The government of the UK has introduced a new graduate immigration route. It is also known as a post-study work visa for international students in the UK. This post-study work visa will allow students to stay in the UK for 2 years and find a job, once they complete their degree.
The UK has been a hub for international students from around the globe for quite some time now. This new advancement and flexibility in visa requirements will provide them with one more reason to pick the UK for their higher studies
Who Is Eligible for a UK Post-Study Work Visa?
The UK post-study visa will be available to international students who wish to stay in the UK soon after they graduate. September 2020 onwards students with Tier 4 visas can stay in the UK for 2 years after the completion of their degree. Moreover, they graduate from one of the many higher education providers accepted as licensed visa sponsors. The UK government has the complete list here.
A similar visa policy has been issued before in 2019, which applied to higher-level degree students (Master’s, Ph.D., STEM fields). The policy has been extended to students of any degree starting 2020. This means that it does not matter what academic discipline you’re studying. As long as it is a full degree (not short-courses, language training courses, Baccalaureate, or A-levels) in ‘licensed visa sponsors’ universities.
Will Students Already in the UK Benefit from This Visa?
Unfortunately, students whose visa expires before the announcement of the graduation route will not be eligible to obtain the post-study work visa. International students who enter the UK in the 2020/2021 academic cycle or after will be eligible for this new policy. Students who have an existing Tier-4 visa when the graduate route was launched (summer 2021) can also benefit from it.
Elaborating this, if you start a one-year master starting in the 2020/2021 academic year or later you will be eligible to make use of this new policy. Moreover, if you started a 3-year degree program in 2019 and the program is ending in summer 2021 you will still be eligible. Given that you had a Tier 4 visa at the time the new visa policy is launched.
The UK Government has confirmed that if you begin your studies through distance learning in the 2020-2021 academic year. You will still be eligible to apply for the Graduate Route, provided you arrive in the UK by 6 April 2021.
How Long Is the UK Post-Study Work Visa Valid for?
The UK post-study work visa is offered for two years during which you can seek employment in the UK. This means that the UK post-study work visa cannot be extended. However, if you find a suitable job that meets the requirements of the skilled work route. You can switch into skilled work and continue to remain in the UK.
How Much Will the UK Post-Study Work Visa Cost?
To apply for the post-study work visa; students would be required to apply before the Tier 4 visa expires. The application process will have carried out within the country and will require a certain fee and Immigration Health Surcharge. However, the amount of the fee will be set in due course.
Are Universities Expected to Act as Sponsors?
No, universities are not expected to act as sponsors to graduates on a post-study work visa, after they finish their studies. This means that students are not required to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to apply for the Graduate Route.
Why Is UK Introducing the Post-Study Work Visa?
The primary intention behind introducing a graduate route is to attract talent from all over the world. To date, numerous students have found the UK higher education sector a game-changer for their future. The students have always shown an interest and to ensure that they will continue to do so in the future, they have introduced this policy. Every year these students make the UK a top study destination. So, to retain this reputation and guarantee a prosperous future ahead the government of the UK decided to launch this new policy.
Are Universities Expected to Act as Sponsors?
No, universities are not expected to act as sponsors to graduates on a post-study work visa, after they finish their studies. This means that students are not required to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to apply for the Graduate Route.
Learn more about the new points-based visa system.
Apart from the Post-Study Work Visa, Why Should I Study in the UK?
The UK makes a top study destination for international students. It is actually among the most popular countries in the world for education. This country is home to high-quality universities, highly-regarded academic staff, and numerous opportunities to advance. When you think of the UK, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge probably come to mind. Well, that’s it, now just imagine all the other UK universities with similar expertise. That’s the UK. Getting a degree from higher education providers in the UK is an impressive achievement. It will surely let you enter the global job market with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.