Post Study Work Visa UK - 2 Year Stay Back Option

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The UKs 2-Year Post Study Work Visa, known as the Graduate Route, allows international students to stay and work (or look for work) in the UK for two years after completing a Bachelors or Masters degree, and three years for PhD graduates, without needing employer sponsorship. Key eligibility includes completing a qualifying UK course on a valid Student Visa. From January 1, 2027, the duration for Bachelors/Masters graduates will shorten to 18 months, but PhD holders still get 3 years; you can later switch to routes like the Skilled Worker Visa. 

Key Features
  • Unsponsored: No job offer or employer sponsor needed to apply.
  • Flexibility: Work in any sector or skill level, gaining experience.
  • Duration: 2 years (Bachelors/Masters) or 3 years (PhD) for applications before 2027; 18 months (Bachelors/Masters) from Jan 1, 2027.
  • No Extension: Cannot be extended in the same category; must switch to another visa like Skilled Worker. 
Eligibility
  • Completed a degree (Bachelors, Masters, PhD) at a UK institution.
  • Held a valid Student Visa (Tier 4) for the course.
  • Applied within the set timeframe after your course completion. 
How it Works
  • Apply Online: Apply through the GOV.UK website before your Student Visa expires.
  • Start Date: Visa period starts from the date your Graduate Visa application is approved.
  • Next Steps: After it expires, you can apply for other visas, like the Skilled Worker Visa, if you have a qualifying job offer.

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