With graduation fast approaching, it is time for international students to plan their next steps if they want to stay in the UK for work.
For most students, graduation will take place in July, which marks a significant shift in their student visa status. Thankfully, there are a few routes you can take to extend your stay in the UK.
Which UK Visa Should You Apply for After Finishing Your Studies?
You can apply for a graduate or skilled work visa, or if you want to continue your studies, you can extend your existing student visa.
Option A: Switch to a UK Graduate Visa
After completing your course, you can apply for a graduate visa, which allows you to stay in the UK for two years. If you hold a Phd or other doctoral degree, this visa will be valid for three years.
The graduate visa offers an unsponsored route, giving you time to seek employment without needing to meet the requirements of a skilled worker visa. Your job can be at any skill level, which will help build up the necessary experience required for your dream career.
Option B: Switch to a UK Skilled Worker Visa
A skilled worker visa allows you to work in the UK in an eligible career with an approved employer. You must have a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) and be paid the minimum salary rate for the job you will be doing.
You can switch directly from a student visa as long as you have secured a job offer. This option may be more difficult as the employer will need to pay the sponsorship fee and have a sponsorship license. This means you will need to demonstrate your value head-on.
Option C: Extend Your Student Visa
If you want to specialise in a specific subject area, consider extending your student visa to study at a higher academic level than your current course.
In specialised fields, such as education, law and medicine, you may require both undergraduate and postgraduate study to apply (and progress) for a role.
You will need to have an unconditional offer from a university and show that your studies are at a higher academic level when applying to extend.
When Should You Apply for a New Visa?
If you want to switch or extend your visa, you will need to apply before your current student visa expires.
- Graduate visa: You can apply for this visa after your education provider has informed the Home Office that you have completed your course. You can switch over before you graduate or receive an official certificate.
- Skilled work visa: You can switch to a skilled work visa once you have CoS from a licensed employer (and if you have an eligible job). You can apply for this visa at any time, but it depends on finding a sponsor first.
- Student visa extension: You can apply for an extension three months before your new course begins. This course must start within 28 days of your current visa expiring.
Need Help with Your Visa Application?
Whether you are going down the graduate, skilled worker or student route, our visa consultants are here to make the application process simple.
Speak to our team today to learn how we can help you.
