UKVI have announced that the new graduate working Visa for international students will be available from the  1 July 2021.

Graduate Visa route for International Students

This new Visa category will be available for international students from 1 July 2021 for those who successfully complete a course of study in the UK either a bachelor degree level course or a Masters course or a PhD course.

It is hoped that this new Visa category for graduates in the UK will retain International students who have the ability to be skilled workers.  It is hoped that the brightest and the best of the international students will continue to reside in the UK following their course of study and gain valuable experience.  This experience can then lead to those who are successful in their chosen profession in making further applications as skilled workers in the UK and obtaining the skilled worker Visa.

Minister for Future Borders and Immigration Kevin Foster said:

“As we rebuild from the global pandemic we want the world’s brightest talent, who aspire to a career at the highest levels of business, science, the arts and technology to see our United Kingdom as the natural place to fulfil their aspirations.

The changes announced today will ensure once they have received a gold standard qualification from one of our world leading education institutions they can easily secure the status they need to continue living, working and fulfilling their dreams in the UK.”

The Graduate Visa – requirements

The Graduate Visa will be available without students requiring a job offer prior to making their application. It is hoped that the Visa will be granted for a maximum period of two or three years in particular for doctoral students.  In addition, the Graduate Visa does not require a minimum salary level nor is there a cap on the numbers available that can apply.  It is expected that this new Graduate Visa will help both the UK economy and talented international students.

The UK Government hope to increase the number of international students coming to the UK by 2030 and I’ve stated that they eight numbers in the British education system to reach 600,000.

Furthermore, due to COVID-19 the following concessions for students who were unable to travel to the UK due to the pandemic have been set out.  UKVI have stated that applicants who began the studies in autumn 2020 will now have until 21 June 2021 to enter the UK so that they are eligible to make an application for the Graduate Visa route.

International students who began their studies either in January or February 2021 will need to be in the UK by 27 September 2021 in order to be eligible for the Graduate Visa route.

The Graduate Visa route allows flexibility for international students with the goal of developing their careers and gaining valuable experience in the UK.  Those who are on the Graduate Visa route will also be able to switch jobs so they may progress their careers.

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