When your student visa is due to expire, you may be able to extend your stay by switching to a work route or applying for a further study visa for a new course. You shouldn’t allow your Student Visa to expire before making an application for a different visa or you will be treated as an overstayer. You must apply to the Home Office in good time for a new visa or extension.
If you intend to continue your studies in the UK after graduating, you can make an application to extend the existing Student Visa. However, you must have a licensed sponsor. For example, there is a Doctorate Extension Scheme to grant students with a PhD longer in the UK to get more experience.
A Tier 4 Pilot Scheme is offered at some universities, for those who wish to take a Masters course for up to 13 months. Those who get permission to stay under this scheme will be granted 6 months of further stay to look for jobs.
Which work visas can I switch to from the Tier 4 Visa?
If you do not want to continue studying in the UK after graduation, you may be eligible to stay by taking up a job. UK businesses are keen to retain skilled individuals. You may apply to the Home Office for a Skilled Worker Visa, which allows you to be sponsored by an employer.
The Skilled Worker Visa requires that applicants meet a minimum requirement of 70 points which are acquired for meeting certain requirements: Being educated to A Level or equivalent standard, having a job offer from a licensed employer in the UK, meeting the English language skill level that is required, and meeting a minimum salary threshold (£25,600 unless the job is on the Shortage Occupation List).
Immigration Solicitors Rochdale, Manchester and Oldham
If you have any questions about the matters that are raised in this article and are in need of the help of Oldham immigration solicitors, Manchester Immigration solicitors or Rochdale immigration solicitors then contact Scarsdale Solicitors Manchester Solicitors, Rochdale Solicitors or Oldham Solicitors on 0161 660 6050 and we will be happy to help.
