Work-Study In UK: 5 Types Of Visa To Apply For

If you are an international student planning to study in the UK, you may want to consider a work-study visa. Work-study visas allow students to work part-time while studying in the UK. As a result, they gain valuable work experience and earn extra money to support their studies. In this article, we will discuss Work-Study In UK: 5 Types Of Visa To Apply For. We shall also discuss related subtopics like; Post study work visa UK eligibility, UK clarifies post-study work visa eligibility after ‘confusion’, UK visa types and fees, 2-year post study work visa UK, Tier 4 student visa work restrictions, Student visa UK working hours, How to apply for PSW visa in UK, UK visa types for work.

Table of Contents

1 Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
2 Tier 4 (Doctorate Extension Scheme) Visa
3 Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Government Authorized Exchange) Visa
4 Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) Visa
5 Tier 2 (General) Visa
6 Post study work visa UK eligibility
7 UK clarifies post-study work visa eligibility after ‘confusion’
8 UK visa types and fees
9 2-year post study work visa UK
10 Tier 4 student visa work restrictions
11 Student visa UK working hours
12 How to apply for PSW visa in UK
13 UK visa types for work
14 Frequently asked questions
15 Conclusion

Tier 4 (General) Student Visa

The Tier 4 (General) Student Visa is the most common type of visa for international students in the UK. It allows students to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during holidays. To be eligible for this visa, students must first be enrolled in a full-time course at a recognized institution. Then they must have enough funds to support themselves during their stay in the UK.

Tier 4 (Doctorate Extension Scheme) Visa

The Tier 4 (Doctorate Extension Scheme) Visa is for students who have completed a PhD or other doctoral degree in the UK. It allows students to stay in the UK for an additional 12 months to look for work or start their own business. During this time, students can work full-time or part-time, and they do not need to be sponsored by an employer.

Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Government Authorized Exchange) Visa

The Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Government Authorized Exchange) Visa is for students who want to gain work experience in their field of study. It allows students to work for up to 12 months in a UK-based organization that is approved by the UK government. To be eligible for this visa, students must have a job offer from an approved organization. They must also be sponsored by that organization.

Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) Visa

The Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) Visa is for students from certain countries who want to work and travel in the UK for up to 2 years. To be eligible for this visa, students must be between the ages of 18 and 30. They must be a citizen of Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, or Taiwan.

Tier 2 (General) Visa

The Tier 2 (General) Visa is for students who have graduated from a UK university and have a job offer from a UK-based employer. It allows students to work full-time for up to 5 years. They may also be able to apply for permanent residency after 5 years. To be eligible for this, students must have a job offer from an employer who is willing to sponsor them.

There are several other options not in this article “Work-Study In UK: 5 Types Of Visa To Apply For.” However, the ones listed are the best for you.

Post study work visa UK eligibility

The UK has recently introduced a new post-study work visa for international students. It will allow them to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after completing their studies. Here are the eligibility criteria for the post-study work visa in the UK:

Completion of a UK degree course

To be eligible for the post-study work visa, you must have completed a degree course at a UK higher education institution. This includes undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Valid visa

You must have a valid Tier 4 (General) student visa, or a Tier 4 (General) student visa that has expired within the last two years.

Study at a recognized institution

Your course must have studied at a UK higher education institution that is a registered sponsor with the UK government.

Confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS)

You must have been issued a CAS by your educational institution that confirms you have successfully completed your course.

English language skills

You must be able to demonstrate that you have the required level of English language skills. This can be done by taking an approved English language test. Also, by having an academic qualification that was taught in English.

Financial support

You must be able to show that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK.

It is important to note that the post-study work visa will not lead to settlement in the UK. However, students who wish to stay in the UK long-term may be able to switch to a different visa category that leads to settlement. Also, there may be other eligibilities not in this article “Work-Study In UK: 5 Types Of Visa To Apply For.” Therefore, ensure to stay updated.

UK clarifies post-study work visa eligibility after ‘confusion’

In September 2019, the UK government introduced a new post-study work visa. It allows international students to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after completing their studies. However, there has been some confusion surrounding the eligibility criteria for this visa. To clarify the situation, the UK government has issued a statement providing further details on who is eligible.

According to the statement, the post-study work visa is available to all international students who have successfully completed a degree at a UK higher education institution. This includes undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD courses. There is no minimum salary requirement for the visa. Also, there is no limit on the number of graduates who can apply.

In addition, the visa will be available to students who start their studies in the UK in the 2020/21 academic year or later. This means that students who have already completed their studies will not be eligible for the post-study work visa.

To apply for the visa, graduates will need to have a valid Tier 4 visa or a Tier 4 visa that has expired within the last two years. They will also need to have enough funds to support themselves during their stay in the UK.

The government has emphasized that the post-study work visa is part of its wider strategy to attract and retain the best international talent. It hopes that the visa will encourage more international students to study in the UK. Also, they hope that it will help to address skills shortages in key industries.

UK visa types and fees

There are several types of UK visas available, each with its own set of requirements, eligibility criteria, and fees. Here is a brief overview of the most common types of UK visas and their fees:

Standard Visitor Visa

This visa allows individuals to visit the UK for up to six months for tourism, business, or medical treatment. The fee for this visa is £95.

Tier 4 Student Visa

This visa is for international students who wish to study at a UK university or educational institution. The fee for this visa ranges from £348 to £475, depending on the duration of the course.

Tier 2 General Work Visa

This visa is for individuals who have a job offer from a UK employer and wish to work there. The fee for this visa ranges from £610 to £1,408, depending on the duration of the visa.

Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa

This visa is for individuals who wish to invest in and start a business in the UK. The fee for this visa ranges from £1,021 to £1,277.

Spouse Visa

This visa is for individuals who wish to join their partner in the UK. The fee for this visa is £1,523.

It is important to note that these fees are subject to change. Therefore, it is always best to check the UK government website for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, there may be additional fees for services such as priority processing, biometric enrolment, and courier services.

2-year post study work visa UK

The 2-year post-study work visa in the UK is formally known as the Graduate Route visa. It allows international students who have completed a degree from a UK higher education institution to remain in the country for up to 2 years after their studies to work or look for work. The visa is open to students who have completed an undergraduate degree or higher, including postgraduate courses.

To be eligible for the Graduate Route visa, you must have completed your studies at a UK higher education institution with a valid Tier 4 visa, have a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your institution, and meet the English language proficiency requirements. You must also apply for the visa from within the UK before your Tier 4 visa expires.

The Graduate Route visa does not require a job offer. Also, you can work in any role or sector during the 2-year period. However, if you wish to stay longer in the UK, you will need to find a job that meets the requirements for a different visa. An example is the Skilled Worker visa.

It’s important to note that the Graduate Route visa is a relatively new visa category. It may be subject to changes in the future. Therefore, it’s important to check the latest information from the UK government’s official website before making any plans.

Tier 4 student visa work restrictions

As a Tier 4 student visa holder in the UK, you are allowed to work part-time while studying. However, there are some restrictions that you should be aware of:

You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during scheduled breaks such as summer vacation.

You cannot work as a professional sportsperson, including as a coach.

Also, you cannot work as a doctor or dentist in training, unless you are on the foundation programme.

You cannot work as a professional entertainer, including a musician.

You cannot be self-employed or engage in business activities.

Also, you cannot work as a freelancer or contractor.

You cannot fill a full-time, permanent vacancy.

You cannot work as a trainee teacher, unless you are on a recognised exchange programme.

It’s important to note that if you breach your visa conditions by working more than you are allowed or in a prohibited occupation, your visa may be revoked and you may be asked to leave the country. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that you follow the work restrictions set out in your visa.
Student visa UK working hours

As a student with a Tier 4 visa in the UK, you are allowed to work a certain number of hours per week during term time and full-time during the holidays.

Student visa UK working hours

During term time, you can work:

Up to 20 hours per week if you are studying at or above degree level at a higher education institution (such as a university)
Up to 10 hours per week if you are studying at a UK further education institution (such as a college) or if you are on a study abroad program as part of a university course.
During the holidays, you can work full-time (up to 40 hours per week).

It is important to note that you cannot start working until you have registered for your course and your studies have officially started. You also need to make sure that your employer is aware of the restrictions on your visa and that they are not asking you to work more hours than is legal.

How to apply for PSW visa in UK

To apply for a PSW (Post-Study Work) visa in the UK, you need to follow these steps:

Check your eligibility: You must have completed a degree-level course from a UK university or higher education institution, or a recognized overseas institution, and have a valid Tier 4 or Student visa at the time of your application.

Prepare the necessary documents: You’ll need to prepare several documents including a valid passport or travel document, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university or college, evidence of your English language proficiency, and proof of your financial ability to support yourself during your stay in the UK.

Apply online: You can apply for the PSW visa online through the UK government website. You’ll need to create an account, fill out the application form, and pay the application fee.

Biometric appointment: After submitting your application, you’ll need to schedule a biometric appointment at a visa application center. You’ll need to provide your fingerprints and a photograph during the appointment.

Wait for a decision: The processing time for a PSW visa can vary depending on the country you’re applying from. Once your application is processed, you’ll receive a decision on whether your visa application has been approved or not.

Note: It is important to follow the requirements and instructions carefully when applying for a PSW visa to avoid delays or rejection of your application.

UK visa types for work

There are several UK visa types for individuals who wish to work in the UK:

Skilled Worker Visa: This visa is for individuals who have a job offer from a UK employer and meet the minimum points requirements based on their skills, qualifications, and salary.

Intra-Company Transfer Visa: This visa is for individuals who are transferring to a UK branch of their current employer.

Global Talent Visa: This visa is for individuals who are leaders or potential leaders in the fields of science, humanities, engineering, the arts, and digital technology.

Tier 5 Visa: This visa is for individuals who want to work in the UK on a temporary basis as a charity worker, creative worker, or sports person, among others.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa: This visa is for individuals aged 18 to 30 from certain countries who want to work and travel in the UK for up to two years.

It is important to note that each visa has specific requirements and eligibility criteria that must be met. Additionally, the application process and fees vary depending on the visa type.

Related content: Cheapest universities in Texas

Frequently asked questions

We shall also answer some FAQs in this article “Work-Study In UK: 5 Types Of Visa To Apply For”

What is Tier 5 work visa in UK?

The Tier 5 visa is a type of work visa that allows individuals to come to the UK for a temporary period. It encompasses six distinct categories, such as creative and sporting, charity, religious worker, and youth mobility scheme.

How many types of student visa are there in the UK?

There are three main types of UK student visas: Student route visa (formerly known as the Tier 4 General student visa) Child Student visa (also Tier 4) Short-term study visa.

What distinguishes the UK Tier 2 visa from the Tier 5 visa?

The main difference between the UK Tier 2 visa and the Tier 5 visa is their purpose and duration. The Tier 2 visa is for skilled workers who have a job offer from a UK employer and can stay for up to 5 years. Meanwhile, the Tier 5 visa is for temporary workers who wish to come to the UK for a short-term work assignment, cultural exchange, or other government-approved schemes and can only stay for a maximum of 2 years. Additionally, there are certain restrictions on switching between the two visa categories.

Conclusion

In conclusion, work-study visas offer international students in the UK the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and earn extra money while studying. There are 5 types of work-study visas available for international students, including the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa, the Tier 4 (Doctorate Extension Scheme) Visa, the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Government Authorized Exchange) Visa, the Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) Visa, and the Tier 2 (General) Visa. It is important to carefully consider the eligibility requirements and application process for each visa before applying.

In this article titled “Work-Study In UK: 5 Types Of Visa To Apply For,” we discussed several subtopics including; Post study work visa UK eligibility, UK clarifies post-study work visa eligibility after ‘confusion’, UK visa types and fees, 2-year post study work visa UK, Tier 4 student visa work restrictions, Student visa UK working hours, How to apply for PSW visa in UK, UK visa types for work. We hope it is informative enough for you.