The most popular destination for international students is the very well-educated UK, which has multiple courses, and also a great culture. Many international students who come to the UK to study also want to remain and work once they graduate. There are several visa options for students to work post-study in the UK. Here are six of the best UK visas for foreign students who want to stay in the UK after graduation.
1. Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) Visa
Tier 2 General Visa (now Skilled Worker Visa) — the Tier 2 General Visa for overseas students seeking to work in the UK after graduation. The visa is for students who:
- Accept an offer of work from a UK company.
- This must be an RQF Level 3 or higher job (A-levels).
- It will need to pay a salary of at least £25,600 (a concession from £30,000 in the past).
- The Tier 2 Visa no longer has a general limit to its number of applicants, and employers will no longer have to perform the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) to prove no UK employee could take up the position.
- The visa is suitable for those students who receive employment offers from a UK company in a skilled profession.
2. Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa is for high performers who wish to work in the UK. This visa is for workers in science, engineering, digital technologies, arts and humanities. To be eligible, you have to be approved by a formal body that says you’re a pioneer (unique talent) or a new pioneer (unique potential).
Global Talent Visa – launched in 2020 – for both EU and non-EU citizens from January 2021. This is a great visa for research, digital technology, or any graduate who wishes to contribute their skills to the UK.
3. Graduate Immigration Route
Introduced in July 2021, the Graduate Immigration Route allows international students to stay in the UK for 2 years after studying at a UK higher education institution. During this period you can work or seek work at all levels. This is a great deal for students who would like to do some work experience in the UK after university.
The 2 years are not extendable though, so you’ll have to change your visa if you wish to stay longer. It’s the perfect route if you want to see what jobs are available in the UK after graduating.
4. Start-up and Innovator Visas
Britain also provides Start-up and Innovator Visas for Students who wish to set up their own business in the UK.
- Start-up Visa: For students who want to start a business. The business concept must be novel, successful, and scalable, and the student should have an endorsing committee onboard.
- Innovation Visa: More established businessmen or women with £50,000+ investment funding already looking to establish themselves in the UK.
- Both visas came into force in 2019 and from 1 January 2021 both EU and non-EU citizens will be eligible. These paths are good for students who have entrepreneurial dreams and a good idea for a business.
5. Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) Visa: this is a visa that lets young people between the ages of 18 and 30 work and study in the UK for a maximum period of 2 years. Applying must have £1,890 saved up, be from one of these countries or be of a specific British nationality.
This is a great visa for students who would like to live and work in the UK for a few years, however, it is not transferrable. But it denies candidates work as professional workers, including as a physician or sportsman.
6. UK Ancestry Visa
Commonwealth citizens who have a grandparent who was born in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man qualify for the UK Ancestry Visa. For 5 years, with the opportunity to become permanently settled once you have passed the qualifying test, you can remain in the UK and work. This visa will work in any capacity and is a great visa for those who come from the UK.
The UK has various visas for foreign students who want to remain and work after they graduate. If you’re seeking a professional role, are establishing your own company, or are aiming to gain working experience, there’s a visa path for you.
If you are an international student and you want to know which visa is the best for you then Law and Visas can guide you. Our skilled immigration lawyers will help you with your visa application so that you transition from student life to working life in the UK without any snags. Call us now and start building!
