There are several reasons one should look forward to studying in the UK. Some of these are; quality education, good networking opportunities due to the bulk of international students, shorter duration of courses, health benefits, and of course the post-study work permit.
The UK is a well-recognized study destination. Each year, thousands of applications for student visas are sent to UK consulates. In the year ending September 2021, the UK issued 428,428 sponsored study visas to international students (including the main applicants and their dependents). This is a record for the highest annual number of Sponsored study visas granted in a year (39% higher than the previous record of 307,394 student visas granted in the year ending June 2010).
Have you considered applying for a graduate visa if you want to graduate from the UK?
International students can apply for graduate visas from the UK Visa and Immigration, which will provide them with valuable post-study work experience. A Graduate Visa allows qualified students who have finished their undergraduate or master’s degree to stay and work in the UK for up to two years. This blog will teach you everything you need to know about PGWP opportunities.
Post-Graduation Work Permit
International students are welcome to apply for the UK’s Graduate Route, which allows them to stay in the country after graduation and find or gain employment. This is an excellent opportunity for international students who want to advance their careers in the UK to locate post-study career opportunities. You can work as a freelancer, be able to work as a freelancer, intern, or get professional experience in the UK.
All students enrolling in a university that has received the UK Higher Education Provider’s seal of accreditation are eligible for the Graduate Route. This move is being taken in response to the UK’s ambition to recruit and retain the top students from across the world while also allowing them to learn about the career opportunities available in the country.
Who is Eligible for a UK Post Study Work Visa?
In order to be eligible for a UK post-study work visa (PSW UK) or the UK Graduate visa, students need to fulfill the following conditions:
- While applying, they should be in the UK
- They should have a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
- They must have studied a bachelor’s/ postgraduate/other eligible degrees such as a Ph.D. from the UK for a certain period of time with their student visa
- Their university/ college must have informed the Home Office about the successful completion of their course
When to Apply For Your Post-Graduation Work Permit
Students must apply for a UK Graduate visa before their student visa expires (PSW UK). Your university/college must have informed the Home Office that you satisfactorily finished your course. It is important to note that you don’t have to wait for your certifications. PSW visa holders are allowed to work in any job for the first year after graduation unless they discover one that permits them to apply for a regular work visa. The opportunity to live in the UK after graduation propels the UK to the top of the list of foreign student destinations. These work permits for post-study allow students to get significant experience after they graduate.
Validity of Post-Graduation Work Permit
The duration of a Graduate visa is two years. Your visa will be valid from the day your application is approved. You cannot, however, extend your Graduate Visa. After applying online, verifying your identification, and submitting your papers, you should obtain a visa confirmation within 8 weeks. You are allowed to stay in the UK while you await the decision.
With a post-study work visa, graduates can stay for up to two years while they look for jobs. When the PSW visa expires, those who wish to remain in the UK longer must submit an application for a skilled work visa, general work visa (Tier 2 visa), or any other applicable visa.
Book a free or paid consultation if you have further questions including questions about how we can help you achieve your study abroad goals.
Written by Abraham Etang