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Introducing the new U.K. Graduate Route Visa
Mar 14

Introducing the new U.K. Graduate Route Visa

Introducing the new U.K. Graduate Route Visa

The U.K. Government recently announced a new two year post-study work visa that would allow international students to remain in the U.K. after successfully completing a course at undergraduate level of higher, an opportunity that would be available to any graduating Play Overseas postgraduate student-athlete. The new Graduate Route, often referred to as the ‘Post-Study Work Visa’, will officially open for applications on 1st July 2021. This offers international students of any nationality the opportunity to add U.K. work experience to their resume following on from successfully completing their course.

Successful applicants will be permitted to the stay in the U.K. to work, or look for work in any sector at any level for 2 years following the completion of either a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or 3 years for students who have completed a PhD.

Any student interested in this opportunity will need to apply for a separate Graduate Route visa from inside the U.K. before their existing student visa expires. The cost of applying is £700 and students will also expected to pay a further Immigration Health Surcharge, just as they would have when entering the U.K. under their Tier 4 visa. Applicants are not required to have a job in advance of applying for the visa.

At the end of the two year period, it is not possible to extend your visa. Though if you have found suitable employment during your time in the U.K. and hope to stay beyond the two years you could then apply for a further visa to allow you to continue your work. This is something your employer would be able to discuss with you in advance of your graduate route visa expiring.

Benefits of the Graduate Route Visa

  • Masters graduates can now live and work in the UK for up to two years after completion of their degree.
  • The route is unsponsored, meaning applicants will not need a job offer to apply for the route.
  • There will be no minimum salary requirements and graduates on the route will be able to work flexibly, switch jobs and develop their career as required.

With a U.K. masters degree taking just one year to complete, we feel that this new Graduate Route offers student’s a fantastic opportunity to attend a U.K. University to enhance both their skills and resume before putting this to use in a professional environment just 12 months later.

How can we help you?

If the new Graduate Route has resulted in you wishing to study at U.K. University, please feel free to contact us as we’d be happy to our guidance.

Our team offers international students free counselling on finding the most suitable universities based on their academic background. For any student who is serious about sport, we will also help to identify which universities would allow them to compete at a high level alongside their studies.

International students wishing to see what opportunities are available to them can apply for our service via the link below!

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