On 11 September 2019, the UK Government announced plans to create a new graduate immigration route which reintroduces two-year post-study work rights for international students after they have completed their studies.
When will the new graduate immigration route be launched?
The planned launch date is in the summer of 2021, meaning that any eligible student who graduates from the summer of 2021 onwards will be able to apply for the route. This includes students who have already started their studies, regardless of the start date of their course.
Is there any cap to the number of students who can apply for the post-study work rights visa of the new graduate immigration route?
No there is no cap at the moment.
Who is eligible for the two-year post-study work visa?
International students who have completed a degree at undergraduate level (RQF6) or above at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance, such as being registered by the Office for Students (OfS)*. The students should also have a valid Tier 4 visa at the time of application.
Do students need to submit a separate application to be granted the two-year post-study work visa?
Yes they need to submit a new application. A visa fee and an Immigration Health Surcharge will have to be paid for every application.
What does the new Graduate Immigration Route entail?
International students will be able to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for a maximum period of two years. Once the post Study Work visa expires, anyone with a suitable job that wants to stay longer in the UK would need to transfer to a skilled work visa, also known as a Tier 2 visa.
Do graduate students need to look for a job that is relevant to their course of study to switch to a Tier 2 visa?
No this is not necessary.
Will universities be expected to act as sponsors for those students on the post-study work visa after they have graduated?
Individuals applying for the Graduate Immigration Route will not need a sponsor. Tier 4 sponsors will not need to fulfil any sponsorship duties for their students if they switch onto the Graduate Immigration Route and students will not need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to apply under this route. Tier 4 sponsors, however, will continue to be responsible for their students while they are studying.
Will this route count towards settlement into UK?
The route is non-extendable and does not count towards settlement. However, graduates who find an appropriate job and meet the requirements will be able to switch into skilled work, which is a route to settlement.
