If you’ve completed your MBA at a UK university, the strong connections these institutions maintain with industry leaders and businesses open up various career options for Indian students. Through networking, internships, and job placements, students can align their studies and professional interests. Even for those graduating from a university outside the UK, exploring work opportunities is viable. The vibrant UK economy in finance, technology, media, and healthcare, along with its multicultural environment, facilitates engagement with diverse communities, fostering personal growth and cross-cultural understanding. The high standard of living, excellent healthcare, infrastructure, and cultural richness make the UK appealing for international students. If interested, delving into work opportunities is feasible, and the article aims to illuminate the process of obtaining a PSW Visa in the UK.
Benefits of applying for a post study work permit visa after studying MBA in UK
The Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) is a short-term visa that gives international students a great chance to live, study, and work in any field they choose after finishing their education. This route is open to everyone, including Indian-origin students with immigration status in the UK. The Graduate Route is for students enrolled at an institution approved by a UK Higher Education Provider. The UK is taking this step to keep the brightest students from around the world and assist them in finding career opportunities in the country.
Completing an MBA in the UK not only enhances your skills but also opens doors to numerous opportunities, with the added advantage of a Post Study Work Permit Visa providing several benefits for your career prospects.
Applying for a post-study work permit visa after completing an MBA in the UK offers several benefits:
- Extended Stay: A post-study work permit allows you to stay in the UK after completing your MBA, giving you more time to explore career opportunities.
- Work Experience: It provides an opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the UK, enhancing your skills and making you more attractive to employers.
- Networking: Staying in the UK allows you to build a professional network, connect with industry professionals, and increase your chances of securing a job.
- Global Exposure: Working in the UK provides international exposure, broadening your perspective and making you more versatile in a global job market.
- MBA Career Prospects: The UK, with its vibrant industries, offers ample opportunities for MBA graduates. A post-study work permit significantly enhances your likelihood of securing relevant and rewarding career opportunities in your specialized field.
- Potential for Permanent Residency: Depending on the circumstances, the post-study work permit could be a pathway to obtaining permanent residency in the UK.
- Application of MBA Skills: Applying the skills and knowledge gained during your MBA in a real-world work environment can be a rewarding experience.
- Cultural Enrichment: Continued stay allows for further cultural immersion, helping you adapt to the professional and social aspects of the UK.
Different Types of Post-Study Work Visas in the UK
If you want to stay in the UK after your MBA studies, you have to get a UK PGWP or UK Post Graduate Work Permit. There are four main types of long-term work visas given by the UK Government, and they depend on the kind of job you plan to do.
- Skilled worker visa
- Health and care work visa
- Senior or specialist worker visa
- Minister of religion visa
- International sportsperson visa
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa is a type of visa in the UK that allows individuals to work in skilled occupations. To be eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa, you generally need to be eligible:
- Your UK employer needs approval from the Home Office.
- Your employer must give you a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ for your job in the UK.
- You must have a job offer from an approved UK employer before you apply for a Skilled Worker visa.
- Your job must be on the list of approved occupations.
- You need to receive a minimum salary.
- You must show proof of your English language skills when applying.
Health and Care Work Visa
This visa lets healthcare professionals work in the UK with the NHS, an NHS supplier, or in adult social care.
Eligibility:
- You must be a doctor, nurse, or work in health or adult social care.
- Your job should be eligible in health or social care.
- You need to work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
- Your employer must give you a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ with your job details.
- You should receive a minimum salary based on your job.
- Show proof of English language proficiency.
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
This visa is for those coming to the UK to work in an eligible job at their employer’s UK branch. It has been replaced by the Intra-Company Transfer Visa (Tier 2).
Eligibility:
- You must be a current employee of a Home Office-approved organisation.
- Your employer must provide a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ detailing your UK job role.
- Your occupation should be eligible.
- For an Intra-Company Transfer visa, the minimum salary is £42,400, and for an Intra-Company Graduate Trainee visa, it is £23,000.
Minister of Religion Visa
You’ll require this visa if you get a job in a faith community in the UK.
Eligibility:
- Possess a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ for your job.
- Show evidence of English language proficiency.
- Be 18 years or older when applying.
- Provide tuberculosis test results if from a specified country.
- Demonstrate personal savings to sustain yourself in the UK.
- Furnish travel history from the last 5 years.
International Sportsperson Visa
The International Sportsperson Visa is relevant in the following situations:
- You have been recognized as an elite sportsperson or qualified coach at the highest level by the sport’s governing body.
- Your application is endorsed by a sport’s governing body.
- Your employer can potentially contribute to the development of sports in the UK.
Eligibility:
- Furnish a valid ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ for your job.
- Provide evidence of English language proficiency.
- Submit tuberculosis test results if from a specified country.
- Possess personal savings to support yourself during your stay in the UK.
- Present travel and travel history from the last 5 years.
- Hold an eligible qualification.
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for Post Study Work Permit Visa in UK
It is essential for applicants to be physically present in the UK when applying for the Graduate Route, and the noteworthy aspect is that there is no requirement to provide evidence of funds or demonstrate English language proficiency separately. The completion of a UK university degree serves as sufficient proof of language proficiency. Additionally, applicants must have pursued a qualifying degree as mentioned in the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) linked to either a Student visa or Tier 4 visa.
To be eligible for a Graduate Visa:
- Presence in the UK during application
- Completion of a bachelor’s, postgraduate, or other eligible degree in the UK for a minimum duration under a Student visa or Tier 4 student visa
- Possession of a valid Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
- Confirmation of course completion by the education provider to the Home Office
- You are also required to find a suitable job so that you can move towards a general work visa after your first year of graduation.
- You must submit your application for the visa within 12 months of completion of the program.
- You must be independent financially, so you do not require monetary aid.
Duration of Stay on the Graduate Visa
The Graduate Visa allows for a period of 2 years, and if you hold a Ph.D. or another doctoral qualification, the visa duration extends to 3 years. The commencement of your visa period is determined from the day your application receives approval.
Documents Required to Apply for Post Study Work Permit in UK
- Passport: A valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
- Visa Confirmation: Proof of your current Student Visa or Tier 4 visa.
- Confirmation of Studies: Evidence confirming the completion of your course, provided by your educational institution.
- Certificate of Sponsorship: If applicable, a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer stating your job role.
- English Language Proficiency: Proof of English language proficiency, if required.
- Tuberculosis Test Results: Results of a tuberculosis test, if you are from a country on the list requiring the test.
- Personal Savings: Documentation to demonstrate personal savings to support yourself in the UK.
- Travel History: A record of your travel history for the past five years.
- Job Offer: If you have a job offer, provide relevant documentation, including the terms and conditions of employment.
- Maintenance Funds: Proof of funds to support yourself during the initial period of your stay in the UK.
- Proof of Relationship: partner or children who are applying as your dependents.
How to Apply for a Post Study Work Permit Visa in UK?
The UK is renowned for hosting some of the world’s top colleges and universities, attracting thousands of international students annually for higher education. With the introduction of the Post Study Work Visa, also known as the Graduate Route visa, students now have the opportunity to stay in the UK for job hunting and employment. If you’re interested in applying for this visa but unsure of the process, follow this step-by-step guide:
- Apply online for the Graduate Route visa.
- Ensure your partner and children apply separately.
- Check the required documents for the application and gather them for submission. Necessary documents include:
- A valid passport and other travel documents indicating your nationality and identity.
- Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), obtained when applying for your Tier 4 or Student visa.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number from your previous application.
- Demonstrate your relationship with your partner and children if they are applying alongside you.
- Obtain a letter from your sponsorship provider, endorsing your application, particularly if they covered your fees and living expenses in the previous year.
- Verify your identity and submit supporting documents as part of the application process. Utilize the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app to scan your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
- If unable to scan your BRP with the app, visit a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point for photograph and fingerprinting. Once identity is confirmed, further guidance will be provided.
- After submitting your application online, proving your identity, and providing necessary documents, the decision may take up to eight weeks. An email will be sent to inform you of the decision, along with instructions for the next steps.
- If your application is approved, you gain the right to live and work in the UK. Specific details about the permissions and restrictions of your Post Study Work Visa UK will be provided upon approval.
What you CAN and CANNOT do with a UK Post Study Work Visa?
With a Graduate Visa, you can:
- Work in Most Jobs: The Graduate visa allows you to work in a wide range of jobs in the UK.
- Look for Work: You have the freedom to actively search and apply for job opportunities during your stay.
- Be Self-Employed: The visa permits you to pursue self-employment opportunities if you choose to establish your own business.
- Continue Living in the UK with Family: If your partner and children are eligible, they can also live with you in the UK throughout your visa duration.
- Do Voluntary Work: You can engage in voluntary work, contributing to community or social causes.
- Travel Abroad and Return: The visa allows you to travel outside the UK and return without affecting your visa status.
However, there are certain restrictions: ( CANNOT DO )
- Apply for Most Benefits or State Pension: You are not eligible to apply for most public funds or the State Pension.
- Work as a Professional Sportsperson: The visa restricts you from engaging in professional sports as a paid athlete.
If your Graduate visa application is successful, you will receive a comprehensive list outlining specific activities that are permissible and restricted under the terms of the visa.
Facilitate Your UK Work Permit Post MBA Completion with Ternien Edu
Ternien Edu, acknowledged as a leading MBA Abroad Admission Consultant in India and an official agent for the UK British Council, plays a pivotal role in facilitating the admission process as well as the post study work visa applications. We offer comprehensive guidance on all the details you need before submitting your application to the authorities. Additionally, we can help you compile necessary documents and prepare for your interview. With our support, you can be confident in receiving approval for your application. For further information, please reach out to us. Contact us.
FAQs
- How Much Does a Work Permit after Study in UK Cost?
The standard fee ranges from £719 to £1,500, depending on your circumstances, for example, where the graduate is applying, the type of visa they are switching from, the employer’s size, and whether the employer already has a sponsor license.
- How Long Does a Post Study Work Visa Last?
The UK’s Post Study Work Visa is usually issued for a period of 2 years, with the possibility of extension for specific individuals holding doctoral qualific
- Can I Apply For a Post Study Work Visa Without an Employer?
To be eligible for this option, you need to successfully finish your program and hold valid Tier 4 permission. The visa decision usually takes up to 8 weeks. Importantly, you don’t need sponsorship or endorsement from your university or employer to apply for the graduate immigration route.
- What to do After the UK Post Study Work Visa Expires?
Once the Post Study Work (PSW) visa in the UK concludes, students wishing to extend their stay must submit an application for a skilled worker visa, general worker visa, or an applicable visa category. However, to qualify for a skilled worker visa, the applicant should have an annual income of at least £25,600 or £10.10 per hour (whichever is higher). For a general worker visa, a confirmed job offer is a prerequisite.
- Can I work in the UK after completing my MBA in UK?
After finishing their studies, students from other countries can stay longer for 2 years on their student visa. After that, they need to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa to continue staying and working in the UK.
- When should I start applying for a post study work permit?
Apply for the visa before your student or Tier 4 (General) visa expires. You can do this once your university or college informs the Home Office that you’ve finished your course successfully.
- Can I bring my dependents with me on a work permit?
Your eligible partner and children have the option to apply to accompany you or remain in the UK as your ‘dependants.’ They must complete individual applications. If their applications are approved, their visas will typically expire on the same date as yours.
- Can I apply for permanent residency after working in the UK?
In many instances, permanent residency (PR) is attainable after holding the Skilled Worker visa for a period of 5 years. Currently, for non-EU nationals, the Skilled Worker visa stands out as one of the most straightforward routes to achieve permanent residency in the UK. Various UK work visas, including the Skilled Worker visa, make individuals eligible for UK residency.
