One of the most common questions that arise in the mind of the person shifting to the UK is whether he or she can study under a UK work visa or not. Well, you can definitely study on a work visa.
However, there are some restrictions as well. If you are looking to study on a UK work visa, there are several routes available. In this article we will disclose the routes via which you can study on a UK work visa.
Where can I find more information about studying in the UK on a work visa?
In order to study in the UK, you will need to apply for a UK visa. This can be done online or by mail. You may also be able to get your visa without applying through a university or college.
If you are already enrolled in one of their courses and have been accepted into another degree program at an additional institution in England or Wales, then you can apply for the same.
Once your application is approved, it will take about three months before you become eligible for entry into the country as long as all necessary documentation is provided (e-visa). If there are any issues with submitting these documents properly or processing times exceed three months, then these extensions may not occur until after filing deadlines for applications end on October 31st(unless otherwise noted).
Can I study on a work visa in the UK?
The answer to the question, “can I study on a work visa in the UK?” is yes.
There are several ways to study in the UK, and they all have their own advantages and disadvantages.
One thing to keep in mind is that although you can study in the UK with a UK work visa, this may not be true for other types of visas.
For example, if you are visiting the UK as a standard visitor, then you are not allowed to study in the UK. This is due to the visitor rules, which state that a visitor should not visit the UK with the "intend to study."
Although you can study on a UK work visa, however, there are some restrictions that you need to be aware of before applying for this type of visa:
- You must be sponsored by your employer and only work for them at their establishment.
- You cannot change employers without permission.
- You cannot work more than 20 hours per week during your stay in the UK as an overseas student or trainee. It is possible to apply for permission if this is going to be an exception, but it will cost extra money and time that could otherwise be spent furthering yourself financially or academically.
- You cannot work in the UK for more than 4 months.
- You cannot use your visa to study for more than 3 years.
- You cannot switch from one course to another, so if you are studying medicine and want to switch over to the law, your visa will not allow this change of focus, and it must be done by switching courses as part of another degree (ex: BA/BSc vs. Master's).
Another thing that you need to take care of is that if you were studying on a work visa before coming to the UK and want to change your visa type or residence status. Then you must apply for permission from HM Government before doing so (this includes changing from a student into self-employed).
This process is called switching from one visa type to another and requires that all previous conditions be met by meeting certain criteria set out by HM Government.
There are several routes for studying in the UK on a work visa
There are several routes for studying in the UK on a work visa. The UK Tier 2 visa is for skilled workers, while the UK Tier 4 visa is for students and post-study work visas are available to those who have graduated from a UK university or other qualifying institution.
The Post-Study Work Visa is also known as an 'Exceptional Talent' visa and allows you to come to the UK for up to 24 months with your employer if they offer you an employment contract that lasts at least 6 months after your arrival date.
You must be sponsored by an organization that has been approved by the Home Office under this scheme, which means it will take longer than other types of visas available on our website.
How can I extend my visa for my studies?
You can apply for an extension of your UK Tier 4 visa if you are studying at a UK university or if you have already completed your studies and would like to transfer them to another course.
You can also apply for a UK tier 2 visa extension if you are studying on a short-term basis in the UK, e.g., with Erasmus+. This includes students who have completed their studies but want to change their course of study or take up extra qualifications before returning home.
If you hold a valid student visa and wish to stay in the UK beyond three months (or six months if there is no limit), then it is worth considering applying for an extension as this will allow time for applications such as work permits and permanent residency cards etc.
How long do I have to wait between finishing one course and starting a new course?
You can start a new course straight away, but there are restrictions on how long you can take to complete it. You cannot do more than one course in the same subject within 6 months of the first (unless it is an approved period of time).
In this case, you can only use up to 3 months before starting another course in that subject.
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