If you are interested in studying or working in the United Kingdom (UK), you may need to apply for a visa that allows you to do so. Depending on your qualifications, skills and goals, there are different types of visas that you can apply for. In this article, we will explain how to apply for three of the most common visas for students, graduates and experienced hires who want to study or work in the UK with visa sponsorship from an approved employer or education provider.
Student Visa
A Student visa is for people who want to study a full-time course in the UK that is at least at the level of a UK bachelor’s degree or equivalent. You must be 16 or over and have an offer from a licensed student sponsor, such as a university or college. You must also have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course, and prove your knowledge of English. You can apply for a Student visa up to six months before your course starts if you are outside the UK, or up to three months before if you are inside the UK. You can usually stay in the UK for up to five years if your course is at degree level or above, or up to two years if it is below degree level.
How To Apply for Student Visa
To apply for a Student visa, you need to follow these steps:
Check if you meet the eligibility requirements for a Student visa. You can use the online tool to check which visas you are eligible for.
Prepare the evidence you need to support your application. You will need to provide documents such as your passport, your certificate of sponsorship from your education provider, your bank statements or proof of funds, and your English language test results. You may also need to provide other documents depending on your circumstances, such as a tuberculosis test result or an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate. You can find out what documents you need to apply.
Apply online for a Student visa. You will need to create an account, fill in an online form, pay the application fee and the healthcare surcharge, and prove your identity. You can prove your identity by scanning your biometric residence permit or passport with the UK Immigration: ID Check app, or by booking an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point. You can apply for a Student visa.
Wait for a decision on your application. You will usually get a decision within three weeks if you are outside the UK, or within eight weeks if you are inside the UK. You can check the status of your application online. You will receive an email with the decision and instructions on what to do next.
Travel to the UK and collect your biometric residence permit. You can arrive in the UK up to one week before your course starts if it lasts six months or less, or up to one month before if it lasts more than six months. You must not travel to the UK before the start date on your visa. You will need to show your passport and your visa decision letter at the UK border. You will also need to collect your biometric residence permit (BRP) from a designated post office or your education provider within 10 days of arriving in the UK. Your BRP is a card that proves your right to study and work in the UK.
Graduate Visa
A Graduate visa is for people who have successfully completed a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course with a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa, and want to stay in the UK to work or look for work. You must be in the UK when you apply. You can apply for a Graduate visa after your education provider has told the Home Office that you have completed your course. You do not have to wait until you have graduated or received a certificate. You can apply for a Graduate visa up to three months before your current visa expires. You can usually stay in the UK for two years with a Graduate visa, or three years if you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification.
How to Apply for a Graduate Visa
To apply for a Graduate visa, you need to follow these steps:
Check if you meet the eligibility requirements for a Graduate visa. You must have completed a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course with a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa, and your education provider must have confirmed this to the Home Office. You can check if your course is eligible and how long you need to have studied in the UK.
Prepare the evidence you need to support your application. You will need to provide documents such as your passport, your current visa or BRP, and your certificate of sponsorship from your education provider. You may also need to provide other documents depending on your circumstances, such as your academic transcript or diploma. You can find out what documents you need to apply.
Apply online for a Graduate visa. You will need to create an account, fill in an online form, pay the application fee and the healthcare surcharge, and prove your identity. You can prove your identity by scanning your BRP or passport with the UK Immigration: ID Check app, or by booking an appointment at a UKVCAS service point. You can apply for a Graduate visa.
Wait for a decision on your application. You will usually get a decision within eight weeks. You can check the status of your application online. You will receive an email with the decision and instructions on what to do next.
Stay in the UK and work or look for work. You can work in any job at any skill level with a Graduate visa, except as a professional sportsperson or coach. You can also travel in and out of the UK. You will be able to prove your right to live and work in the UK online. You may also receive a new BRP when your application is approved.
Skilled Worker Visa
A Skilled Worker visa is for people who want to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. You must have a job offer from an employer who has a sponsor licence and can issue you a certificate of sponsorship. You must also do a job that is on the list of eligible occupations, be paid a minimum salary, and prove your knowledge of English. You can apply for a Skilled Worker visa up to three months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. You can usually stay in the UK for up to five years with a Skilled Worker visa, and you can apply to extend it or switch to another visa if you meet the eligibility requirements.
How to apply
To apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you need to follow these steps:
Check if you meet the eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker visa. You must have a job offer from an approved employer, a certificate of sponsorship, a job that is on the list of eligible occupations, a minimum salary, and a knowledge of English.
Prepare the evidence you need to support your application. You will need to provide documents such as your passport, your certificate of sponsorship, your bank statements or proof of funds, and your English language test results. You may also need to provide other documents depending on your circumstances, such as a criminal record certificate or a tuberculosis test result. You can find out what documents you need to apply.
Apply online for a Skilled Worker visa. You will need to create an account, fill in an online form, pay the application fee and the healthcare surcharge, and prove your identity. You can prove your identity by scanning your BRP or passport with the UK Immigration: ID Check app, or by booking an appointment at a UKVCAS service point. You can apply for a Skilled Worker visa.
Wait for a decision on your application. You will usually get a decision within three weeks if you are outside the UK, or within eight weeks if you are inside the UK. You can check the status of your application online. You will receive an email with the decision and instructions on what to do next.
Travel to the UK and start your job. You can arrive in the UK up to 14 days before the start date on your visa. You must not travel to the UK before this date. You will need to show your passport and your visa decision letter at the UK border. You will also need to collect your BRP from a designated post office or your employer within 10 days of arriving in the UK. Your BRP is a card that proves your right to work and stay in the UK.
Conclusion
The UK offers various visa options for students, graduates and experienced hires who want to study or work in the UK with visa sponsorship. Depending on your qualifications, skills and goals, you can apply for a Student visa, a Graduate visa or a Skilled Worker visa. Each visa has its own eligibility requirements, application process and duration. You should check the official guidance and consult your employer or education provider before you apply. You should also prepare the necessary documents and evidence to support your application. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can apply for the visa that suits your needs and pursue your academic or career aspirations in the UK.
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