Studying in the UK? How to work visa, study abroad and permanent residence will understand** **after reading it!

In recent years, the UK has become an increasingly popular study destination, particularly for students aiming to remain in the country for long-term career development post-graduation. The UK’s academic environment and job market not only offer abundant career options but also create more possibilities for graduates to work and live in the UK after their studies.

However, a UK student visa alone does not provide long-term residency rights. To continue living in the UK post-graduation, students need to secure a work visa to pursue this goal, eventually meeting the requirements to apply for permanent residency.

Types of UK Work Visas

For graduates planning to work in the UK, understanding the right visa type is crucial for a successful application. The main visa options for graduates include:

Graduate Route

Eligibility: This visa is available to international graduates with bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees from UK universities. Validity: Bachelor’s and master’s graduates can apply for a two-year visa, while doctoral graduates are eligible for a three-year visa. Requirements: This visa does not require employer sponsorship and has no specific job or salary requirements.

Graduates must apply within six months of completing their course, and they must still hold a valid student visa at the time of application. Advantages: The Graduate Route visa allows graduates the flexibility to freely search for jobs or start businesses in the UK, providing ample opportunity for employment and skill-building. If graduates find a job meeting the necessary requirements before the visa expires, they may apply to switch to another work visa (such as the Skilled Worker Visa) for longer-term stay.

Skilled Worker Visa

Eligibility: This visa is suitable for graduates with a confirmed job offer, especially those in high-demand technical fields. Requirements: The visa requires employer sponsorship from an employer with a valid Sponsor License. Specific conditions include:

Job Requirements: The position must be on the UK government’s occupation list, covering most technical roles (e.g., technology, engineering, finance).

Salary Requirements: The annual salary must generally meet or exceed £26,200, or the minimum salary threshold for the position. The exact threshold depends on the specific job.

Language Requirements: Proficiency in English at B1 level or higher (demonstrated through IELTS or degree certification) is required.

Path to Residency: After working for five years and meeting income requirements, Skilled Worker Visa holders can apply for permanent residency. This visa is the most common choice for graduates seeking long-term residency in the UK. Renewing the visa and applying for residency require stable employment and income.

Other Industry-Specific Visas

Health and Care Visa: This visa is aimed at graduates working in high-demand healthcare fields, such as nursing, medicine, and caregiving. Requirements: Applicants must be employed by the National Health Service (NHS), an NHS supplier, or a specified employer in the healthcare industry. The annual salary requirement generally starts at £20,480 or the position’s minimum salary threshold, making it more accessible to healthcare professionals. This visa has lower application fees, faster processing, and usually does not require the additional NHS health surcharge. Path to Residency: Eligible graduates can also apply for permanent residency after five years in this field.

Each visa type has its own eligibility and requirements. For students planning to stay in the UK, it is crucial to understand and plan for financial needs at each stage. During this process, managing funds or handling cross-border transactions smoothly can be essential. For multi-asset management, BiyaPay is recommended. With BiyaPay, you can access local transfers in most regions worldwide with transaction fees as low as 0.5%, with funds typically arriving the same day. This is especially convenient for overseas users who may need to make urgent payments. For users working with digital currency, BiyaPay also offers real-time exchange to major currencies like USD and GBP, simplifying cross-border transactions and making fund management more secure and flexible.

Steps for Applying for a Work Visa

Once you have chosen the appropriate visa type, the next step is the official application process. To ensure a smooth approval, it is essential to prepare the necessary documents in advance and understand each step of the process.

1.Prepare Required Documents

Passport and ID: Ensure that your passport has a sufficient validity period and that you can provide valid identification when applying.

Degree Certificate and Transcripts: UK university graduates must provide a degree certificate and transcripts to prove they meet the educational requirements for the visa type.

Job Offer: For Skilled Worker Visa applicants, a formal job offer from a licensed sponsor is required, detailing position information, salary, and SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification).

Financial Proof: For visas other than the Graduate Route, applicants must provide proof of at least £1,270 to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, with funds held in a bank account for the three months preceding the application.

Proof of English Proficiency: IELTS scores or a degree taught in English can typically be used to meet the B1 or higher language requirement.

2.Online Application Process

Registration and Form Completion: Create an account on the UK government immigration website, select the relevant visa type, and accurately complete personal, educational, and employment information.

Application Fee Payment: Fees vary based on visa type; Graduate Route generally has a lower fee, while Skilled Worker Visa fees depend on visa duration and position category.

Biometric Appointment: After submitting your online application, schedule a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and photos. This is typically done at a UK visa application center, but it can also be completed in your home country.

3.Approval Process and Results

Processing Time: Graduate Route applications are typically processed within eight weeks, while Skilled Worker Visa applications may take around three weeks, depending on peak times and case specifics.

Application Status Updates: Check the status of your application on the immigration website, with updates sent via email.

Approval and BRP: If approved, you will receive a notification of visa approval and a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which grants legal work and residency rights in the UK. If the application is denied, you may review the reasons and have the right to request a reconsideration.

After completing the application process, graduates with valid visas can officially begin their work life in the UK.

With the application steps complete, the next step is to prepare for the transition from a work visa to UK permanent residency, ultimately achieving the goal of a long-term stay in the UK.

Transitioning from a Work Visa to Permanent Residency

Once you have obtained a work visa, the next step is planning how to gradually transition from the visa to permanent residency (PR). This process requires meeting specific work tenure, income thresholds, and other conditions to achieve the goal of “studying to residency.”

1.Meet the Residency Eligibility Requirements

Residence Duration: Most work visa holders (such as Skilled Worker Visa) must have continuously resided in the UK for five years before applying for permanent residency. During this period, applicants should avoid absences exceeding 180 days in a row to demonstrate a connection to the UK.

Income and Position Requirements: Residency applicants must meet specific salary thresholds, which vary by position. The general minimum salary is £35,800, though certain high-demand positions (e.g., healthcare) have more flexible salary thresholds.

English Language Proficiency: Residency applications typically require a B1 or higher English proficiency (per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Proficiency can be demonstrated through IELTS scores, a degree certificate, or other approved exams.

Financial Self-Sufficiency: Applicants must submit proof of income or bank statements showing they can support themselves financially. This requirement ensures that applicants can live independently without relying on public assistance.

2.Apply for Permanent Residency

Document Preparation: The residency application requires supporting documents, including a passport, visa history, residence records, employment proof, income records, and proof of English proficiency.

Submit Online Application and Pay Fees: Complete the online residency application form on the immigration website, providing accurate information. Residency application fees are generally high, with the specific cost depending on individual circumstances.

Biometric Appointment: After submission, schedule an appointment for fingerprinting and photo collection and submit the necessary supporting documents.

3.Important Considerations for Residency Applications

Absence Limits: Extensive absences during the five-year period could affect residency eligibility. It is advisable to verify your residence records in advance to avoid issues.

Document Completeness: Ensure that each document submitted meets the requirements, especially income and residence proof. Accurate and complete documents help increase application success rates.

Post-Residency Rights: Residency grants unrestricted work rights in the UK, as well as freedom of movement, without restrictions on time spent outside the country. After one year of residency, applicants can also apply for UK citizenship.

Meeting these conditions and obtaining residency provides a clear path from studying to long-term residence in the UK, a process that, while lengthy, offers a viable route to a stable future in the UK.

Whether you are a recent graduate preparing to apply for the Graduate Route or already a Skilled Worker Visa holder beginning your career journey, careful planning and precise steps can lead to a more defined career path. These insights are intended to provide practical guidance for all students planning to stay in the UK, helping you achieve your goal of transitioning from study to permanent residence.