Post Study Work Permit in UK for Indian Students: A Comprehensive Guide to the Graduate Route

UK has consistently been a popular study destination for students planning to study abroad. The UK has world-class institutions and offers various job opportunities; this is why students choose to stay back and build their careers in the UK after completing their studies. 

Regarding Post Study Work Permit in the UK, also known as the Graduate Route, it is mainly the pathway or route for international students to stay back in the UK and work after their academic program has ended. Let's discuss the Graduate Route, eligibility criteria, application process, and everything you need to know about the Post Study Work Permit in the UK.
 

Introduction to the Graduate Route 
 

The Graduate Route is a temporary visa for international students to live, study, and work in the UK after completing their education. This route is open to all students, including those of Indian origin, with valid immigration status in the UK. The Graduate Route is designed to retain the brightest students worldwide and help them explore career opportunities in the country.
 

In recent years, the UK government has implemented various measures to simplify the process for foreign students to stay in the country for employment prospects after finishing their education. The Graduate Route enables students to stay in the country for around 2 years after completing their undergraduate as well as master's degree and up to 3 years for Ph.D.

Eligibility Criteria for the Graduate Route
 

To be eligible for the Post Study Work Permit in the UK, students must meet the following criteria:
 

• Must have a valid Tier 4 (General) student visa or a Student Route visa at the time of application.
• Must have completed an undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral degree from a UK Higher Education Provider approved by the Home Office.
• Must apply within the UK.
• The application must be submitted within six months of obtaining the degree or qualification.

Types of Post-Study Work Visas in the UK

There are several categories of long-term work visas the UK Government provides based on the type of work an individual plans to do. These visas allow international students to stay and work in the UK after completing their studies:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Health and Care Worker Visa
• Intra-company Transfer Visa
• Minister of Religion Visa
• International Sportsperson Visa
  
   

Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa is replaced by the Tier 2 (General) work visa in the UK, allowing individuals to stay in the UK and work with an approved employer.

Eligibility Criteria: 

• The Home Office must approve the employer in the UK.
• The employer must provide a 'Certificate of Sponsorship' specifying the job role in the UK.
• The job must be on the list of eligible occupations.
• The applicant must be paid a minimum salary.
• Proof of English language proficiency is required when applying for a work permit.
  
   

Health and Care Worker Visa

This visa allows professionals in the field of medicine to stay and work with the NHS supplier, National Health Service (NHS), or an adult social care unit in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The applicant must be a doctor, nurse, health or adult social care professional.
• Have a qualified health or social care-related job.
• Be employed under a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
• Have a 'Certificate of Sponsorship' from the employer stating the job role in the UK.
• Be paid the minimum salary depending on the job type.
• Provide proof of English language proficiency.
  
   

Intra-company Transfer Visa
 

This visa applies to individuals who come to the UK to do an eligible job at the UK branch of their employer. This visa has replaced the Tier 2 Intra-company Transfer Visa.

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Be an existing employee of an organization approved by the Home Office.
• Have a 'Certificate of Sponsorship' from the employer describing the job role.
• Be employed in an eligible occupation.
• Have a minimum salary of £42,400 in order to get an Intra-company Transfer visa or £23,000 for an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa.

Minister of Religion Visa 

This visa is required for individuals offered a job in a faith community in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Have a 'Certificate of Sponsorship' for the job.
• Provide proof of English language proficiency.
• Be 18 years or older at the time of application.
• Provide tuberculosis test results if from a listed country.
• Show personal savings to support oneself in the UK.
• Provide travel history from the last five years.

International Sportsperson Visa

The International Sportsperson Visa is applicable in the following situations:

• The applicant has been certified as an elite sportsperson or qualified coach at the highest level of their profession by the sport's governing body.
• The application has an endorsement from a sport's governing body.
• The employer can help in the development of sports in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Provide a valid 'Certificate of Sponsorship' for the job.
• Submit proof of English language proficiency.
• Provide tuberculosis test results if from a listed country.
• Have personal savings to support yourself while staying in the UK.
• Provide travel and travel history from the last five years.
• Must have an eligible qualification.

How to Apply for a Post-Study Work Permit in the UK?

Students who intend to work in the UK can apply for a work visa up to three months before the intended start date. One must submit their application for a work permit online together with the necessary paperwork and application fee. The standard processing time is around 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK and eight weeks from within the UK.

Cost of a Work Permit after Study in the UK

When applying for a UK student visa post-study work permit, the following expenses must be considered:
 

• Application fees range between £625 to £1,423 depending on where the application is made and the duration of stay in the UK.
• Annual healthcare surcharge of £624.
• Minimum £1,270 to support oneself when arriving in the UK.
   

Documents Required to Apply for Post-Study Work Permit in the UK
 

A documents checklist to complete the application process is given below:

• The reference number on the Sponsorship Certificate.
• Proof of English language proficiency scores.
• Copy of passport or other document for proof of identity.
• Details of job title and annual salary.
• Occupation code of the job.
• Name of the employer and their sponsor license number.
   

Additional Documents that May be Required:
 

• Proof of savings, such as bank statements, to support oneself in the UK.
• Tuberculosis test results if from a listed country.
• Certificate of criminal records.
• Proof of relationship with a partner or children who are applying as dependents.
• A valid ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate.
   

The New Graduate Immigration Route in UK

The UK Government announced the Graduate Immigration Route for individuals with a degree or appropriate qualification from an authorized UK Higher Education provider on July 1, 2021. This rule authorizes international students to apply and stay in the UK for 2 years after completing an undergraduate or master's degree and 3 years for Ph.D. candidates.

Students must complete their program and have valid Tier 4 permission to apply for this route. Decisions on visas are typically made within eight weeks. No sponsorship or endorsement from the university or employer is required to apply for the graduate immigration route.

Working in the UK: Opportunities and Challenges

Working in the UK offers numerous opportunities for career growth and personal development. A diverse culture, thriving job market, and high quality of life make it an attractive destination for international students. However, challenges such as the high cost of living, job competition, and meeting visa requirements must be considered.

The new Graduate Route provides an excellent opportunity for students to stay back in the UK for two years after completing their studies with minimal hassle. For those seeking permanent residency in the UK, applying for a work permit such as the Skilled Worker Visa can lead to permanent residency.