Guide to Work: UK

Finding work overseas can be difficult. If you have decided to stay in the UK after graduation, in search of a new job, you need to be aware of the realities you will face.

Working in the UK as an international student can be tricky, with many companies not offering sponsorship, which allows you to access a working visa. The information below is a summary of the UK Visas and Immigration web pages. It does not represent legal advice and we recommend you research your options before applying. Find out more about working in the UK at PROSPECTS.

Graduate Route Scheme

In 2021 the UK government launched a new immigration route to enable international graduates to remain in the UK with no sponsorship requirements: Graduate Route Scheme. It is for international students who have successfully completed a degree at undergraduate, postgraduate or PhD qualifications, with a UK higher education provider (HEP) and gives you permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years (3 years for PhD).

You must apply to switch your visa in the UK before your current Tier 4 Student route visa expires. You cannot extend your Graduate visa at the end of your 2 years. However, you may be able to switch to a different visa, for example a Skilled Worker visa.

How much will it cost?

When you apply for a Graduate visa, you’ll need to:

  • pay an £822 application fee
  • pay a healthcare surcharge – this is usually £1,035 for each year you’ll be in the UK

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) requires for you to pay part of your visa application. The application visa fee is non-refundable, so if your visa is granted but you decide that you do not want the graduate route visa, there is no refund on the application fee or IHS fee.

Benefits and conditions:
  • The graduate route visa will not require sponsorship from an employer.
  • There will be no English language requirement.
  • There will be no maintenance requirement.
  • Graduates are permitted to work at any level other than in restricted professions.
  • Graduates will be able to be self-employed.
  • The graduates will have no recourse to public funds.
  • Supplementary study is allowed, but not at a student sponsor on a course type permitted under the student route.
  • No study is allowed at state schools.
  • Switching into work routes will be permitted if suitable employment is found.
Application Process:
  1. Complete your course at the UK HEP, updating your UAL Student Portal and start your Graduate Route visa application online . You can save your application form and return to it later to complete any additional information needed.
  2. Await confirmation from your university that you have successfully completed the course. Your university should notify the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course.
  3. Complete the rest of your the Graduate Route visa application, agreeing to the declaration before you complete to the payment process.
  4. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
  5. Pay for the visa application – once this payment is confirmed, download a copy of your completed application (your details and unique reference number is on the application for your reference).
  6. UK Immigration ID Check app – verify your identity. Read the instructions for downloading the app or contact details if you are experiencing any issues.
  7. If your visa is approved, you will receive an email and an eVisa will be issued. You can access the decision using your UK Visas and Immigration account.

Other working visa options

Skilled Worker Visa:

If you work in a field that the UK is looking to recruit for, you could apply for a Skilled Worker visa. Certain creative sector occupations listed on the shortage occupations list – such as architects, artists, web designers and performers – are eligible to be hired in a skilled job by an employer registered with the Home Office and with a Skilled Worker License. Graduates can apply to be a skilled worker before their Tier 4 visa expires and can remain in the UK or return to their home country. The length of the visa can vary depending on the job, and your knowledge of the English language must be at a certain level.

Temporary Work Government Authorised Exchange:

If you want to come to the UK for work experience or training, you can apply for a Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange visa. This can be applied for if you want to take up a volunteering, job-shadowing, internship, or approved work experience programme role, which will be sponsored by a licensed organisation running an approved exchange scheme. You can apply for 12 months initially, and study and additional work are allowed within the same sector and level as your work experience and be no more than 20 hours per week. Sponsors may have their own requirements and charge a separate fee.

Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme:

Graduates from certain countries can apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa from outside of the UK which lasts 2 years. Countries include: Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Monaco, San Marina, Hong Kong and South Korea under certain conditions. Any work is allowed apart from being a doctor or dentist in training and professional sports. It is also possible to be self-employed with some restrictions and to enroll in study. 

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