Janice Lozano
International students who wish to stay in the UK after graduation can apply for the Graduate Route visa, allowing them to live and work in the country for up to two years. This visa provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain work experience and build their CVs. The Graduate visa is applicable to bachelor's and master's degree holders, regardless of their field of study. It offers flexibility, as students are not restricted to a specific employer, sector, or level of work. PhD students can work in the UK for up to three years after completing their doctoral degrees. The visa application process can be complex and time-consuming, so it is essential for students to understand the requirements and gather the necessary documents, including proof of graduation, work experience, and financial means.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time international students can stay in the UK after graduation | 2 years |
| Type of visa required | Graduate visa |
| Eligibility for visa | Students who graduated in summer 2021 and onwards with a bachelor's or master's degree |
| Visa flexibility | Students can work for any employer, in any sector, and at any level |
| Visa requirements | No need for employer sponsorship; must have successfully completed a degree at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance |
| Processing time | Around 8 weeks |
| Impact of Brexit | New challenges and requirements for international students wishing to stay in the UK after graduation |
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What You'll Learn
Work visa options
International students who wish to stay and work in the UK after graduation have a few visa options to consider. Here are some of the key work visa options available:
Graduate Visa
The Graduate Visa is a popular option that allows international students to remain in the UK for up to two years after graduation to seek employment. This visa is available to those who have completed a bachelor's or master's degree from a recognized higher education provider. The Graduate Visa offers flexibility, as students are not restricted to a specific employer, sector, or level of work. Applications for this visa are typically processed within eight weeks, and students do not need to be continuously employed in the same job during their stay. It is important to note that the Graduate Visa has specific eligibility requirements and restrictions that may have been impacted by Brexit, so staying informed about the latest immigration policies is crucial.
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa is another option for international students seeking to work in the UK after graduation. This visa requires sponsorship from a UK employer, who must provide a certificate of sponsorship as part of the application process. The processing time for this visa is generally faster than the Graduate Visa, taking about three weeks from outside the UK and up to eight weeks from inside the UK.
Standard Visitor Visa
The Standard Visitor Visa, also known as the tourist visa, is an option for students whose congregation or graduation ceremony takes place after their student visa expires. This visa does not allow for any study activity and must be used after completing your course. It is important to note that this visa cannot be applied for from inside the UK, and non-visa nationals must still leave the UK and re-enter as a visitor.
It is important for international students to carefully consider their options and understand the requirements and complexities of each visa type. Staying informed about the latest immigration policies and seeking guidance from international student offices can help make the process smoother.
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Graduate visa requirements
International students can apply for a Graduate Visa to stay in the UK for up to two years after graduation. The Graduate Visa is a popular option as it allows students to work for any employer, in any sector and at any level. It is not linked to a specific job or employer, so graduates can have multiple jobs or take time out without it counting against their visa.
The Graduate Visa is available to students who have successfully completed a degree at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance. The visa is not restricted to certain degrees, and students from both Bachelor's and Master's programmes are eligible. PhD students are also eligible for the Graduate Visa and can stay for up to three years.
To apply for the Graduate Visa, students must prove their identity with a passport or other identification, provide their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number, and share proof of their current student visa. If a student's partner or child is named as a dependent on their student visa, they can also be added as a dependent on the Graduate Visa. Students must also prove that they successfully completed their course. This can be done by providing confirmation from the university or college that they attended, which must be sent to the Home Office.
The Graduate Visa application process takes around eight weeks. Students must remain in the UK while their application is being processed and cannot travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. Applications can be made online via the gov.uk website.
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Visa processing times
International students can apply for a Graduate visa to stay in the UK for at least two years after successfully completing a course. This Graduate visa allows students to work for any employer, in any sector, and at any level. Students can also switch to this visa before graduating, as long as their education provider has informed the Home Office that they have completed their course. The processing time for this visa is usually around eight weeks, and applicants can stay in the UK while they wait for a decision.
Another option for international students who wish to work in the UK after graduation is the Skilled Worker visa. This visa is designed for highly skilled workers and requires a job offer and sponsorship from a UK employer. The processing time for this visa is about three weeks if applied for outside the UK, and up to eight weeks if applied for from within the UK.
It is important to note that the processing times for visas can vary depending on the type of visa, the time of year, and individual circumstances. In some cases, expedited processing may be available for an additional fee. Additionally, the UK's immigration policies and procedures have been significantly impacted by Brexit, which may present new challenges and requirements for international students wishing to stay in the UK after graduation.
For students who need to extend their current visa or switch to a different type of visa, it is crucial to understand the specific requirements and processing times for their desired visa. This may include providing proof of graduation, work experience, financial means, and other relevant documents. Students should also be mindful of the expiry date of their current visa and ensure they do not overstay without submitting a valid application for further leave or obtaining other valid immigration permission.
Overall, by gathering the necessary documents, understanding the requirements, and allowing sufficient processing time, international students can make informed decisions about their options for staying in the UK after graduation.
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Extending a student visa
International students on a Student Visa in the UK can extend their visa to stay longer and continue their course or study a new one. This includes those who currently have a Tier 4 (General) student visa. To extend your visa, you will need to meet certain requirements and provide necessary documents.
Firstly, you must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor, which will be demonstrated by a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your educational institution. You must also show that your studies will be at a higher academic level than your current course, known as the 'academic progress requirement'. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, if you are applying to a new institution to complete a course you started at an institution that lost its student sponsorship license, you do not need to show that your studies will be at a higher level.
In addition to your CAS, you will need to gather several documents for your application. These include a valid passport, proof of financial stability (e.g. bank statements), academic qualifications, and proof of English language skills if needed. You will also need to provide your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP Card) if you have one. It is important to note that you must apply online through the UK government's visa portal and pay the required fees, including the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS access.
The processing time for a UK visa extension can vary, but it typically takes around eight weeks. However, faster processing options, such as the "Super Priority Service" or the "Priority Service", are available for an additional fee. If your application is successful, you will receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) showing your new visa details. It is important to keep this safe as proof of your legal stay in the UK.
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Impact of Brexit on visas
International students can stay in the UK for two years after graduation with the new Graduate visa. This visa allows students to work for any employer, in any sector, and at any level. The Graduate visa is not the only option for international students who wish to work in the UK after graduation; they can also apply for the Skilled Worker visa, which requires sponsorship from a UK employer.
Brexit has had a significant impact on international students coming to the UK, with changes in tuition fees, visa requirements, and immigration policies. The UK's separation from the EU resulted in higher tuition fees, significant changes to the visa and immigration system, and a decline in the enrolment rate for EU students. EU students now need to obtain visas when studying in the UK, and they are also required to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge to access the UK's National Health Service.
The UK government has introduced a new points-based immigration system that applies to all non-UK nationals, including international students. This system prioritises highly skilled workers and students who can contribute to the UK economy and sets a minimum salary requirement for work visas. The high cost of sponsoring work visas may deter employers from sponsoring international students after graduation.
The impact of Brexit on EU student visas has also affected the UK's global competitiveness, as a potential decrease in international students may reduce the country's international influence. However, despite these changes, the UK remains a popular destination for international students, offering high-quality education and diverse cultural experiences. The government has also taken steps to attract more international students, including simplifying the visa application process and promoting the UK as a welcoming destination.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can stay in the UK for up to 2 years after graduation with the Graduate visa.
The Graduate visa allows international students to remain in the UK for two years to seek employment. Students are free to work for any employer, in any sector, and at any level.
You need to have successfully completed your degree at a recognised higher education provider. You will also need proof of graduation, work experience, and financial means.
The processing time for a Graduate visa is generally around eight weeks.
No, you must leave the UK by the expiry date of your student visa unless you have applied for a Graduate visa or other further permission to stay in the UK.
