Career Opportunities Post-Study in the
UK: Graduate Route Visa
Have you ever thought about staying and working in
the UK after finishing your studies?
Well, good news! The UK Government introduced a new visa on July 1, 2021, that lets
international students who were on a student visa stay and work in the UK after they graduate.
You don’t even have to work in the same field as your degree – you have the flexibility to gain
work experience in any area. You can apply for this visa after completing your undergraduate or
postgraduate degree and stay and work in the UK for up to two years.
So, if you’re an international student studying in the UK and want to extend your stay for work
experience, now’s your chance!
Application Process
To apply for the Graduate visa, you must be in the UK with a valid Tier 4/Student visa. It’s best to
connect with your university’s immigration officer before graduating to get ready for the process.
Once you’ve successfully completed your degree and your university has informed the Home
Office, you can apply. Make sure your university reports your completion to the Home Office.
After your university processes your status, they’ll update your immigration record.
The application fee for the graduate visa is £715, plus the healthcare surcharge, which is
typically £624 per year if you plan to stay in the UK. After applying and submitting all necessary
documents, it may take up to 8 weeks to get a decision on your visa. During this time, you can
continue living in the UK under the conditions of your Tier 4/Student visa. However, you can’t
travel outside the UK while your Graduate visa application is pending.
To apply, visit this link: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa/apply
For information on the required documents, check this link:
https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa/documents-youll-need-to-apply
After Getting Your Graduate Visa
Once your Graduate visa is approved, you have the freedom to search for work, take up most
jobs, be self-employed, and travel in and out of the UK without restrictions. It’s important to know
that your Graduate visa is valid for 2 years, but it cannot be extended.
If you wish to continue staying in the UK beyond the 2-year period, you might explore switching
to another visa category. For example, you could consider the Skilled Worker Visa or Tier 2 Visa
if you find a job that is willing to sponsor you. This allows you to potentially extend your stay in
the UK and continue building your career. It’s a good idea to explore your options and plan ahead
for the next steps in your immigration journey.
Source:
https://quickenrols.com/career-opportunities-post-study-in-the-uk-graduate-route-visa/