Studying in the UK can be a great opportunity for international students, but what happens after graduation? Many students want to stay in the UK to work, but they need a work visa to do so. In this article, we will discuss the work visa options available for international students who want to work in the UK after completing their studies.
What is a Work Visa?
A work visa is a document that allows a person to legally work in a foreign country. In the UK, there are several types of work visas available for international students who want to work after completing their studies.
What are the Work Visa Options for International Students in the UK?
There are several work visa options available for international students in the UK. These include the Tier 2 (General) visa, the Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa, and the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa.
Tier 2 (General) Visa
The Tier 2 (General) visa is a work visa that allows international students to work in the UK if they have a job offer from a UK employer. To be eligible for this visa, the student must have a job offer from a UK employer that is willing to sponsor their visa. The employer must also be a licensed sponsor, which means they have been approved by the UK government to sponsor visas.
There are several requirements that must be met in order to be eligible for a Tier 2 (General) visa. These include:
- Having a job offer from a licensed sponsor
- Being paid a minimum salary
- Being able to speak English
- Having enough money to support yourself in the UK
Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) Visa
The Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa is a work visa that allows international students to work in the UK for up to 2 years. This visa is only available to students who are from certain countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, and Taiwan.
To be eligible for a Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa, the student must:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 30
- Be from a country that is part of the scheme
- Have enough money to support themselves in the UK
- Not have children or dependents who are under 18 years old
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) Visa
The Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa is a work visa that allows international students who have graduated from a UK university to stay in the UK for up to 2 years to start their own business. To be eligible for this visa, the student must have a business idea that has been endorsed by a UK higher education institution.
There are several requirements that must be met in order to be eligible for a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa. These include:
- Having a business idea that has been endorsed by a UK higher education institution
- Having enough money to support yourself in the UK
- Being able to speak English
How to Apply for a Work Visa
To apply for a work visa in the UK, international students must first have a job offer or business idea that meets the requirements of the visa they are applying for. They must then apply for the visa online and provide the necessary documents, such as their passport, proof of funds, and a certificate of sponsorship (if applicable).
The visa application process can take several weeks or even months, so it is important to apply as early as possible. Students should also make sure they have all of the necessary documents before they apply to avoid any delays in the application process.
Conclusion
International students who want to work in the UK after completing their studies have several work visa options available to them, including the Tier 2 (General) visa, the Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa, and the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa. Each visa has its own requirements and application process, so students should carefully consider their options before applying. With the right visa and qualifications, international students can enjoy a successful career in the UK after graduation.