Making the decision to pursue further education abroad is a big one, and the UK presents a bright future for many Indian students because of its famous universities and dynamic cultural scene. The UK Post Study Work Visa, which offers a great chance to obtain work experience after your study in UK, is an important component of this journey. This blog seeks to walk you through each aspect of the UK Post Study Work Visa, covering everything from UK post study work visa requirements to the duration of the visa.
Before we proceed, let us learn about the UK Post Study Work Visa in detail. After study in UK, international students like those from India are permitted to remain in the UK for a maximum of two years and three years in case of doctorate or PhD graduates under the UK Post Study Work Visa, often known as the Graduate Visa. With the help of this visa, graduates can work or search for jobs during their stay in the country, regardless of skill level. This is a critical opportunity for them to expand their foreign work experience and improve their career chances. This is an amazing opportunity that students need to use to their benefit and acquire all the skills they possibly can.
UK Post Study Work Visa 2024
In 2024, the UK government has introduced more incentives to attract international students through the UK post study work visa. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost the country’s appeal as a top education destination. By continuing the UK study visa the UK post study work visa and simplifying the application process, the UK aims to create a more welcoming environment for international graduates. The duration of the UK post study work visa remains same which is two years for graduates and three years for PhD students. This move shows the government’s commitment to encouraging global talent and ensuring that students from around the world can gain valuable work experience and contribute to the UK’s economy after completing their study in UK. This initiative not only aims to draw more global talent to British universities but also to address skill shortages in key sectors by allowing international students to contribute to the UK’s economy. By encouraging a more inclusive and supportive environment, the government hopes to strengthen the UK’s reputation as a hub for academic excellence and innovation.
UK Post Study Work Visa Eligibility
In case you are thinking about applying for a UK Post Study Work Visa then you have to fulfill certain requirements in order to be eligible for the Graduate Visa like you should have completed your graduation from a recognized UK university, which means that in order for you to meet the requirement of this visa, you need a degree from a university that the country considers eligible. This is an important point to note so that you are on the right track to fulling your dreams. You need to have a degree that you have completed in the UK and is equivalent to a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree in the UK. For instance, your course was for a duration of more than 12 months, you have to prove that you were physically present for the classes in UK for at least 12 months. In case the course you studied was less than a year long, then the requirement is that you should have studied the entire course in UK. As soon as your university confirms that you meet the standards for eligibility, you should start applying for the Graduate Visa.
Application Process – Post Study Work Visa UK 2024
Preparation before Applying
When you start your preparation for application for a UK post study work visa from India, you have to make sure that first and foremost you meet the basic eligibility criteria. That includes having a valid passport which is needed as proof of your Indian citizenship and your identity proof. After you have successfully completed your degree at a university in UK, you can need to show a proof of that to the authorities. This is a step that your UK university will have to fulfil wherein they will send a confirmation that you have completed your course. Since you are an international student, UK authorities would require assurance that you are financially stable to sustain in UK while you are on a post study work visa there. This is done just to make sure that you would not struggle to survive in a foreign country.
UK Post Study Work Visa Requirements
Now let us talk about the documents required for post study work visa in UK. In order to apply for post study work visa UK, you need to provide proof that you have a valid UK student visa that you held while you were studying in UK. This means that you have to apply for the UK post study work visa while your UK student visa is still eligible. This is because, without the UK study visa, you will not be allowed to apply for post study work visa. When you got admission to a UK university, you would have received a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS). So you should still ideally have the CAS reference number because the authorities would need to verify this number with their database. You also would have to show your degree certificate that you received upon your graduation from a UK university as proof of your qualification.
Filling out the Application Form
Now that you have an idea about all the UK post study work visa requirements and that need to be met, let us now move on to the next step which is filling out the application form for post study work visa UK 2024. You can submit the applications online via the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. After you are done filling out the form, you need to pay the UK post study visa fee which is currently 822 GBP along with the healthcare surcharge of 1035 GBP every year that you stay in UK. Then you need to submit biometric information which is basically your photo and fingerprints at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center.
Key Deadlines and Timelines
Now a few things that you need to keep in mind and plan accordingly. Make sure you apply for the post study work visa while your UK student visa is still active otherwise, you would not be eligible to apply. Also, remember that you need to be UK when you are applying for the post study work visa. The processing time is typically within 8 weeks from the date of application. Collect all the documents required for post study work visa in UK. Ensure all documents are accurate and up-to-date. Make sure you check how recent the documents should be and verify if you have the right documents. Double-check the application form before submission to avoid errors to avoid any unnecessary delays in the visa application process. Just for extra safety, make sure you keep extra copies and application fee receipts. The only thing you need to make sure is that you should start planning so that there is no reason to worry when you actually start applying.
Visa Conditions and Duration
Most graduates are eligible for 2-year post study work visa UK and PhD graduates are eligible for 3-year graduate visa. While you avail of the conditions of the visa, you can work in most jobs at any skill level and you are even free to switch jobs or employers without affecting your visa status. Did you know that you can even apply for other visas if you want to stay longer or if you qualify for a skilled worker visa or other immigration routes? So not only will the 2 or 3 years that you work in UK will benefit you, but this can be a stepping stone if you want to settle in UK for longer periods of time. But this does not mean that you can extend the graduate visa because you cannot. Instead, you can apply for another visa. Another important thing you should note if you had dependents who were on your student visa. They will have to apply separately if they wish to stay in the UK while you are on a Graduate Visa.
Benefits of the UK Graduate Visa
With a graduate visa, you can get professionally trained and get work experience in an international setting. In today’s global world, this would not only enhance your resume but also make you ready for the corporate world. Even if you decide to come back to India or settle in some other country, your international work experience will broaden your career graph as companies want employees who have a global perspective. The experience and employment gained can help in qualifying for other UK visas, such as the Skilled Worker Visa or even applying for indefinite leave to remain in the future. The UK Post Study Work Visa offers a valuable opportunity for Indian students to gain international work experience and enhance their career prospects. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits, you can make the most of this visa and set the stage for a successful career. Stay informed about immigration policies, plan ahead, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if needed.
West Highlander Immigration – UK Post Study Work Visa
It is always better to seek professional help from immigration consultants who have years of experience in applying for these visas. West Highlander has been turning students’ dreams into reality for the past 19 years. Reach out to us if you would like to apply for a UK post study work visa. Mr. Gurvinder Singh Kang, British Council Certified counselor and a director at West Highlander Immigration along with his team will be there to guide you at every step. Get to know about UK study visa eligibility, UK study visa fees, UK post study work visa requirements, the application process for a UK post study visa, and more from our expert counselors.