40,000 international students graduate from UK universities every year, and many of them want to stay in the country to work or pursue further studies.
After Graduation
After completing their studies, students can switch to a different type of visa to remain in the UK. One option is the Graduate visa, which allows students to stay in the UK for up to two years to work or look for work.
Work Visa Options
Students who have completed a PhD can stay for up to three years. To be eligible for the Graduate visa, students must have a valid Student visa and have completed their course in the UK. Another option for students is to switch to a work visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa or the Innovator visa, which require a job offer from a UK employer or a business idea.
Visa Requirements
The UK government has various visa options for international students who want to stay in the country after completing their studies, and students should check the requirements for each visa to determine which one is the most suitable for their situation.
Expert opinions
My name is Emily Wilson, and I am an Immigration Consultant specializing in UK visa regulations. With years of experience in guiding international students through the complex process of transitioning from a Student visa to other types of visas in the UK, I am well-equipped to provide expert advice on this topic.
As a Student visa holder in the UK, it's essential to plan your next steps carefully, especially if you wish to remain in the country after completing your studies. The UK offers several visa options that you can consider, depending on your career goals, qualifications, and personal circumstances.
One of the most popular options is the Graduate visa, which allows international students to stay in the UK for up to two years (or three years for PhD graduates) after completing their studies. This visa provides an excellent opportunity to gain work experience, intern, or even start your own business in the UK. To be eligible, you must have completed a UK degree, have a valid Student visa, and meet the required maintenance funds.
Another option is the Skilled Worker visa, which is designed for international students who have secured a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor license. This visa requires you to meet specific eligibility criteria, including a minimum salary threshold, language proficiency, and qualifications relevant to the job. As a Skilled Worker visa holder, you can work in the UK for up to five years and may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after five years.
If you're interested in starting your own business in the UK, you may be eligible for the Start-up visa or the Innovator visa. The Start-up visa is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs who want to establish a business in the UK, while the Innovator visa is geared towards more experienced entrepreneurs who want to scale up their business. Both visas require you to meet specific eligibility criteria, including a viable business plan, funding, and endorsement from a designated endorsing body.
Other visa options that you may consider after a Student visa include the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) visa, which allows you to work in the UK for up to 12 or 24 months in a specific sector, such as internships, work experience, or research projects. You may also be eligible for the Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) visa if you're being transferred to a UK branch of your employer.
In conclusion, there are several visa options available to international students after completing their studies in the UK. As an Immigration Consultant, I recommend that you carefully review the eligibility criteria and requirements for each visa option to determine which one is best suited to your career goals and personal circumstances. It's also essential to seek professional advice to ensure a smooth transition from a Student visa to your next visa category.
By Emily Wilson, Immigration Consultant.
Q: What visa options are available after completing a Student visa in the UK?
A: After completing a Student visa, you can apply for a Graduate visa, Skilled Worker visa, or other work visas. These options allow you to stay and work in the UK. The specific visa you can apply for depends on your qualifications and job offer.
Q: Can I apply for a work visa after a Student visa in the UK?
A: Yes, you can apply for a work visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa or the Intra-Company Transfer visa, if you have a job offer from a UK employer. You must meet the eligibility criteria, including having a valid job offer and meeting the required skill level.
Q: What is the Graduate visa, and am I eligible?
A: The Graduate visa allows international students to stay in the UK for up to 2-3 years after completing their studies. You are eligible if you have completed a UK degree and had a valid Student visa at the time of completion.
Q: Can I switch to a Start-up visa or Innovator visa after a Student visa?
A: Yes, you can apply for a Start-up visa or Innovator visa if you have a business idea and meet the eligibility criteria. These visas allow you to set up and run a business in the UK, and you must demonstrate innovation, viability, and scalability.
Q: How long can I stay in the UK on a Graduate visa after a Student visa?
A: The Graduate visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates) after completing your studies. During this time, you can work, look for work, or set up a business in the UK.
Q: Do I need a job offer to apply for a visa after a Student visa in the UK?
A: Not always, as some visas like the Graduate visa do not require a job offer. However, for other visas like the Skilled Worker visa, you will need a valid job offer from a UK employer that meets the required skill level and salary threshold.
Q: Can I apply for a visa extension or settlement after a Student visa in the UK?
A: Yes, you can apply for a visa extension or settlement, such as indefinite leave to remain, if you meet the eligibility criteria. This typically requires you to have been in the UK for a certain period, have a valid visa, and meet the required language and integration requirements.
Sources
- Smith Nicola. Living and Working in the UK. London: Kogan Page, 2019.
- Wadhwa Vivek. Immigrant Exodus: Why America Is Losing the Global Race to Capture Entrepreneurial Talent. Philadelphia: Wharton School Press, 2012.
- “Working in the UK after your studies”. Site: UK Council for International Student Affairs – ukcisa.org
- “Visa options for international students”. Site: BBC News – bbc.com
