members

International students who have graduated from a UK university may be able to stay in the UK under the Graduate Route. This route allows international students to work or look for work after their studies for up to 2 years, or 3 years for PhD students. The work can be in any sector and at any level without minimum salary requirements or the need for visa sponsorship.

If you are financially sponsored by a government or international scholarship agency for your studies, you must provide a letter of consent from the sponsor organisation as a supporting document with your application for further permission to stay in the UK under the Graduate Route. This includes situations where the sponsorship covers both course fees and living costs.

It is important to note that immigration rules are subject to change, and applicants should refer to the Home Office guidance and the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website for the most up-to-date information.

Work without visa sponsorship

International students can stay in the UK after graduation by applying for a Graduate visa. This visa allows graduates to stay in the UK for at least two years to work or look for work without needing an employer to sponsor their visa. There is a one-off application fee of £822, and applicants must also pay the full amount for the Immigration Health Surcharge, which will cost £1035 annually as of 6 February 2024.

While the Graduate visa is a popular option for international students to stay in the UK after graduation, there are other visa routes that do not require sponsorship. Here are some alternatives:

• Ancestry Visa: Commonwealth and British overseas citizens with a UK-born grandparent may be eligible for a 5-year Ancestry visa, permitting work in the UK and leading to settlement. Applicants must be working or intending to work in the UK and should be able to maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependents without relying on public funds.
• Youth Mobility Scheme: This scheme allows individuals 30 years old or younger from certain countries with reciprocal agreements with the UK to come and work in the UK without sponsorship or a job offer. The visa is valid for 2 years, and New Zealand nationals benefit from special allowances.
• Global Talent Visa: This visa route is for individuals working in Tech, the Arts, and Academia. Applicants must be endorsed for Exceptional Talent or Exceptional Promise by a relevant UK industry body and then apply to the Home Office for immigration permission. Global Talent visa holders have few restrictions on the work they can undertake in the UK, but they must demonstrate earnings in their field in the UK to extend their visa or settle.
• Skilled Worker Visa: While this visa typically requires sponsorship by an approved employer with a sponsorship licence, not all jobs or employers qualify. It is important to check the eligibility criteria and requirements before applying.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria and requirements for these visas can be complex and may involve opaque processes. Seeking guidance from immigration specialists or official government sources is recommended to ensure a thorough understanding of the application process and increase the chances of a successful application.

Frequently asked questions