How to stay to work after graduating from university in the UK

Graduating from a university in the UK opens the door for foreign students to professional fulfillment in one of the world's leading economies, so many graduates towards the end of the educational course ask themselves: how to legally stay in the country, find a job in their specialty and gain a foothold in the British labor market?

The United Kingdom is loved by talented workers from different countries due to:

• High levels of wages in key industries,
• Reputation of British companies,
• Recognized system of professional development and mentoring,
• Multicultural environment and openness to international experience.

However, in order to take advantage of these benefits, it is necessary to build a competent strategy: from choosing an educational program to processing documents for applying for a residence permit or permanent residence. UK migration law provides for several visa routes for graduates, but each of them has strict requirements and restrictions. In addition, it is important to take into account that competition for jobs in the European country is high: employers expect applicants not only to have university diplomas, but also practical experience, soft skills and an understanding of local business processes.

In this article, we will analyze:

• Residence permits that are available to graduates,
• Features of obtaining permanent residency,
• Typical mistakes when applying for the status.

From our guide, you will learn what steps to take while studying to maximize your chances of finding a job, and how to build a strategy from a student visa to British permanent residence.

Residence permits that are available to international graduates in the UK

International graduates can stay in the UK after completing their studies under several visa schemes. The main options are the Graduate Route, Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual, and Global Talent Visa. Each of them has its own requirements and conditions.

Graduate Route

Permission to remain in the country gives foreign graduates of British universities the opportunity to stay in the state for employment or internships. It is valid for 2 years for bachelors and masters and 3 for doctoral students. In addition, visa holders can volunteer and start their own business. Sponsorship or proof of financial security is not required.

Basic requirements:

• successfully complete a programme at an accredited UK university,
• have an up-to-date student visa at the time of application,
• be in the UK when you apply.

Skilled Worker Visa

Suitable for graduates who have already received an offer from a UK employer with a sponsorship licence: the job offer must be official, the contract salary must be at least £20,960 per year (or equal to the current rate for the specific specialisation). The visa is valid for up to five years and can be extended.

Basic requirements include:

• The level of English of a foreign specialist is equal to or higher than B1,
• His specialty is in the top of those in demand in the United Kingdom.

One of the main advantages of this visa type is the ability to switch to permanent resident status after five years of living in the country.

High Potential Individual Visa

The program is designed for graduates of leading foreign universities and does not require a job offer. Bachelors and masters can get it for 2 years, and doctors of sciences for 3. Visa holders can be employed, self-employed, and volunteer, but there are exceptions to the professions available: foreigners on this visa are not allowed to work as professional athletes. It is impossible to extend the validity of this visa, as well as to obtain permanent residence after it.

Basic requirements include:

• A university diploma from the Global Universities list,
• English language level – B1 and above,
• Having £1300 or more in your bank account.

Global Talent Visa

The visa is aimed at outstanding professionals in the fields of science, arts, and digital technology. It is valid for five years and can be extended. Many formats of activity are available to visa holders: from hiring to launching their own company. Another advantage is that they can move their family to the state.

Basic requirements are the following:

• Documented confirmationof talent from an authorised UK organisation, such as the Royal Society or Arts Council England, OR
• The presence of a prestigious international award.

Features of obtaining permanent residence in the UK

Obtaining permanent residence in the UK is a complex but generally real process. It is important for foreigners from any country to follow the basic rules and requirements of the government of a European state, and it is advisable to start preparing for the move as early as possible in order to choose the most successful and easiest way possible.

To apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, you must:

• Live legally in the UK for 5 years without violating migration rules. The period may vary depending on the visa type – for example, for investors or startup owners, it may be shorter. 
• Observe the rule of continuity of residence: you cannot leave the country for more than 180 consecutive days during the year. 
• Prove English proficiency: the foreigner must have a B1 or higher (but the exact requirement may vary depending on the reason for immigration).
• Pass the Life in the UK test, which assesses knowledge of culture, history and the structure of the state. 
• Have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family without having to rely on government benefits. 
• Have no criminal record, tax debts or visa violations, not only in the UK, but also in other countries. 

Additional points that are important to consider:

• It is not possible to obtain British citizenship by investment. The only option for investors is the Innovator Founder visa, which requires the establishment and management of a business.
• Indefinite leave to remain can be lost if you have lived outside the UK for 2+ years. 

However, the status of a permanent resident of the UK, of course, has more advantages than disadvantages - for example, the holder of permanent residence in this state has the right to:

• Live and work in the UK indefinitely without restrictions,
• Receive social benefits and allowances if the requirements are met,
• Sponsor family members to obtain a residence permit,
• One year after obtaining the status, apply for British citizenship, subject to additional conditions. 

Typical mistakes when applying for residency status

Choosing the wrong visa type can lead to an unsuccessful attempt to obtain a residence permit in the UK, so it is important to carefully study all available types of visas and choose the one that best suits the goals and capabilities of the foreigner.

• The absence of even one required document can lead to a delay or rejection.
• Typos in the name, date of birth, address or other fields of the application form can raise suspicions in the immigration authorities: before submitting an application, you need to check all the data several times.
• Documents in a foreign language must be translated by a certified translator: poor-quality translation or its absence can be another reason for refusal.
• Passports, certificates and other documents must be valid at the time of application and for the duration of your stay in the UK.
• A foreign applicant must prove his financial solvency: lack of funds or the inability to confirm their origin may lead to a refusal.
• Lying in an application or providing forged documents is a serious offence that can lead not only to a refusal, but also to a ban on entry into the UK in the future. This also includes any violations during your stay in the UK on a residence permit: for example, illegal work, expired visa.
• When applying for permanent residence, you must provide evidence of continuous residence in the UK for the required period: these can be letters from a bank, utility bills, employment contracts and other documents that will confirm the connection with the country (up to children's school documents and medical prescriptions).
• A criminal record can also affect the right to obtain a residence permit and permanent residence: it is important to honestly report this and provide all the necessary documents that will confirm that the foreigner does not pose a threat to public safety.

UK immigration law changes regularly, so if you use outdated data and do not understand the current requirements, then the chance of a correct application is significantly reduced. It is important to prepare for this process carefully and, if possible, contact agents who specialize in processing documents for applying for UK visas and resident statuses.