Many students aspire to study in The United Kingdom as it is home to some of the world’s best colleges, there is no language barrier and it is also a dream destination for travelers! However, many students drop the idea when they find out about the restriction on the UK’s post-study work visa.

Why is this so?

Well, currently, after finishing your studies in the UK, you are allowed only 4 months to find a job. Moreover, within this time frame, you need to find a job with a minimum annual salary of £30,000 to convert your student visa into a work visa. This is a huge ask for students who have just completed their studies and usually results in the aspirants leaving UK after finishing their courses.

But there’s good news!

Did you also think about studying in the UK but dropped the idea after you heard about the visa restrictions? Well, there’s fantastic news for you. The UK government, on the 11th of September, announced that foreign students would now be allowed to work/look for a job for 2 years after the completion of their course. This new work-visa allowance will be in place from next year (2020) and will make it easier for students to start a career post their studies in the UK.

Who is eligible for this new post-study work visa?

This new work visa route will be open to all foreign students who have a valid UK immigration status as a student. The student should also have successfully finished their studies (undergraduate level or above) at an educational institution that is government-approved.

What does this mean for students?

This should bring the UK back into the picture for many students. Now, not only do aspirants have access to quality universities and courses, but they also have an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and kick-start their future with a job in the UK. The new visa will allow eligible students to work, or look for a job, in a career or position of their choice, for up to two years after completing their studies in the UK.

What happens after the completion of the 2 years?

After the two years, students are allowed to switch to a skilled work visa as well. However, this is as long as they find a job that meets the minimum skill requirement for the same. Usually, within two years, the student should be able to find such a job or work their way into a position that meets such requirements.

There’s more!

Before this announcement, the government of UK also removed the limit for PhD students moving to the skilled visa route. Combined, these two announcements have surely made the option of studying in the UK alluring once again!

We hope this article has been helpful and given you a clear understanding of the UK’s new visa announcements. If you need further help or guidance regarding studying in the UK or our finance solutions, feel free to get in touch with us!