Studying in UK is a dream come true for any student from countries like India, Nepal, the Philippines, and many others. The education quality is so much better than what you get from your own country. And after studying, you can possibly work with post study work visas in the UK. Getting a chance to work in the UK means higher pay and more recognition. The best thing is that after post study work attainment, you still get to decide whether you want to continue working or not. This article will help you with information such as different kinds of work visas, cost, time period, and eligibility questions. Continue reading.

Types Post Study Work Visas in UK

Graduate visa in UK for International Students

A Graduate visa is something so basic. It is the first thing you can do if you want to extend your stay in the United Kingdom (UK) being an international student after your degree graduation from the country. But keep in mind, if the reason for an extended stay is to continue higher education, then you can easily apply for a student visa extension rather than applying for a graduate visa. 

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for post study work in UK through the Graduate route, you must satisfy the following conditions.

• You are in the United Kingdom (UK).
• The visa you currently have is a Student visa (or Tier 4 student visa).
• You studied for bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. in the UK. Other courses that satisfy the minimum time requirement will also be considered eligible. 
• Your university, college, or any educational providers of yours attest to the Home Office about completing your degree.
• Also, you do need to have a job offer for you to be eligible for a Graduate Visa.
• There is no salary cap on numbers that influences your stay in the UK.

How long can you stay in the UK with a Graduate Visa?

*The Graduate Visa’s term will be from the date of approval to two or three years according to your qualification.

What is the cost of the UK Graduate Visa?

How to apply for the graduate visa in UK?

Step 1: Check whether or not you meet the eligibility criteria

Step 2: Make sure all of your student records are up to date, including Student/tier 4 visa and your UK address

Step 3: Your degree is awarded and recorded in the EUCLID student record

Step 4: Your educational provider sends a report to UKVI

Step 5: Receive a mail from the educational provider confirming that they made a report

Step 6: You complete online visa application including the application fee and healthcare fee payment.

Step 7: Pass your ID confirmation process. This can be checked using the ID check app

Step 8: Wait in the UK until the application decision is made.

Read More: Study in UK for International Students

Skilled Worker Visa

If you used your Graduate Visa extension or if you somehow have been denied eligibility for multiple reasons, the next option is Skilled Worker Visa. Skilled Worker Visa allows you to come to or stay in the United Kingdom (UK) for a well-defined period of time if you have secured an eligible from an accepted employer. The tier 2 visa, which was formerly required to work under an accepted employer, is replaced by the Skilled Worker Visa.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for post study work in UK through the Skilled Worker route, you must satisfy the following conditions.

• You must work or secure a job from a Home Office accepted employer.
• You must have a “certificate of sponsorship” from your employer detailing your job information in the UK.
• You must have or secured a job that is on the eligible occupation list put up by the UK
• You must be paid at least the minimum salary according to the UK, depending on the type of work you do.
• Also, You will have to have a certification of English knowledge that you can speak, understand, read and write English.

How long can you stay in the UK with a Skilled Worker Visa?

With Skilled Worker Visa, you can stay up to five years in the United Kingdom (UK). Then you can extend your visa by reapplying for the Skilled Worker Visa. Not only will you need to extend/update your visa when it expires, but you will also need to extend/update your visa when you change jobs or employers. You can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa as many times as you want as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. Further, after five years, you may also apply to settle permanently in the UK (otherwise called indefinite leave to remain certified). With “indefinite leave to remain,” you can work, study and stay in the UK as long as you want. 

What is the cost of the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

Unlike Graduate Visa, the application fee is not the only cost consideration for Skilled Worker Visa in the UK.

• First, it will cost you around £625 to £1,423 for the application fee for the visa.
• Next, you will need to pay a healthcare surcharge of £624 every year.
• Finally, you will need to have an amount of £1,270, which will prove to that authority that you can take care of yourself (however, the amount is subject to change).
• Also, keep in mind that the application fee will be lower if you have secured a job from the shortage occupation list.

Start-up Visa

Start-up route to get a visa in the UK is a little more expensive method than the previous two routes. That being said, Start-up Visa can be very rewarding. The UK welcomes entrepreneurs who have new and exciting ideas to start a business on their own turf. However, you still have to meet the eligibility requirements.

Who is eligible?

To be endorsed for post study work in UK through the Start-up route, you must satisfy the following conditions.

• You must either be a graduate of higher education institutions in the UK.
• You must either be a business organisation with a record of supporting UK clients.
• You must either be a business with new and never be done idea.
• You must either be a viable business that is capable of business growth in the UK market.

How long can you stay in the UK with a Start-up Visa?

With a Start-up Visa, you can stay in the UK for a period of two years. This applies (to both) if you came into the UK acquiring a Start-up Visa or if you are transitioning from another visa to Start-up Visa. Unfortunately, you cannot extend the Start-up Visa. However, you can transition to Innovator Visa to continue your stay in the UK. 

What is the cost of the UK Start-up Visa?

The application fee for Start-up Visas changes according to whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK and whether or not you are applying just for yourself or your entire family.