For the UK Government’s part, it has devised a new strategy for attracting the best and brightest students to study in the UK. On July 1, 2021, international students will be able to apply for graduate visas, which are open to those who have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher.
REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATES POST STUDY VISA
- At the time of application, applicants must have a Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa in order to be eligible for the Graduate Post Study Visa route.
- With their Student visa or Tier 4(General) student visa they have to have completed a degree or other eligible course in the United Kingdom for a minimum period of time.
- For a post-study visa, a student must be able to prove that he or she has successfully completed the course, as well as the type of course, its duration, and the education provider.
A LIST OF COURSES THAT QUALIFY FOR THE PROGRAMME
Any degree from a university in the United Kingdom, from a bachelor’s to a doctorate, is eligible for the Graduate Post Study Visa. Legal Practice Course in England and Wales, Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland, or the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (SPLP) in Scotland are all approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
- the English and Welsh Bar Practice Course or the Northern Irish Bar Course
- a medical or dental school preparatory course
- Master’s-level degrees in education, including the PGCE and the PDI (PGDE)
INHERITORS/FAMILY AND RELATIVES
Under the graduate route, only partners and children will be considered as dependents. On a Graduate visa, your partner and children can remain in the UK as ‘dependents’ if they arrived in the country as part of your current Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa. It is possible for your child to apply if he or she was born in the UK while you were on a student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa. The end date of their visa will be the same as yours if their application is successful.
Applying for a Graduate route Once your university has sent you your final course grades, you can apply to the Graduate route. Before your application can be considered, your university must verify that you have successfully completed your course of study.. To apply, you don’t need to wait until you’ve earned your degree. When you apply, you must be in the United Kingdom. In order to be eligible to apply for the Graduate route, an applicant must be a British citizen or a permanent resident of the UK. Additional fees may not be refunded, as stated above. If your application is pending, you should not leave the United Kingdom or the Common Travel Area.
The Graduate route and the ability to re-enter the UK may be affected by this. There is a grace period if your visa expires after you have applied for the Graduate route and your application is being reviewed.
ENTERING THE WORKFORCE AS A SKILLED WORKER
For those who meet the requirements, you can switch from the Graduate route to the Skilled worker route, which allows you to remain in the UK and work for an approved employer. In order to be eligible for permanent residency in the United Kingdom, you must be in the country for a minimum of five years. In order to receive settlement rights, you cannot take the Graduate route. If you want to take the Skilled Worker route, you must meet the following requirements:
- a Home Office-licensed sponsor has made you an offer for a job with the necessary training and experience
- Your sponsor will pay you at least the minimum wage.
- At B1 level, you can communicate in English at an intermediate level (on the Common European Framework of Reference for languages)
- Look into the Skilled Worker route for more information.
- Your career path could also take you down other paths, such as the Global Talent or Star-upon Innovator paths.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How much is it?
A: The fee for the UKVI Graduate Post Study Visa is £700 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge. In the UK, this is usually £624 per year. European citizens pay a discounted UKVI fee of £55. Healthcare workers can get their Immigration Health Surcharge fees refunded if they paid them when applying.
Q: I have exceptional assurance leave. Can I apply for PSG?
A: If you meet all the criteria for the visa, you should be able to apply even if your student visa has expired and you are on temporary leave. This varies by case, so contact one of our lawyers before applying.
Q: How long does the visa last?
A: It is valid for 2 years. It lasts 3 years if you have a PhD or other doctorate. Your visa will be valid from the date of approval.
Q: How long does it take to get a visa?
A: Application processing times vary based on how you applied. Most people hear back in 8 weeks.
Q: Can I appeal a refusal?
A: Refusals have no appeal rights. If you believe your application was incorrectly determined, you may request an administrative review