As an international student studying in the UK, you might consider ways to extend your stay there. Whether your goal is to jumpstart your career, gain valuable work experience, or even start your own business, various post-study work options are available to you.
Craydel is here to provide you with valuable information and guidance to help illuminate the right path for obtaining a post-work permit in the UK. We understand the importance of this next step in your journey, and we’re dedicated to assisting you in making informed decisions to achieve your goals in the UK. Feel free to contact us for comprehensive insights and support regarding post-work permits. Let’s pave the way for your success beyond your studies in the UK!
Understanding Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV)
What is a Post Study Work Visa in the UK?
The Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) is a temporary visa that allows international students to reside, study, and work in the UK after completing their courses. This visa is available to all eligible applicants, including individuals from Sub-Saharan Africa who have moved to the UK to pursue higher education. It is a valuable option for international students to gain practical experience and explore career opportunities in the UK following their academic achievements.
Post-study work visa or PSW offers multiple benefits to international students
- If you are an international student with a Tier-4 VISA (this is a type of visa for international students who come to the UK and benefit from the opportunities of an education in the UK), you can also apply for this visa. But you need to remember that by the time you are applying, you must have completed your graduation course with a track record of compliance.
- Once your PSW is approved, eligible international students will be allowed to stay in the UK for 2 years after accomplishing their graduation/post-graduation course. During these 2 years, students will be able to stay at work, can search for suitable jobs, and can also switch as many jobs as they want. The PhD holders can stay for 3 years instead of 2.
- According to the new immigration regulations, having a job with a skills shortage will give the immigrant an additional 20 points. Any students who achieve that requirement will therefore benefit from being able to secure residency in the UK during that additional PSW duration.
The Post-Study Work Visa (PSW) offers numerous advantages to international students
- Eligibility for Tier-4 Visa Holders: International students who hold a Tier-4 visa, specifically designed for those pursuing education in the UK, can apply for the PSW visa. However, ensuring that you have completed your graduation course with a record of compliance at the time of application is essential.
- Extended Stay: Once your PSW visa is approved, you can stay in the UK for two more years after finishing your graduation or post-graduation course. PhD holders can extend their stay for three years instead of 2.
- 3. Work and Job Search: During these 2 (or 3) years, eligible international students can work in the UK, search for suitable job opportunities, and even switch jobs as needed. This flexibility is valuable for gaining practical experience and building a career.
- Skills Shortage Advantage: Under the new immigration regulations, if you secure a job in a field with a skills shortage, you earn an additional 20 points. This means that students who meet this requirement can benefit from an extended residency period in the UK during their PSW duration.
The PSW visa provides international students with a significant opportunity to establish themselves in the UK after completing their studies, gain work experience, and potentially transition to a longer-term immigration status based on their skills and job prospects. To know about eligibility for a Post-Study Work Permit/Visa in the UK click here
Here are some important points to consider for international students applying for a Post-Study Work Visa (PSW) in the UK
- Minimum Salary Requirement: To qualify for a Tier 2 Visa, which is often required for employment in the UK, international students must secure a job with a minimum salary of approximately £20,800.
- Extended Stay for PhD Holders: PhD students in the UK can stay for an extended period of 3 years after completing their degree.
- Recognized Degree: You must hold a degree from a recognized institution of higher education, whether it’s an undergraduate, diploma, postgraduate, or doctoral degree.
- Financial Independence: It’s essential to be financially self-sufficient and not depend on monetary aid during your stay in the UK.
- Application Timing: The application for the work permit should be submitted within the first 12 months after completing your course.
- Job Search Period: During the permitted stay, you are expected to seek employment opportunities actively.
- English Language Proficiency: If you haven’t completed your degree in English, you may need to take the IELTS exam and achieve a score of at least 6.5 on each of the four test items.
- Funding Requirement: You should have a specified source of sufficient funding as required by the UK government.
Meeting these criteria is essential for international students applying for and successfully obtaining a Post-Study Work Visa in the UK. It provides an excellent opportunity to continue your career and gain valuable work experience in the country after completing your studies.
Duration and Validity of PGWP
How long does the Post-Study Work visa last?
It will last two years if you have completed your undergraduate or postgraduate course and successfully obtained the PSW visa. If your Ph.D. is successfully completed and you have a PSW visa, it will last three years.
Whether you have earned a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a Ph.D., your visa won’t be extended, meaning you won’t be able to continue to stay in the country legally after your departure via the Graduate Route. In that case, you must apply for leave to remain under a different visa category.
How to Apply for PGWP?
Application Process for Post-Study Work Visa
As an international student, you can apply online for this visa as soon as your college or the university notifies the Home Office that you have completed your course program. You don’t have to wait until you receive a certificate of completion for graduation or post-graduation or PhD. You can apply as long as your student visa is active.
Documents you’ll need to apply
When you apply, you’ll need to provide
- A valid passport or other travel document that shows your identity and nationality
- Your biometric residence permit (BRP), if you were given one when you applied for your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
- Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from when you applied for your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
- Your CAS reference number was sent to you by your education provider when they offered you a place on the course you completed with your Student visa. Ask your education provider what it is if you cannot find it.
Other documents you might need
Depending on your circumstances, you might be asked to provide:
- Proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you
- A letter from your scholarship or sponsorship provider approving your application, if they paid for both your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months
- You must also provide a certified translation if your documents are not in English or Welsh.
Proving your identity and providing supporting documents
As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity.
You usually scan your biometric residence permit (BRP) with the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app. If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, scan your passport instead.
You must sign into an existing UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account or create a new one.
If you cannot scan your BRP or passport with the app, you’ll be asked to get your fingerprints and photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.
You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. If you need an appointment, the center may need to keep your passport and documents while processing your application.
You must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until you decide. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.
How long it takes to get a decision
Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity, and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.
You’ll be contacted if your application takes longer, for example, because
- your supporting documents need to be verified
- of your personal circumstances, for example, if you have a criminal conviction
Employment Opportunities with PGWP
Many options are available for international graduates looking to stay in the UK after graduation. Below, we detail the UK government’s Graduate Route visa specifically.
However, we recommend you do your research on the GOV.UK website to work out which visa best suits your current situation. Many other options are available, including short-term and long-term visas and visas for specific types of employment, such as for healthcare workers.
What is the Graduate Route?
The UK’s Graduate Route is a wonderful opportunity for international students who have completed their undergraduate, master’s, or PhD degrees in the UK. Here are some key points to know about this route:
Duration of Stay: If you’ve successfully finished an undergraduate or master’s degree, you can apply to stay in the UK for up to two years after your studies. PhD graduates have the opportunity to stay for up to three years.
Employment Opportunity: This route allows you to work or search for employment in the UK, making it an excellent pathway for those who want to kickstart their careers there.
No Sponsorship Required: Unlike some other visas, the Graduate Route does not require sponsorship from an employer or educational institution. This means you have the freedom to pursue employment opportunities on your own.
Eligibility: To apply for this route, you must have obtained a UK degree or a relevant qualification during your current Tier 4 or Student permission period. Successful applicants are granted either two or three years of leave to stay in the UK.
Completion of Course: The Graduate Route is only open to students who have successfully completed their course and still hold valid Student or Tier 4 permission when applying.
The Graduate route is for those with a degree or other relevant qualification from an approved UK higher education provider. Your application does not need sponsorship or any endorsement by an employer or by your institution.
What are the benefits of the Graduate Route?
The Graduate Route is unsponsored, meaning you can use the time after graduation to work or look for work at any skill level. You will have the flexibility to gain work experience, undertake an internship, or work as a freelancer in the UK.
There is no minimum salary requirement, and there is no limit on how many international students can have the opportunity to stay in the UK through the Graduate Route. Additionally, you are not tied to a specific job or employer; you can have multiple jobs at any skill level and switch jobs during the course of the visa.
Once you have found suitable employment in the UK, you’ll have the chance to switch to a skilled work route and remain in the UK after your two or three years have come to an end.
UK colleges and universities allow their students to work part-time, which could be a good way to earn decent money. Along with money, you can also gain industry experience that would make your CV stronger.
How much does the Graduate Route cost?
Before applying for the Graduate Route visa, you should know the costs up-front. There is a one-off application fee of £715, and you must also pay the full amount for the Immigration Health Surcharge, which will cost you £624 annually.
A Post Study Work Permit/Visa option is a great way to extend your time in the UK even after completing your studies.
Remember, a PSW visa doesn’t allow you to open a business or get self-employed in the UK. You should always abide by the laws of the United Kingdom.
If you want to explore other visa options along with a PSW, you can contact the Craydel team.
We would love to guide you and help you easily obtain this visa. You just need to fill out our simple form.
