The UK is one of the popular study abroad destinations which is recently gaining massive popularity. Did you know that according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) number of Indian students studying in the UK has increased by 27% in 2021 since 2020? Multiple reasons make the UK one of the most sought after study abroad destinations. The impeccable education system, highly ranked universities, lucrative work opportunities, and most importantly, the UK Post-study Work Visa attract study abroad students. So, here’s what you must know about the Post-study Work Visa.

What is the UK Post-study Work Visa

The UK government reintroduced Graduate Visa or the UK Post-study Work Visa, also known as the Graduate Route, on 1st July 2021. Under this route, international students can stay for work or explore work opportunities for two years post completion of their course. The PhD students will be allowed to stay for 3 years after they successfully complete their doctorate program. 

The Eligibility criteria 

• When you apply for the UK Post-study Work Visa, you need to possess a student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa. 
• You can apply if you have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate study program in the UK. 
• The minimum duration of the course should be 1 year.
• Also, you cannot apply for the UK Post-study Work Visa from your home turf. You have to be present in the UK to apply for Graduate Visa, and it is necessary to attend actively lectures to be eligible for this route.  

Application process for the UK Post-study Work Visa

• Please visit the official GOV.UK website to apply online.
• You can scan your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) by visiting the UK Immigration app. 
• You will have an existing UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account from when you first applied for a student visa. 
• Once you log in, you will be required to finish the documentation process.
• Please remember it is important to stay in the UK after applying for the UK Post-study Work Visa until the final decision. 

Some important documents

• You will need a valid student visa to apply for the UK Post-study Work Visa.
• Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) that you received when you first applied for a student visa will come in handy. 
• The Confirmation2 of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number is important.

Some important things to keep in mind 

After successfully completing the application process and submitting all the important documents, the decision should arrive within 8 weeks. However, if your application is incomplete or documents are missing, you will be contacted by the authorities. The application fee for the UK Post-study Work Visa is £700 and £624 per year for a healthcare surcharge. Also, please remember that you are required to apply for Graduate Route before your student visa expires.

So, these are a few important things that you must know before applying for the UK Post-study Work Visa. If your plan to study in the UK is ready, but the lack of funds stops you from achieving your academic aspirations, you can opt for an overseas education loan. 

We at Avanse Financial Services offer a study abroad loan that covers the holistic cost of education, including tuition fees, accommodation costs, study material cost, cost of learning devices, living expenses and other education-related costs. If you have any query, please feel free to connect with us. All the best!