A critical guide for international students on securing their UK post-study work rights has resurfaced after a major platform removal, revealing the essential steps to navigate the Graduate Visa application independently. The creator’s detailed tutorial was originally taken down by YouTube for violating policies on sharing personal information, prompting a surge of requests from anxious applicants left in the lurch mid-process.
In response to overwhelming demand, the content creator has meticulously re-edited the video, blurring sensitive personal data, to provide a safe and comprehensive walkthrough. This comes as thousands of students approach the end of their studies and face the pressing deadline to apply for the Graduate Route, a visa allowing them to work in the UK for up to three years post-graduation.
The process begins by navigating to the official UK Government website and searching for ‘Apply for Graduate Visa’. Applicants must create a UK Visas and Immigration account, requiring basic details like date of birth, passport information, and an email address. A crucial and often problematic step involves using the UK Immigration: ID Check app to verify identity.
The app requires scanning a Biometric Residence Permit, a step that has proven technically challenging for many. The creator notes significant difficulties with Apple iPhones during the biometric scan, while Android devices tended to work more reliably. This technical hurdle is a major point of failure for applicants attempting the process alone without legal assistance.
Required documentation is straightforward but non-negotiable: a valid passport and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies reference number from the university. This CAS number is issued after course completion and is the cornerstone of the application, proving eligibility. The entire application is completed online through the GOV.UK portal, with sections covering personal details, UK address history, and travel information.
A stark warning is issued regarding the final submission phase. The creator emphasizes that applicants must click ‘Confirm and Submit’ and await a specific confirmation email with evidence upload instructions. Failure to receive this email means the application is not submitted, a catastrophic error that could lead to overstaying. One applicant reportedly waited for a decision for over a month only to discover they had never fully submitted.
The total cost for the application is confirmed as £1,963 for the visa fee plus the £1,248 Immigration Health Surcharge, a significant financial commitment. The tutorial meticulously guides viewers through each page of the digital form, stressing the importance of double-checking all answers before proceeding. Any error in declaring immigration history or personal details can lead to refusal.
This guide fills a vital gap for students seeking to avoid substantial solicitor fees, which can add thousands of pounds to the cost of staying in the UK. The independent route, while complex, is presented as entirely viable with careful attention to detail. The creator, who successfully obtained their own visa using this method, reassures viewers that the process is manageable despite its bureaucratic nature.
The video’s re-release underscores the precarious position of international students navigating the UK’s immigration system. With high stakes and strict deadlines, a single missed step can jeopardize their future. This detailed, first-hand account serves as a critical roadmap, empowering students to take control of their application process and secure their right to work after years of study.
As the post-study work visa remains a primary draw for international students choosing British universities, clear and accurate guidance is paramount. This resource demystifies the official procedure, highlighting both the straightforward sections and the potential technical pitfalls, particularly around digital identity verification. It stands as an essential community-driven tool in an often opaque and stressful administrative journey.