Most students who move abroad to study want to work there for a few years before returning home. If you’re planning on a course in the UK, there’s good news – the country has a new graduate immigration route that benefits international students – The UK graduate visa route.
The UK graduate visa route allows international students to work and stay in the UK for up to 2 years after graduation from an accredited UK university or school. Applications are now open for prospective students from all countries.
Read: Different Types Of UK Visas – A Complete Guide
When an international student completes a graduation course in the UK, this route allows him/ her to look for a job in the country and live there for up to 2 years. It is not tied to employer sponsorship in any way and hence gives the individual flexibility to switch jobs if required. You can also be self-employed and live in the UK.
Read: New Visa Rules In The UK: IELTS And TOEFL No Longer Necessary For Health Care Professionals
You can:
You cannot:
Read: Study In The UK: Why The Country Is A Favourite Education Destination For Indians?
The following criteria must be met to be eligible for a graduate visa:
Read: Immigration To The UK – It Is Time To Bust The Myths
Typically, to be eligible for this visa, the applicant must have spent 1 year or the duration of the course in the UK. However, this rule may not apply to students who needed to complete their courses from their home countries because of COVID-19 restrictions. They must prove that:
To apply for the graduate visa, students must return to the UK before their current visa expires or by 27 September 2021.
Read: Tax Filing In The UK For International Students – All You Need To Know
Graduate visas are valid for 2 years from the date they are issued. In the case of Ph.D. holders, this visa is valid for 3 years. It cannot be renewed or extended.
If your partner and children will be accompanying you, you will also need proof of relationship.
You can complete and apply for a UK graduate visa here. Your partner and children will need to apply separately for their visas.
Students from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein can prove their identity by scanning their passports through the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app.
Students from other countries can prove their identities by scanning their biometric residence permit (BRP).
Alternatively, students can get their photographs taken and submit fingerprints at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.
Read: UK-India Young Professionals Scheme
An application fee of £700 and a healthcare surcharge of £624 each year is payable. Visa holders working in public sector healthcare may be able to get a refund of the healthcare surcharge.
Citizens of the following countries need to pay a reduced application fee of £645:
The application can take up to 8 weeks to be processed and approved. Further documentation may be asked for if the supporting documents need to be verified or because of the applicant’s personal circumstances.
An application may be canceled by the applicant. This will be eligible for a refund only if the application has not been processed as yet.
A graduate visa’s partner and children can live in the UK as dependents. The following are eligible:
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