The start of summer 2021 marks new beginnings for all international students studying in the UK. The UK government announced a new post-study visa to allow international students studying in approved UK universities to stay in the UK for up to two years after graduation. This has made a huge difference for all current, as well as prospective students who want to pursue their careers in the UK.
Is it a new visa policy introduced by the UK government?
Even though this might come as a shock to you, this visa policy is not new! Prior to 2012, the UK allowed students on Tier4 visas to stay in the UK and look for a job for two years after they graduated from a UK university. However, in 2012 UK’s Prime Minister Theresa May changed that policy, and international students studying in the UK could only stay in the UK for 4 months after the completion of their degree.
Who is eligible to apply?
The Graduate route is available to international students, who have completed a degree at undergraduate level or above (or one of the limited number of professional qualifications at degree level or above) at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance, and who have a valid Tier 4 or Student visa at the time of application. (UK Gov)
Students studying master’s degrees will be allowed to stay back in the UK and work/look for work for two years, and students pursuing Ph.D. will have a post-study work visa for three years!
What does this mean for international students?
International students have been wanting a comeback of this route for years. The new Graduate Immigration Route is an advantageous policy for international students as well as UK Universities.
Graduate employment is one of the main concerns of students when choosing a university to study, and plays a major role in the university ranking as well. With enough time for students to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship from a suitable employer, the number of international students will find employment. This is very positive not just for students, but also an impressive employment rate is imperative for the ranking and reputation of a university and its career department. As an international student, you will have your university’s support in finding the right job for you and hence staying in the UK.
Things to need to know about the new PSW
While this might still be a completely new visa policy to you, we have outlined a few important things you need to know about the new graduate route. You can refer to this list whenever you find yourself having questions about the visa policy as this outlines some principle points. They are as follows:
- You need to complete the entirety of your course in the UK as a student (due to covid 19, there are specific concessions for this)
- You must have completed the qualification that was mentioned on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) associated with your Student (or Tier 4) visa (or a change of course with permission)
- You should apply to the Graduate route once your university has sent you your final course results, and do not have to wait until you have graduated to apply
- You must be in the UK when you apply
- You are not required to any show funds or finance unlike for Tier 4 application
- It is not a compulsion for you to demonstrate English language ability
It is also possible for international students to find suitable employment and switch to various other work routes from the Graduate route. This can allow the students to work in the UK and pursue their careers beyond the two years of the post-study work visa!
Generally, most students wish to switch to the Skilled Worker Route that will allow them to work with a suitable employer for up to 5 years and then possibly gain settlement rights in the UK.
Other work routes that you can switch to are Global Talent and Innovator routes.
To know how to apply for this route, please get in touch with one of our counselors or book a free counseling session!
