One of the greatest advantages of studying in the UK is that it provides the opportunity to work while studying. This gives students the privilege to stay back after their studies.
The United Kingdom has become a suitable destination for individuals, especially for students who seek to start a career internationally.
There are 5 types of visas to apply for in 2023 as an international student upon graduation, as discussed in this article.
London the capital of the UK is a global city and has fantastic links with blue-chip companies in all industries amongst several Universities in the city and across the country with attractive starting salaries for graduates.
What is the Study-Work Visa?
The Study-work visa allows international students to have an extra two (2) years option of staying back in the UK upon graduation to seek employment opportunities.
Within the first 2 years of graduation, students who own a work-study visa can fix themselves up with available jobs.
This visa is a pathway to secure a general work visa.
Who Qualifies for a Study-Work Visa?
Prior to the extension of the new PSW visa to all graduates, Students who qualified for the study-work visa were PhD holders because UK was and still is in the business of growing its STEM industry fields.
Also, the visa only lasted for four months but it has been extended to two years.
What happens at the expiration of the Study-Work visa?
Apparently, the study-work visa isn’t limited to a particular job for graduates.
As a graduate in the UK, you can attach yourself with a random job for the period of two years after which you can apply for a general work visa if the study work visa expires.
5 Types of Visas to Apply For in 2023
Non-EU students who wish to remain in the UK after they have graduated must apply for a work visa from UK Visas and Immigration.
There are several visas you can apply for as a graduate in the United Kingdom:
Tier 2 Visa (General Visa)
This is the primary visa to remain and work in the UK after your studies. It is open to recent graduates with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. from a recognized UK university.
Before you apply, you must have an offer of a skilled job from a licensed employer and earn a salary of at least £20,800.
After five years of employment, Tier 2 visa holders can apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK providing they meet the salary requirements (£35,000) and other relevant eligibility criteria.
Visit the UK Home Office website for further information.
Tier 1 Visa (Graduate Entrepreneur)
This visa option is open to all students who are developing a world-class business idea.
You will need to join and be endorsed by your university as having the potential to create your own business in the UK.
This applies to all graduating students from any subject discipline.
Tier 4 Visa (Student)
If you are at the verge of completing a Ph.D. at a UK higher education institute, you can apply to stay in the UK for a further 12 months after your course completion date.
Your university will sponsor you but you will have full unrestricted work rights, except for some limited professions such as doctors or dentists.
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Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme
Some nationalities are eligible to apply for a two-year work scheme permit.
Citizens from Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, and New Zealand must be between the ages of 18-30.
Requirements from nationalities of Hong Kong, Korea, and Taiwan are a certificate of sponsorship and maintenance.
Tier 5 Temporary Worker
Depending on the programme you’re applying for, this form of study-work visa enables you to work in the UK for up to 12 or 24 months.
After completing their studies, international students in the UK can apply for the Tier 5 visa, often known as the “Government Authorized Exchange” visa, to get work experience and complete internships there.
From within the UK, you can submit an application to switch from your Tier 4 visa to the Tier 5 visa.