Post-Study Visa UK for Nigerians

Are you Looking to Remain in the UK After your Studies?

Our dedicated professionals are ready to help you navigate your Post-Study Work Visa application process, ensuring that you understand all requirements. We have successfully helped numerous Nigerian students in obtaining this visa after their graduation, so do not hesitate to contact us today for immediate assistance.

Nigerian Emigration

For Nigerian emigration matters, please call +44 (0) 3316300929 or +2342013306361

Other Immigration and Emigration Matters

For immigration/emigration to/from other countries, please call:

US –  +1 844 290 6312

Ireland –  (+353) 061 518 025

UK –  (+44) 333 4149244

Post-Study Visa Eligibility

To be eligible for the UK Post-Study Visa, an international student must have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the UK. This visa operates on a point-based immigration system, requiring students to score 70 points for qualification, primarily awarded for course completion. The student must hold a Student Visa from a registered UK higher education institution where they completed their bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.

During the study, the student should have resided in the UK, with exceptions made those on “study abroad programs” or those forced to study from home for exceptional reasons.

It is also important to note that the Post-Study Visa is only allowed to applicants once and that all applicants will need to meet a range of criteria including being of good character and being able to proof their identity.

Courses Eligible for the Post Study Visa

To qualify for a UK Post Study Visa, the applicant must have successfully completed a course awarding them any of the following:

• A UK bachelor’s degree or a postgraduate degree resulting in a master’s or Ph.D
• The Legal Practice Course (LPC) in England and Wales, a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland, or a Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland
• A Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) conversion course, as validated by the Joint Academic Stage Board in England and Wales
• The Bar Practice Course (BPC) in England and Wales, or the Bar Course in Northern Ireland
• A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)
• A foundation program in Dentistry or other doctoral qualification
• A professional course with certain reserved activities regulated by UK law or the UK public authority

To be eligible for a UK Post-Study Visa, you must ensure your completed course is eligible. If you are unclear if your course qualifies then consult with an immigration specialist who can give advice.

Applying for a Post Study Visa

Overview

Those who have finished their studies and wish to remain in the UK for work should apply for the Graduate Visa. The student can apply to stay as soon as the Home Office is notified by the sponsoring college or university that they have completed and passed their degree course.

Applicants can be made directly via the UK immigration website. It is important to submit the application with the correct paperwork and you must also pay the application and healthcare fees when applying.

Required Documents for Post Study Visa

As part of the application process you will need to provide the following documents:

• Your valid passport and current Student BRP if you were given one when applying for your Student Visa or Tier 4 Visa
• The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number that supported your initial Student Visa application
• A letter of consent to remain in the UK if your studies were financially sponsored by your home government or an international scholarship agency.

How Much Does the Graduate Visa Cost in the UK?

The current Post-Study Visa application fee in the UK is £937. In addition, applicants must also pay the annual immigration health surcharge. This costs £1035 per year and allows Graduate Visa holders the right to access a range of National Health Service benefits.

Timeline For Visa Processing

Usually, the decision on your application takes about eight weeks. During this period, you’re not allowed to travel overseas until you receive your Post-Study Visa status. After the 8 weeks wait period, your visa application may be successful or rejected. Your application may be rejected due to several reasons, including:

• Failure to pass your course or dissertation
• Failure to extend your Visa timely
• Submitting your Post-Study Visa application outside the UK or submitting multiple applications

Ensure your application is accurate, complete, and timely to avoid potential rejections. If you need help applying for the Post-Study Visa, contact us for professional advice from our experienced team. We can help ensure your application is completed to the highest standards and meets the Home Office requirements to reduce the risk of refusal.

Call us on +2342013306361 or our UK office on +44 (0) 3316300929 if you are unclear about what your next steps are following a visa refusal.

Benefits of a Post-Study Work Visa

One of the major benefits of a Post-Study Visa is that it allows international students to gain relevant work experience in the UK. Successful Post-Study Visa applicants are entitled to work in most paid jobs as well as being self-employed or take on voluntary work.

However, Graduate Visa holders are prohibited from working as professional sportspersons or coaches. Those looking be employed in this field may want to consider the alternative International Sportsperson Visa offered by the UK Home Office.

In addition, Post-Study Visa holders are not entitled to claim any public funds such as state benefits while residing in the UK.

How Long Does Post-Study Visa Last?

The UK Post-Study Visa is valid up to 2 years for bachelor’s and master’s holders and up to 3 years for Ph.D. holders.

As the visa can not be extended, holders must apply for an alternative visa or leave the UK once the visa expires.

There are a number of visa options available to Graduate Visa holders although it depends on the exact circumstances.

For those wanting to continue to work in the UK, then the Skilled Worker Visa pathway may be a suitable options, while those with family ties may be eligible through a range of Family Visa options.

Reach out to us to find out more about your options for staying in the UK if your Graduate Visa is due to expire shortly.

How Can IAS Help?

Every year, many individuals apply for a Post-Study Visa. While a significant number are successful, some applications fail due to not meeting specific requirements, causing stress and worry.

IAS is a team of experienced and empathetic immigration advisers. We have a long track record of helping individuals secure their Post-Study Visa in the UK, and our aim is to reduce unnecessary stress throughout the process.

We can work with you from the initial application stage and ensure you have a strong chance of securing your visa. We can also help in ensuring you have submitted the correct supporting documents.

To learn more about our services and how we can support you with your Post-Study Visa application, please call us on +2342013306361 or our UK office on +44 (0) 3316300929. You can also reach out to us online today.