Does Strathclyde Offer Post-Study Work Visa Eligibility?

Yes, the United Kingdom does offer international students a Post-Study Work Visa through the Graduate Visa, which was introduced in 2021. This visa allows international students who have completed a degree at a UK university to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, for a specified period after finishing their studies.

Key Details About the Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work Visa):

1. Eligibility:

o You must have successfully completed a qualifying degree at a UK higher education institution that is approved by the UK Home Office.

o You must be in the UK when applying for this visa.

o Your course must be a full-time degree at least at degree level (e.g., bachelor's, master's, or PhD).

o Your institution must confirm that you have successfully completed your course before you apply.

2. Duration:

o The Graduate Visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to two years (or three years if you have completed a PhD or doctoral qualification).

o During this period, you can work at any skill level (this means you are not restricted to graduate-level jobs).

3. Work Rights:

o You are allowed to work full-time or part-time in any job, including roles that may not require a degree-level qualification.

o There are no restrictions on the type of work or sector during the two years (or three years for PhD graduates).

4. No Sponsorship Required:

o Unlike some other visa routes (such as the Skilled Worker Visa), you do not need a sponsor to apply for the Graduate Visa.

o This provides you with more freedom to explore job opportunities and gain experience in the UK job market.

5. Path to Other Visas:

o If you find a job that meets the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker Visa (e.g., a job offer from a licensed sponsor with the required salary and skill level), you can transition to a Skilled Worker Visa after the Graduate Visa expires.

o The Graduate Visa can also provide you with the opportunity to build a career and apply for other long-term visas, such as the Innovator Visa or Start-up Visa, depending on your career goals.

Application Process:

• You must apply for the Graduate Visa before your current student visa expires.

• The application is made online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.

• You may need to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) as part of the application process.

Important Considerations:

• If you apply after your student visa expires, you will not be able to apply for the Graduate Visa, and you could face issues with your immigration status.

• The Graduate Visa is a non-extendable visa, so after the two or three years, you would need to switch to another visa (like the Skilled Worker Visa) if you wish to stay longer.

In Summary:

Yes, the UK does offer a Post-Study Work Visa through the Graduate Visa, providing international students with the opportunity to remain in the UK and work for up to two years (three years for PhD graduates) after completing their studies. This visa offers significant flexibility in terms of work opportunities and is a great way for graduates to gain work experience in the UK job market.