How To Get A Post-Study Work Permit In The UK.

If you are currently studying in the UK and want to continue living and working there after you’re done with your course, a viable option for you to explore after your study is getting a graduate visa.  

A graduate visa allows you to stay in the UK for at least two years after completing a course there and entitles you to:

• Be self-employed/work in most jobs. 

• Travel abroad and return to the UK. 

• Do voluntary work. 

• Continue living in the UK with your children and partner, if eligible.

Requirements For A Graduate Visa.

Here are the eligibility conditions attached to applying for a graduate visa:

• You must still be in the UK.

• Your current visa type must be a student visa or a tier 4 general student visa. 

• You must have completed a UK bachelor’s degree, post-graduate degree or any other eligible course.

• Your education provider (college/university) has passed on to the Home Office that you’ve successfully completed your course of study. 

What You Need To Apply.

When applying for a graduate visa, you’ll be asked to provide the following documents to prove your identity:

• A valid passport that shows your identity and nationality. 

• Your CAS reference number ⎯  which you received from your education provider at the start of your course. 

• Your Biometric Residence Permit.

Application Process.

Online application form

The application process for a graduate visa happens online, so you are good to go once you meet the stated requirements and your education provider has notified the home office about completing your course. You don’t need to wait till you’ve received your certification or graduated to start applying. 

Tip:  Ensure you begin the application process before your student visa, or tier 4 general student visa expires. Also, promptly follow up with your education provider if they haven’t informed the home office that you’ve successfully finished your course. 

Costs.

To apply for a graduate visa, you’ll have to pay the following:

• An application fee of 715 pounds. 

• A healthcare surcharge of 624 pounds for each year you’ll be in the UK. 

After completing your application, you’d receive a decision letter by email communicating the status of your request for a graduate visa.

Best of luck!

Also read: How To Apply For A National Insurance Number In The United Kingdom. 

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