Post-study work visa in the UK | Types, and requirements

Benefits of obtaining a work visa in the UK

The United Kingdom not only has world-class educational institutions, but it also provides students with the best possible career opportunities. The country thrives in business, science, technology, healthcare, and education. As the world’s sixth largest economy, the cost of living in the UK may be high, but it also has an increasing employment rate and promises a good quality of life in a diverse intercultural environment. This is why international students apply for a post-study work visa in the UK, also known as a PSW UK.

Explore this comprehensive blog to obtaining a work visa after studying in the UK

Why do you need a post-study work visa in the UK?

Let us begin by understanding why international students seek a post-study work visa in the UK-

Career opportunities

The UK is home to several top companies, including Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Meta, which welcome diverse talent worldwide and offer lucrative career opportunities.

Low unemployment rate

The current unemployment rate in the UK is only 4.3%, which is also decreasing significantly. As a result, you do not need to be concerned about being unemployed while in the UK.

Growth opportunities

You can thrive and learn new things in one of the world’s largest economies. Your job will be financially rewarding and help you develop skills that will undoubtedly contribute to your professional and personal growth.

Flexible working hours

Employees in the United Kingdom work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You will also be entitled to 28 days of paid leave every year. You can choose from part-time jobs in the UK in your spare time.

Types of post-study work visa in the UK

To return to the UK after studying, you must apply for a  UK Post Graduate Work visa (UK PGWP). The UK Government offers four types of long-term work visas based on the type of work you intend to do.

You simply need to be aware of the following rules to apply for a post-study work visa in the UK-

1. Skilled worker visa

The skilled worker visa has replaced Tier 2 (General) work visa in the UK, which allows you to stay in the UK to work in an eligible job with an approved employer.

Eligibility requirements

• The Home Office must approve your employer in the UK.
• Your employer must provide you with a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ outlining your job role in the UK.
• The position you have applied for must be on the list of eligible occupations.
• A minimum wage must be paid to you.
• You must provide proof of English language proficiency when applying for a work visa.

A skilled worker visa allows you to

• Work in an eligible job
• Study
• Bring your partner and children to the UK as dependents.
• Apply for additional jobs
• Engage in volunteer work
• Travel outside the UK and then return.
• After living in the UK for 5 years and meeting the requirements, apply to settle permanently in the UK.

2. Health and care worker visa

This type of visa allows medical professionals to stay in the UK and work for the National Health Services (NHS), an NHS supplier, or an adult social care unit.

Eligibility criteria

• You must be a doctor, nurse, health care professional, or adult social care professional.
• Have a job in health or social care that qualifies
• Work for a UK employer who the Home Office has approved.
• Have your employer provide you with a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ stating your job role in the UK.
• You will be paid the minimum wage for your job type.
• Proof of English language proficiency is required.

3. The Intra Company Transfer Visa

Formerly known as a senior or specialist worker visa, this visa is valid if you come to the UK to work at your employer’s UK branch. The Intra Company Transfer Visa (Tier 2.) has taken the place of this visa. 

Eligibility criteria

• Be a current employee of a Home Office-approved organization
• Have your employer provide a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ describing your job role in the UK.
• Working in an occupation with a minimum salary of £42,400 for an Intra-company Transfer visa or £23,000 for an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa.

4. Minister of Religion visa

If you get a job offer from a faith community in the UK, you will need this visa.

Eligibility criteria

• Have a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ for your job and proof of English language proficiency.
• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application 
• Provide tuberculosis test results if you are from one of the listed countries
• Display your personal savings to support yourself in the UK.
• Provide your travel history for the last five years.

5. International sportsperson visa

The international sportsperson visa is valid in the following circumstances-

• The sport’s governing body has certified you as an elite athlete or qualified coach at the highest level of your profession.
• A sports governing body has approved your application.
• If your employer has the potential to aid in the development of sports in the United Kingdom.

Eligibility criteria

• Provide a current ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ for your position.
• Provide proof of English language proficiency.
• Provide tuberculosis test results if you are from one of the countries listed to avoid diseases such as Covid 19.
• Have personal savings to sustain yourself while in the UK.
• Provide travel history from the previous five years.
• A qualification that acts as proof of your expertise is required.

Eligibility criteria to apply for a graduate visa

You must apply from the United Kingdom.

A Tier 4 (General) student visa is required.

With your student visa, you must complete an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the United Kingdom.

Once your education provider confirms that you have successfully completed the program you are enrolled in, and you can submit the application.

Important documents to apply for a post-study work visa in the UK

Documents required to complete the application process

• A valid passport as proof of your identity and nationality
• Biometric Residence visa (BRP)
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number
• Evidence of your relationship with your partner or children if they accompany you.
• A letter from your scholarship provider or sponsor (if they paid for your expenses in the last 12 months)
• The reference number on your sponsorship certificate
• Evidence of English proficiency
• Job title and annual salary information
• Your job’s occupation code, name of your employer, and their sponsor license number

Keep the following documents on hand as well, as they may be required to complete the application process

• Personal savings proof, such as bank statements, to support yourself in the UK
• Tuberculosis test results if you are from one of the countries listed to avoid diseases such as covid 19.
• Criminal record 
• Proof of relationship with your partner or children applying as dependents
• ATAS certificate 

Note- You must have a job offer before applying for a visa.

How to apply for a post-study work visa in the UK?

• You can apply for a work visa in the UK up to three months before your scheduled start date.
• You should submit work visa applications online, along with the application fee and required documents.
• The standard processing time is three weeks if you apply from outside the UK and eight weeks from within the UK.

Key takeaways

• The post-study work (PSW) visa helps recent graduates to stay back in the UK and work there. The visa holders can then look for jobs based on their skills.
• After studying, you must apply for a UK Post Graduate Work visa to work in the UK. The UK offers four types of work visas- skilled worker visa, health care worker visa, senior worker visa, and international sportsperson visa.
• Documents needed for a UK PSW are a valid passport, sponsorship certificate, evidence of English proficiency, job title, and annual salary information. Check additional requirements before applying.

Did you find this blog informative? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments section below. Click here to contact us for more information on the post-study work visa for the UK. We would be happy to assist you with your queries.

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FAQs

Q1. Can I reapply after my PSW UK expires?

Ans- Graduates who find an appropriate job and meet the requirements will be able to transition into skilled work, providing a path to settlement.

Q2. Can PSW be rejected in the UK?

Ans- With so many visas issued, there is a small chance that applicants for the UK post-study work visa will be turned down. This does not necessarily mean that an applicant’s journey to obtain this coveted visa is over. You can apply again for a PSW visa after rejection.

Q3. Is an interview compulsory for a UK work visa?

Ans- If the documentary evidence submitted with the application is insufficient, an immigration officer may arrange for a Tier 2 visa interview. As a result, an applicant must attend the Tier 2 visa interview.