New Graduate Route for International Students
New Graduate Route for International Students
Many international students studying in the UK want to stay in the UK to look for work after graduation. This used to be quite difficult as students would have find an employer who would sponsor them for a work visa within a few months after their graduation. The introduction of a post-study work visa (the new Graduate Route) is a real game-changer for international students looking to remain in the UK.
New Graduate Route
From 1 July 2021, international students who successfully completed an undergraduate or a master’s degree will be able to apply for the Graduate Route to stay and work for 2 years while those who completed their PhD will be able to stay for 3 years.
What can a Graduate visa holder do?
Under the Graduate Route, successful applicants will be able to stay and work (or look for work) in the UK at any skill level for a maximum period of 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates)without sponsorship. While the Graduate Route is not a route towards settlement, graduates may be able to switch into other work visas which lead to settlement such as a Skilled Worker visa once they have found a suitable job.
Who can apply for the Graduate Route?
Eligible students with a Student Visa who graduated after 1 July 2021 are able to apply. Students need to make a new visa application from inside the UK. However, students who began their study online in their home country due to COVID-19 in the 2020-21 academic year may still be able to benefit from the Graduate Route, provided they travel to the UK before the following deadlines:
- If you are due to complete your course in the summer of 2021, you have to arrive in the UK before 21 June 2021
- If you started a one-year master’s course in January 2021, you have to arrive in the UK before 27 September 2021
Further details and some frequently asked questions are set out in this fact sheet prepared by the Home Office.
If you are interested in studying in the UK, contact us today for a free consultation.
