A Quick Guide To UK’S Post-Study Work Visa

In order to allow overseas students from recognised UK institutions to remain in the country for a maximum of two years after completion of their degree, the UK government has implemented a new post-study visa policy. Any student who graduates in the summer of 2021 or after will be able to apply because the new Graduate Immigration Route was implemented in the summer of 2021. As an overseas student studying in the UK, we are aware that this will have a significant impact on both present and future students who wish to make the most of the chance to continue their careers in the UK. Through this blog, we are going to discuss UK Post Study Work Visa, UK Post Study Work Visa for Indian Students, and Post Study Work Visa UK Eligibility. So let’s begin.

UK post-study work visa

The Graduate route is set up so that international students who have graduated from a UK-recognized institution can stay and search for employment there for at least two years minimum. A job offer is not required for undergraduates to register for a post-study work permit. Additionally, there are no minimum wage restrictions on the number of jobs that permit students to operate flexibly and advance their careers in the UK.

From 1st July 2021, Indian and international students who completed their degree or were pursuing one were made eligible for a UK post-study work visa because of the new rule that was introduced by the British government. Additionally, PhD candidates may stay for up to three years under the new Graduate Route visa norm. Indian and international students must have finished their program (undergraduate or higher level) from an approved UK college or university prior to applying under the new Graduate route. Graduates who use the new application process will only be permitted to work or search for jobs for a maximum of two years after receiving their degree. Students pursuing doctoral degrees will be eligible for a three-year extension. Although the UK has long been a famous study abroad location for Indian students, it can be challenging to remain there once your program is over. Due to recent events, students who plan to enrol in classes in 2020–21 are permitted to postpone their start date by two years because of the new UK post study work visa rule.

Before, anyone with a bachelor’s or master’s degree could only stay in the UK for four months at a time to hunt for work. International students may now stay for two years under the new regulations. This is an expansion of the recent immigration regulations that let PhD graduates remain in the UK once they graduate. The UK government intends to develop and promote STEM-related disciplines.

UK Post Study Work Visa for Indian Students

The UK Post Study Work Visa for Indian students enables Indian students to return to the UK for up to two years after finishing their graduate studies in order to look for employment. From July/August 2021 or later, the new visa regulations went into force. In the first year following graduation, those with a PSW visa are free to work in any position until they secure employment that will allow them to apply for a general work visa. The requirement that graduates remain in the UK makes the UK a popular destination for Indian students once more. Indian students who were considering other European nations would once more opt to study in the UK.

1. Presence in the UK at the Time of Application:
   • To be eligible, applicants must be physically present in the UK when they submit their application for the Graduate Route Visa.
2. Student Visa and Tier 4 (General) Visa Requirement:
   • Applicants must have been on a valid student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa at the time they completed their qualifying course of study.
3. Completion of Qualifying Degree:
   • Applicants must have successfully completed a qualifying degree program in the UK, which includes bachelor’s, postgraduate, or other eligible courses.
4. Notification by Institution:
   • The applicant’s institution or university must have notified the UK Home Office that the applicant successfully completed their course.
5. Minimum Study Period Requirement:
   • The required minimum study period in the UK varies based on the duration of the course:
     • For courses lasting more than 12 months: Applicants must have completed at least 12 months of study.
     • For courses lasting less than 12 months: The study period must be the same length as the course; for example, if the course duration is ten months, the applicant must have completed at least ten months of study in the UK.
6. COVID-19 Considerations:
   • Time Spent Outside the UK (Between 24 January 2020 and 30 June 2022):
     • Any time spent outside the UK between 24 January 2020 and 30 June 2022 can count towards the total time spent studying in the UK, as long as the applicant’s student visa was valid for more than 12 months.
   • Special Cases (Student Visa Arrival and Course Start Dates):
     • If the applicant’s student visa was valid for a year or less, they can still apply for the Graduate Route Visa if they meet the following criteria:
       • Arrived in the UK on or before 27 September 2021 and the course started before 21 June 2021.
       • Arrived in the UK on or before 30 June 2022 and the course started between 21 June 2021 and 30 June 2022.

It’s important for applicants to carefully review and fulfill these eligibility criteria to ensure a successful application for the UK Graduate Route Visa. This visa category offers international students the opportunity to work, live, and contribute to the UK workforce after completing their studies.

Why choose the UK as the study destination?

There are numerous advantages to studying in the UK for Indian students, from the top-notch colleges to the dynamic, cosmopolitan environment. Here are the top 5 reasons overseas students should study in the UK.

1. Academic Excellence– When someone inquires as to why one should study in the UK, one of the first responses is that country’s esteemed institutions. Universities in the UK, such as the Universities of both Oxford and Cambridge, are renowned for their academic quality.
2. Flexibility– Don’t question why you chose the UK for your education or why you should now. The freedom provided by educational institutions is one of the primary benefits of studying in the UK for students. In the UK, students are free to combine disciplines they are enthusiastic about to create their own programs at universities and other institutions and business schools.
3. Quality Assurance & Recognition– You may be sure that your further education will be of the highest calibre if you decide to study it in the UK. The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) regularly inspects each institution to make sure that the standards established by the government for teaching, learning, and research are upheld. Because of these rigorous examinations, undergraduate and graduate studies in the UK are highly respected throughout the whole world. Your professional possibilities can rapidly increase with a degree from a prestigious UK university.
4. Research– One of the top locations in the world for doing top-notch scientific research is the UK. Universities in the UK are renowned for their cutting-edge facilities and infrastructure, which allow students to carry out essential and life-changing research in a variety of subjects, from the social sciences to the biological sciences. One of the primary motivations for overseas students to study in the UK is to pursue research-based programs.
5. Diverse Culture– The opportunity to truly experience cultural variety is one of the key reasons, aside from academics, to select the UK for study abroad. The UK is a terrific destination for students to meet and get to know individuals from other cultures because it is home to people from all over the world. This nation is home to a diverse array of cultures, religions, cuisines, world-famous festivals, and many other things.

Conclusion

UK university degrees are world-respected, and there is a wide range of courses to choose from. A degree from any UK institution will look fantastic on a CV and having a UK certificate will be a strong selling point when looking for work in the future, regardless of industry or location. British higher education institutions are renowned worldwide for their innovative and challenging environments that encourage students to perform at their highest level. They have highly regarded standards and several academic experts on staff and are consistently ranked high in international university rankings. Through this blog, we have discussed UK Post Study Work Visa, UK Post Study Work Visa for Indian Students, and Post Study Work Visa UK Eligibility.