Studying in the UK is a great opportunity for students who want to receive world-class education while experiencing life in a different culture. However, one of the common concerns that students have is about the visa policy, especially when it comes to staying back after their studies. In this article, we will explore in detail various options available to international students looking to stay back after completing their studies.

Key Takeaways

• The UK provides various visa options to students interested in staying back after completing their studies.
• The Tier 2 Visa is a popular route for students who have a job offer from a UK employer.
• The Graduate Route, launched in July 2021, allows students to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years.
• The Entrepreneur Visa is an option for students interested in starting their own business in the UK.
• The application process for each of these visa routes varies, and applicants need to make sure that they meet all eligibility requirements and provide the necessary documents.

Tier 2 Visa

The Tier 2 Visa allows skilled workers to enter the UK and work for a UK-based employer. This visa route is also available to international students who have completed their studies and have a job offer from a UK employer. To apply for a Tier 2 visa, the applicant must score a minimum of 70 points on the points-based system, which assesses factors such as qualifications, earnings, and English language skills. The cost of a Tier 2 visa is £610, and the processing time can range from 2-8 weeks.

Graduate Route

The Graduate Route, launched in July 2021, allows international students who have completed their studies to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years. To be eligible for the Graduate Route, the applicant must have completed a degree-level course or above from a UK Higher Education Provider, and have a valid Tier 4 visa at the time of the application. The cost of a Graduate Route visa is £700, and the processing time can take up to 8 weeks.

Entrepreneur Visa

The Entrepreneur Visa is for individuals who want to set up or take over a business in the UK. This visa route is available to students who have completed their studies and have a genuine and credible business idea. To apply for an Entrepreneur Visa, the applicant must have access to at least £50,000 funding, score a minimum of 95 points on the points-based system, and provide a detailed business plan. The cost of an Entrepreneur Visa is £1,021, and the processing time can range from 3-4 weeks.

Application Process

The application process for the different visa routes can be complex, and applicants need to make sure that they meet all eligibility requirements and provide the necessary documents. The application process for each visa route varies, but generally, it involves the following steps:

1. Check eligibility – Before applying for a visa, it is important to check the eligibility requirements for the chosen visa route.

2. Gather documents – Applicants need to gather all the required documents, such as passport, academic certificates, and job offer letter (in the case of Tier 2 Visa).

3. Pay the application fee – The application fee varies for each visa route and needs to be paid at the time of the application.

4. Submit the application – The application can be submitted online or by post, depending on the visa route.

5. Biometric data – Applicants need to provide biometric data, which includes fingerprints and a photograph.

Conclusion

Staying back in the UK after completing studies can be a great opportunity for international students to gain valuable work experience and build a career in their field of interest. It is important to note that the visa application process can be complex, and applicants need to make sure that they meet all eligibility requirements and provide the necessary documents.

FAQ

Can I apply for a Tier 2 Visa without a job offer?

No. A job offer from a UK employer is mandatory to apply for a Tier 2 Visa.

Can I switch from a Tier 4 visa to a Tier 2 Visa?

Yes. If you find a job with a UK employer, you can switch from a Tier 4 visa to a Tier 2 Visa.

Are there any changes to the student visa policy due to Brexit?

There have been some changes to the student visa policy due to Brexit. However, international students are still able to study and stay back in the UK under different visa routes, such as the Graduate Route and Tier 2 Visa.