Can I stay in the UK after my studies to work?

If your student visa is still valid, you will be able to work full-time in the UK whilst waiting for your graduation ceremony as long as you have finished your course (including completing your dissertation/project/viva).

Students who have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate  degree may be entitled to apply for a 2 year visa to allow them to look for work in the UK. This is called a 'Tier 1: Post Study Work' visa.

This scheme is available until April 2012.

When can I apply for a Post Study Work visa?

You can apply for this kind of visa when you have successfully completed your course and been awarded your Degree by the Departmental Exam Board. To make a successful application, you will need to show written proof from the University that you have successfully completed your course - this letter will be sent to you automatically by Registry or the Graduate Office if you are a postgraduate student. This means it is very important that you make sure that Registry have your up-to-date contact information.

If you are an Undergraduate student and want to apply for the Post Study Work visa, you will need to request a Tier 1 letter by visiting the Registry Office.

When do I receive my Post Study Work letter?

How do I make an application?

For further information about how to make an application for a Post Study Work visa, please attend a Tier 1 Information Session.

This Information Session will explain all the documents you will need to make a Post Study Work application and a trained adviser will be able to answer any questions you have. You may also wish to bring the application form with you as there may be time to go through it with an adviser at the end of the session.

Alternatively, you can find information on the Home Office Website. 

UKCISA also publish a useful document, called 'Notes on Completing form Tier 1 (Post Study Work)' (please refer to the right hand side of the page).