If you are an international student who has successfully completed your studies in the UK, you might want to stay and work in the country to gain more experience and build your career. However, to work legally in the UK, you need to obtain a work permit. In this article, we will guide you on how to get a work permit in the UK after your study.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before applying for a work permit, you need to make sure that you are eligible to work in the UK. You must have completed a degree or a diploma course from a recognized institution in the UK. Also, you need to have a valid Tier 4 student visa, and your course must have been at least 12 months long.
Step 2: Find a Job
Once you have completed your studies, you need to find a job in the UK that is relevant to your field of study. You can search for job vacancies on job portals, social media, or company websites. You can also attend career fairs or approach recruitment agencies.
Step 3: Check the Job Requirements
Before applying for a job, you need to check if you meet the job requirements. Employers in the UK have to follow strict guidelines when hiring international workers. They need to prove that they cannot find a suitable candidate from the UK or the European Economic Area (EEA) before they can offer you a job.
Step 4: Apply for a Work Permit
If you have found a job and your employer is willing to sponsor your work permit, you can apply for a Tier 2 (General) visa. You need to apply online on the UK government website and pay the visa fee. You also need to provide the following documents:- Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer- Proof of your English language proficiency- Evidence of your financial status- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable)
Step 5: Attend Biometric Appointment
After submitting your online application, you need to attend a biometric appointment at a UK visa application center. At the appointment, your fingerprints and photograph will be taken, and you need to provide your original documents for verification.
Step 6: Wait for the Decision
After attending the biometric appointment, you need to wait for the decision on your visa application. The processing time varies depending on the country you are applying from, but it usually takes around 3 weeks. If your application is successful, you will receive a visa vignette in your passport, which allows you to enter the UK.
Step 7: Collect Biometric Residence Permit
Once you have entered the UK, you need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days from a designated Post Office. The BRP is your official document that proves your right to work in the UK.
Conclusion
Getting a work permit in the UK after your study is a complex process that requires careful planning and preparation. You need to ensure that you are eligible to work in the UK, find a job that meets the requirements, and apply for a work permit online. If you follow these steps, you can increase your chances of obtaining a work permit and building your career in the UK.