Guide

Working after study

Updated on 23 April 2022

If you have studied using a Tier 4 / Student visa there are several methods to work in the UK after the end of your course

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The available options for working after study will depend on your immigration status.

Working in the time remaining on your Tier 4 / student visa after completion of studies

If you have time remaining on your Tier 4 / Student visa when you complete your course you can work full-time in a temporary job until your student visa expires (as long as it doesn’t exceed 4 months and you don’t take up a permanent position).

If your employer requires evidence of completion of your studies you can request a letter to prove your right to work from studentrecords@dundee.ac.uk

If you are eligible to remain and work in the UK after study, you must meet the criteria to apply for a visa to remain in the UK before your existing visa expires. 

Skilled worker route (was Tier 2)

If you have received an offer of employment by a licensed employer to do a specific job that meets the minimum levels of skill and salary, you will be able to apply under this route from the UK or from your home country. A full guide to the skilled worker route is available on the Home Office website.

Start-up and innovator schemes

The Start-up route is aimed at people, including those with Tier 4 and Student permission, who wish to establish a business in the UK, and who have a business plan endorsed by a Home Office-approved endorsing body. It replaced the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur route.

Graduate route (known as post-study work)

This route is for students with a Tier 4 or Student visa who will complete a degree in or after the summer of 2021. In order to be eligible, such students must be in the UK for their last semester before 21 June 2021. Undergraduate and Master’s degree students will be able to apply for two years and PhD students can apply for three years after they graduate.

The Home Office has produced a fact sheet that may offer guidance.

For more information on working after your studies, please visit the UKCISA website.

Enquiries

International Advice Service

+44 (0)1382 385676

InternationalSupport@dundee.ac.uk