Post Study Work Visa UK: How to Obtain PSW Visa UK?

Types of Post Study Work Visa in UK

To stay back in UK after studying, you will need to apply for a UK PGWP or UK Post Graduate Work Permit. There are 4 categories of long-term work visas that are provided by the UK Government based on the type of work you are planning to do.

1. Skilled worker visa
2. Health and care work visa
3. Senior or specialist worker visa
4. Minister of religion visa
5. International sportsperson visa

You just have to be aware of the rules to apply for a post study work permit in UK which have been discussed below:

1. Skilled Worker Visa

The skilled worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa in UK and allows you to stay in UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.

Eligibility criteria:

• Your employer in the UK must be approved by the Home Office.
• Your employer must provide a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ specifying your job role while working in the UK.
• The job you have applied for must be on the list of eligible occupations.
• You must be paid a minimum salary.
• You will have to provide proof of English language proficiency when you apply for a work permit.

Note: You cannot apply for public funds or state pension schemes. You are also not supposed to change jobs or employers without updating your visa.

What you can do with a Skilled Worker Visa? Work in an eligible job; Study; Your partner and children can come to UK as your dependants; Apply for additional work; Take up voluntary work; Travel outside UK and return to UK; Apply to settle in the UK permanently after living in the UK for 5 years and complying with the requirements.

2. Health and Care Worker Visa

This type of visa allows professionals in the field of medicine to stay in UK and work with the NHS, an NHS supplier or an adult social care unit.

Eligibility criteria:

• You must be a doctor, nurse, health or adult social care professional
• Have eligible health or social care-related job
• Be employed under a UK employer approved by the Home Office
• Have a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ from your employer stating your job role in the UK
• Be paid the minimum salary depending on your job type
• Provide proof of English language proficiency

3. Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

This visa is applicable if you come to UK to do an eligible job at the UK branch of your employer. This visa has been relplaced by Intra Company Transfer Visa (Tier 2.)

Eligibility criteria:

• Be an existing employee of an organisation approved by the Home Office
• Have a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ from your employer describing your job role in the UK
• Be employed in an eligible occupation
• Have a minimum salary of £42,400 to be eligible for an Intra-company Transfer visa or £23,000 to be eligible for an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa.

4. Minister of Religion Visa

You will need this type of visa if you are offered a job in a faith community in the UK.

Eligibility criteria:

• Have a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ for your job
• Provide proof of English language proficiency
• Be 18 years or above at the time of application
• Provide tuberculosis test results if you are from a listed country
• Show personal savings to support yourself in the UK
• Provide travel history from the last 5 years

5. International Sportsperson Visa

International Sportsperson Visa is applicable under the following situations:

• You have been certified as an elite sportsperson or qualified coach at the highest level of your profession by the sport’s governing body.
• Your application has an endorsement from a sport’s governing body.
• If your employer can potentially help in the development of sports in UK.

Eligibility criteria:

• Provide a valid ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ for your job
• Submit proof of English language proficiency
• Provide tuberculosis test results if you are from a listed country
• Have personal savings to support yourself while staying in the UK
• Provide travel and travel history from the last 5 years
• Must have an eligible qualification

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Next, let’s check the post study work visa UK eligibility.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for a Graduate Visa

Now that we have discussed the latest update on work permit after study in UK, let us take a look at the eligibility criteria to apply for a UK post study visa:

• You must apply from UK;
• You must have a Tier 4 (General) student visa;
• You are required to complete a UK undergraduate or postgraduate degree with your student visa;
• You can submit the application once your education provider confirms that you have successfully completed the program that you are enrolled in.

Take a look at the requirements to be fulfilled to apply for a Graduate Visa in UK A valid passport as proof of your identity and nationality Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number Proof of relationship with your partner or children if they are coming with you A letter from your sponsor or scholarship provider (if they paid for your expenses in the last 12 months)

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Documents Required to Apply for Post Study Work Permit in UK

A checklist of documents required to complete the application process is given below:

• The reference number on your certificate of sponsorship
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Copy of passport or other document showing proof of identity and nationality
• Details of job title and annual salary
• Occupation code of your job
• Name of your employer and their sponsor license number

Additionally, keep the following documents handy as these may be required to complete the application process:

• Proof of personal savings such as bank statements to support yourself in the UK
• Tuberculosis test results if you are from a listed country
• Certificate of criminal records
• Proof of relationship with partner or children who are applying as your dependents
• Valid ATAS certificate

IMPORTANT: You must have a job offer before applying for a visa.

Now you know the types of documents required for PSW visa UK, next, let’s check the steps to apply for one!

How to Apply for a Post Study Work Permit in UK?

Now that you know about your stay back options after studying in UK, you must be wondering, how can I get a work permit after study in UK? You can apply for a work visa up to 3 months before the scheduled work start date in the UK. Applications to apply for a work permit can be submitted online along with the application fee and necessary documents. Besides, the standard processing time is 3 weeks if you are applying from outside the UK and 8 weeks if you are applying from within the UK.

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How Much Does a Work Permit after Study in UK Cost?

When you apply for a UK student visa post study work permit, you must keep in mind the following expenses:

• Application fee ranging between £625 to £1,423 depending on where you are applying from and your duration of stay in UK;
• Annual healthcare surcharge of £624;
• Minimum £1,270 to support yourself when you arrive in UK.

Next, let’s go through the…

COVID-19 Update on Work Permit after Study in UK

On July 1, 2021, the UK Government announced the Graduate Immigration Route for individuals with a degree or relevant qualification from an approved UK Higher Education provider. This rule provides international students with the flexibility to apply and stay back in the UK for two years after completing an undergraduate or Masters degree. Besides, a PhD or doctoral candidates can stay back in UK for 3 years.

To apply for this route, you must successfully complete your program and have valid Tier 4 permission. You will get a decision on your visa within 8 weeks. You do not require any sponsorship or endorsement from your university or employer to apply for the graduate immigration route.

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Working in UK will definitely open doors that will help you achieve all your dreams. The new Graduate Route could be the perfect opportunity for you to stay back in the UK for 2 years after completing your studies with the least hassles. Further, if you wish to gain PR in UK, you can apply for a UK work permit after study that can lead to permanent residency, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.

UK is known for its diverse culture because of the large number of immigrants which could help you fit in easily. Now that you have all the important information regarding UK PGWP to study and work UK, take a step forward and unlock a bright future for yourself. In the process, if you need end-to-end guidance, connect with our counsellors through Yocket premium.