Janice Lozano
International students who wish to work after graduation often face a myriad of visa-related challenges. The type of visa and the course end date play a pivotal role in determining the feasibility of working full-time or part-time, with some visas permitting only temporary work. Additionally, the specific country and university's compliance status also influence the job opportunities available to international graduates. Understanding these intricacies is essential for international students aspiring to work after completing their studies abroad.
Characteristics and values of international students working after graduation
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours | Full-time work allowed, but not in a permanent role. Maximum of four months of full-time work after graduation, or until the end of the student visa, whichever is sooner. |
| Visa requirements | Tier 4 or Student Visa required. Graduate Visa costs £821 and requires an Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year. Temporary Worker Visa also an option. |
| Course completion | Official course end date listed on CAS. For Postgraduate Research, course completion means corrections have been approved by examiners. |
| Work restrictions | Cannot fill a full-time permanent vacancy. Cannot be a professional sportsperson or coach. |
| Visa cancellation | Leaving the UK while the visa is subject to cancellation may result in Border Force refusing re-entry. |
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What You'll Learn
Working full-time on a student visa
International students have the opportunity to work in the country of study while pursuing their education. However, their work rights are subject to certain conditions and restrictions. In this regard, the student visa regulations vary across different countries.
In Australia, from 1 July 2023, international students on a student visa are allowed to work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during holiday breaks, unless they are pursuing a PhD or Master's by research, in which case there is no limit on work hours. After completing their studies, students can work full-time. Additionally, the spouses and children of international students can generally work for 48 hours per fortnight, but if the student is pursuing a Master's or PhD, dependents can work full-time.
In the UK, the work rights for students holding a Tier 4 Student Visa vary depending on the completion of their course. Students can work full-time after completing their course, but they cannot fill a full-time permanent vacancy. They can work unlimited hours once considered to have finished their course, but not in a permanent role. Students are usually granted four months of 'wrap-up' time after course completion, during which they are allowed to work as it is considered vacation time. If a student's visa was granted after 6 April 2022, they can start full-time work in a permanent role upon successful course completion. However, if their visa was granted before this date, they must wait for their Graduate Route visa to be granted before starting full-time work.
It is important to note that student visas can be cancelled for various reasons, and it is recommended that employers regularly check the visa status of their employees. International students can seek guidance from organisations like the Fair Work Ombudsman regarding their workplace rights and protections, without fearing visa cancellation.
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Graduate visa application process
International students can work after graduation, but they need to apply for a Graduate Visa. This visa is a post-study work visa for foreign students who want to stay in the UK to work or look for work after completing their studies. The Graduate Visa is valid for two years for bachelor's and master's degree holders, and three years for PhD or other doctoral qualification holders. It is not extendable, but visa holders can switch to a different visa, such as a Skilled Worker Visa.
To apply for a Graduate Visa, applicants must submit their application online and be in the UK at the time of application. They must also prove their identity, which can be done through the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app, or by visiting a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide biometric information. The required documents for the Graduate Visa application include a passport, confirmation of degree completion from the UK education provider, proof of current visa status, and any other documents specified by the UK Home Office. Applicants will be informed of the exact requirements when they apply.
The processing time for a Graduate Visa application is typically around eight weeks, but this may vary depending on the circumstances. Applicants are allowed to remain in the UK while waiting for a decision. If the application is successful, the applicant will receive an eVisa, which is a digital record of their immigration status.
It is important to note that the Graduate Visa application process may differ slightly depending on the country of application and the specific requirements of the UK Home Office. Additionally, the eligibility criteria for the Graduate Visa must be met, including having completed a UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree, or other eligible course with a valid Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.
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Working during 'wrap up' time
International students in the UK on a Tier 4 Student Visa are allowed to work during the 'wrap-up' time granted to them after graduation. This period is usually four months and is considered vacation time, during which students can work full-time. However, they cannot fill a full-time permanent vacancy, except on a recognised Foundation Programme.
During this wrap-up time, students can work unlimited hours, but they must not take on a permanent role. This means that students can take on full-time work, but their employment will be temporary. Students can also work full-time during this period if they are waiting for their Graduate Visa decision, as long as they meet certain criteria. These criteria include having submitted their most recent Student Visa application on or after 6 April 2022 and having the university report the successful completion of their award to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
It is important to note that the course end date listed on your CAS is considered the official end date of your programme. If you begin working full-time after this date and later find out you have further studies to complete, you will need to go back to working within the 20-hour weekly restriction. Additionally, if you are repeating any modules or coursework during the wrap-up period, you will be considered a term-time student and can only work 20 hours per week.
If you complete your course early, the university must report this to UKVI, which could result in your visa being curtailed to four months after the new course end date. Therefore, it is advisable to remain in the UK if you plan to move to a different visa type, such as the Graduate Route, after your studies. You must wait until you receive your new visa before travelling outside the UK.
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Working on a Graduate visa
International students can work after graduation, but the type of work they can take up depends on their visa status. If you are on a Tier 4 Student Visa, you can work full-time after completing your course, but not in a permanent role. You will be granted four months of 'wrap-up' time, which is considered vacation time, during which you can work unlimited hours.
The Graduate Visa is a post-study work visa that allows international students to stay in the UK for at least two years after completing an eligible UK course. PhD students can stay for up to three years. The Graduate Visa allows students to work or look for work in any sector and at any level without minimum salary requirements or visa sponsorship. There is no restriction on the number of hours worked or the number of employers, and family members can also apply for permission to stay as dependents.
However, there are some restrictions. You cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach, and you can only study on this visa if the course is not eligible for a Student Visa. You must be in the UK when you apply for the Graduate Visa, and you cannot extend it. The Graduate Visa is not a route to settlement in the UK, but it can be a pathway to a Skilled Worker Visa if you find suitable employment.
To apply for a Graduate Visa, you must have successfully completed an eligible UK course with a valid Student Visa. You can apply after your education provider confirms your completion to the Home Office, and you must prove your identity and provide necessary documents. You will usually receive a decision within eight weeks, and you can stay in the UK while waiting.
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Switching to a work visa
International students on a Tier 4 Student Visa in the UK can work full-time after graduation, but not in a permanent role. Students are typically granted four months of 'wrap-up' time after graduation, during which they are allowed to work full-time. However, if they have not officially completed their course, for example, if they are repeating modules or coursework, they can only work 20 hours per week.
To switch from a student visa to a work visa in the UK, you must have completed your course. It is not possible to switch to a Graduate Visa (also known as a PSW visa) without first obtaining a degree or finishing an eligible course. The Graduate Visa also does not provide a direct route to settlement or indefinite leave to remain in the UK. On the other hand, a Skilled Worker Visa (formerly known as a Tier 2 General Work Visa) can lead to indefinite leave to remain.
To obtain a Skilled Worker Visa, you must have been offered a skilled job by a UK employer. You can apply for this visa before completing your course, but your employment start date must be no earlier than your course completion date. To switch to this type of work visa, you must meet the eligibility requirements, complete the online application, and provide the necessary documents to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The application fee ranges from £719 to £1,423, depending on the length of your stay, and there is also an additional healthcare surcharge of £1035 per year.
It is important to note that you must apply for the visa while your student visa is still valid. The application process can take up to eight weeks, and you may be able to pay for a faster decision. If your circumstances change after submitting your application, you can request to cancel it, but you will only receive a refund if UKVI has not started processing it.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can work after graduation, but they need to apply for a Graduate Visa. This visa allows international students to stay in the UK for two years (three years for PhD). It costs £821 and applicants have to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year of the visa.
Students on a Graduate Visa can do any type of work, including self-employment, but they cannot be professional sportspeople or coaches. Students can work full-time, but not in a permanent role.
The processing time for a Graduate Visa is not mentioned, but students must wait until they receive an email from the Visa Compliance Team advising them that they can apply.
Yes, there is the Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange visa route. This is aimed at graduates seeking work experience, internships, or professional training. The visa is valid for a maximum of 12 or 24 months, depending on the scheme.
