Know Everything About the Post-Study Work Permit in the UK

The UK is one of the most popular study abroad destination for international students looking for a top-tier education. The journey of studying in UK doesn’t end at graduation though, students also get the opportunity to stay and gain valuable work experience in the UK’s dynamic job market. The Post-Study Work Visa (PSW) provides a fantastic opportunity for international students to transition smoothly from university life to the professional world. Let’s dive into all the important details you need to know about the post study work permit in UK, including the eligibility requirements, key benefits, and the application process to help you make the most of studying in UK.

What is the UK Post-Study Work Visa?

Introduced in July 2021, the Post Study Work Visa UK, officially known as the Graduate Route, allows international students who have completed a degree at a UK higher education institution to stay in the UK and work or look for work at any skill level for up to two years (three years for PhD students). This post study work visa for international students in UK enables graduates to gain practical work experience in the UK’s competitive job market, providing them with a stepping stone for developing their future careers.

Post Study Work Visa UK Eligibility

These are the post study work visa requirements UK:

Successful Completion of a Degree Program: You must have completed a degree (such as a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree) from a recognized UK institution. The total duration of the course must be at least one year for a master's degree and longer for bachelor’s and other degrees.
Student Visa Status: Students who apply for post study work visa application UK must have been in the UK on a valid Student Visa throughout the duration of their course. You must apply for the Graduate Route visa within two months of receiving your final results.
Study in the UK: The course must have been studied in the UK at a recognized institution and should not be distance learning or online programs, even if UK-based.
Valid Passport and Immigration Status: You must hold a valid passport and maintain good immigration status when applying for the post graduate work permit in UK.

Key Features of the Post-Study Work Visa

Duration of Stay: The after study work permit in UK offers two years of stay for undergraduate and master's degree holders, and three years for PhD or doctoral graduates.
Work Flexibility: The post study work visa UK for Indian Students offers graduates the flexibility to work in any role, full-time or part-time, within any industry, whether related to their field of study or not.
Path to Permanent Residency: If you secure a skilled job and while you are on the post study work visa UK after Masters, you may be able to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa, which is a route to settlement in the UK.
No Sponsorship Needed: Graduates can freely explore job opportunities without needing a specific employer to sponsor their visa.

Benefits of the Post-Study Work Visa

The Graduate Route lets you explore a variety of industries and roles, helping you find your perfect fit which is aligned to your specific interests.
It opens the door to a future in the UK, giving you the chance to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa after gaining two years of experience.
With dedicated career services from UK universities, you’ll have the support and time to secure your dream job while enjoying the Graduate Route’s benefits.
This visa provides the student with the freedom to shape your career path and gain real-world experience in the UK without the burden of finding an employer willing to sponsor you.

How to Apply for the Post-Study Work Visa

The application process for the UK Post-Study Work Visa is straightforward, but it’s important to follow all the post study work visa rules in UK:

Ensure Eligibility: Before applying, confirm that you meet all the eligibility criteria mentioned earlier.
Prepare Documents: You’ll need your passport, degree certificate, and proof that you were studying in the UK on a valid Student Visa.
Submit Your Application: Applications for the Graduate Route are made online via the official UK government website. You will also need to pay the post study work visa fees UK, which is approximately £800.
After submitting your application, you will typically receive a decision within eight weeks.

Conclusion

For international students who want to stay and succeed in the UK job market after graduating, the UK work permit after study has become an important tool due its flexibility, ease of access, and the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the UK’s dynamic economy.

FAQs

What is the UK Post-Study Work Visa?

The UK Post-Study Work Visa, or Graduate Route, allows international students to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after completing their degree.