After completing a degree in the United Kingdom, one of the biggest questions most international students ask is, ” Can I stay and work in the UK after graduation? The good news is that the United Kingdom offers several pathways to allow graduates to work and live in the country while building on their careers after graduation.
The UK’s graduate route allows international students the flexibility to search for jobs that they want or pursue additional qualifications after completing their studies. In this guide, we explain everything international students need to know about working in the UK after graduation, including visa options, work rights, and how to transition into permanent stay.
What Happens After You Graduate in the UK?
After completing your studies in the UK, your institution must notify the Home Office of your program completion. Also, you have to formally apply to transition to a graduate visa before your student visa or Tier 4 (general) student visa expires.
The graduate visa allows international students to stay in the country after their studies for at least 18 months if they apply before January 1, 2027, and 2 years if they apply before December 31 2026, for master’s graduates. For PhD or doctoral students, they can stay in the UK for at least 3 years upon the completion of their studies.
During this period, you have to search and secure a job that will then sponsor your visa once the graduate visa expires. The graduate visa is non-renewable; you cannot extend it.
How to Apply for the Graduate Visa
International students can apply for the graduate visa online via the GOV.UK graduate visa portal. This process must be done before your student visa expires to allow you to stay in the UK after graduation. All applications must also be completed while you are physically present in the UK.
Here are the steps on how to apply for the graduate visa as an international student in the UK:
- Your university must send a formal notice to the UK Home Office notifying them of the completion of your studies.
- Next, submit an online application for the graduate visa via the GOV.UK portal.
- Complete your application form, submit your proof of identity and other documents, including your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number.
- Pay the application fee of £937 and a healthcare surcharge of £1,035, which is for one year. You will need to pay this for the duration you will stay in the UK.
- Wait for your visa decision, which usually takes up to 8 weeks. Applicants may remain in the UK throughout the wait period.
- Once you have a graduate visa, you can stay and work in the UK after graduation. You may also be self-employed, travel abroad, and volunteer. However, you will not be eligible to work as a professional sportsperson and would not benefit from public funds, including pensions.
If you work in healthcare, such as a doctor or nurse, you may qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa. This visa allows you to live in the UK for up to 5 years, after which you can apply for permanent residency.
Read Also: UK Student Visa Process (Requirements, Costs and Application)
The Skilled Worker Visa
At the end of your graduate visa, you can switch to the skilled worker visa, as you cannot extend or renew it. This skilled worker visa allows you to stay and work in the UK with an approved employer in good standing with the Home Office. The employer must also give you a certificate of sponsorship (CoS).
The CoS contains all the necessary information about your job. a unique reference number, date, the employee’s personal details, and the employer’s sponsorship details.
Before applying for the skilled worker visa, you must have received your employment letter. Also, the visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 5 years, after which you may be eligible to apply for UK permanent residency.
You may apply within or outside the UK. There is also an opportunity to apply up to 3 months before you are due to start your job. Visa decisions for applicants outside the UK are 3 weeks and 8 weeks for those inside the UK.
You have to pay an application fee and a healthcare surcharge fee before applying for the skilled worker visa.
In Conclusion,
The UK offers graduates different routes to stay and work in the country after graduation. From the graduate visa to the skilled worker visa and the health care worker visa, the UK encourages international graduates to build a lasting career in the country. The key is to prepare well and understand the options available to help you in making informed decisions that will benefit you in the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long can I stay in the UK after graduation?
This depends on your program. Master’s graduates can stay for up to 18 months on a graduate visa, and PhD graduates can stay for up to 3 years after graduation.
- Can international students get jobs in the UK after graduation?
Yes, international students can get jobs and work in the UK after graduation. However, they will need to switch to a graduate visa or skilled worker visa to work legitimately.
- What visa can I get after a Graduate visa in the UK?
You can switch to a skilled worker visa, which is the most common, or the healthcare worker visa for healthcare professionals. There is also the global talent visa for experts and leaders, and the scale-up worker visa for highly skilled jobs.
