From the 2020-21 academic year onwards, the United Kingdom will re-introduce the two-year post-study work permit visa, which will allow international students to continue living in the UK for two years after completing their undergraduate or higher-level studies, to pursue successful careers. After two years, they can convert to the Skilled Work Visa, if they find a job that meets the relevant skill requirement.

Since the visa was revoked in 2012, students have had to leave the UK four months after completing their course, unless they could secure jobs in UK within this period.

Those who hold valid UK immigration status as students, and have successfully completed a course at the undergraduate level or above – from an approved higher education provider – will qualify for the re-opened pathway. There are no caps on the number of visas that can be issued, and no restrictions on the types of jobs that students can pursue.