Your path to staying in the UK: A guide to the post-study work visa

A Graduate visa is a Post-Study Work visa. This means as an international student after you have successfully completed your degree course you’re eligible to apply for a Graduate visa. Once approved, you can remain in the UK after your studies for up to two years (or three years for PhD students) and benefit from work experience opportunities.  

As an international student on a graduate immigration route it’s important you understand the Post-Study Work visa requirements and eligibility criteria, including degree level and qualifying institutions. 

As an international student with a Post-Study Graduate Work visa you’re able to take advantage of business opportunities and search for jobs in London as well as Graduate visa jobs in the UK.  

Through the Graduate visa immigration route, you can:

• Work in most jobs. 

• Search for work. 

• Become self-employed. 

• Seek voluntary work. 

In order to be eligible for a Graduate visa application the following requirements need to be met:

• You’re in the UK. 

• Your current visa is a Student visa or Tier 4 student visa. 

• You studied a UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for a minimum period of time with your Student visa or Tier 4 student visa.
  
• Your university has told the Home Office you’ve successfully completed your course 

You can apply for a Graduate visa online and must do so before your Student visa or Tier 4 student visa expires. 

You can apply once your university has told the Home Office that you’ve successfully completed your course with your student or Tier 4 student visa. You don’t have to wait for graduation or until you’ve been given a certificate. 

Your application is subject to identity checks and providing proof with the required documents. If you need to have an appointment to do this you’ll be informed directly at the start of your application. 

Required Visa and Identity Documents 

With your application you’ll need to provide a valid passport or other travel document to show your identity and nationality. Alongside your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from when you applied for your Student visa or Tier 4 student visa. The University can supply your CAS reference number for you if you cannot find this. 

To show you have a valid Student visa or Tier 4 student visa you will also need to provide your biometric residence permit (BRP) and online proof of your immigration status. Dependent on your circumstances additional information can be requested such as proof of relationship and a letter from your scholarship or scholarship provider. 

Getting a Decision 

Getting a decision can take up to eight weeks and you can remain in the UK while you wait for a decision on your application. 

Graduate Visa Costs 

A Graduate visa application will cost you; 

• An £822 application fee. 
• The healthcare surcharge which is around £1035 for each year you’re in the UK. 

A Graduate visa lasts for two years and starts from the day it’s approved. If you have a PhD or doctoral qualification it will last for a duration of three years.  

Once your application is approved you’ll be sent details on what you can and cannot do with your Graduate visa. The conditions of the visa mean you will not be able to apply for most benefits (public funds), the State Pension or work as a professional sportsperson.  If you want to stay longer in the UK you cannot extend your Graduate visa, although you may be able to switch and apply for a Skilled Worker visa.

Can I Study on a Skilled Worker Visa? 

A Skilled Worker visa is separate to a Graduate visa and allows you to study whilst also working in an eligible UK job with an approved employer by the Home Office for the duration of your visa. The visa can last up to five years before you need to extend it. After five years you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK.

During your time at UWS London we offer additional programmes where you’ll get to expand your professional network, build problem solving and communication skills whilst also enhancing your CV. These programmes are designed to improve your career and business opportunities ready for finding employment in the UK. 

UWS Work Based Learning programme 

Our certificated Work Based Learning programme, powered by Impact Consulting, provides UWS London Campus students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience whilst collaborating with UK-based businesses. 

Participants of this one-month, online programme are able to work on real-world projects, build professional connections, and grow their career potential. This programme enables you to connect with multinational corporations, innovative startups, non-profits, and SMEs, offering you the chance to apply academic knowledge within a professional setting. 

UWS London Business Incubator programme 

Available to UWS London students and alumni, our Business Incubator programme enables individuals to develop their startups in a dynamic and collaborative environment. This three-month programme allows you to work alongside other fellow entrepreneurs, exchanging ideas and solving challenges together. 

Our structured programme provides peer-to-peer support, expert mentorship from a UWS London Entrepreneur in Residence, and access to 13: The Virtual Business Incubator. This initiative is set to equip you with the resources and network to turn your ideas into thriving businesses and is managed by the School of Business & Creative Industries alongside the Student Innovation Department at the University of the West of Scotland. 

Beyond our development programmes, our university career services are able to help students by providing tips on searching for jobs in London and Graduate visa jobs in the UK as well as offering networking support. 

Your university or education provider must have a ‘track record of compliance’ which is registered online as, ‘Student Sponsor – Track Record’ and be a licensed sponsor when you apply for your Graduate visa.  

It’s also important for you to remain in the UK whilst you await your decision. During this time, you’re not able to travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man otherwise your application may be withdrawn.  

Navigating Your Graduate Post-Study Visa 

A Graduate Post-Study Work visa offers a valuable opportunity to launch your career in the UK once you have completed your studies. By understanding the requirements and following our guidance, you can successfully navigate the application process.