Graduate Route Visa scheme now open

The UK Government has opened the new Graduate route for working Visas. This is designed for International students wanting to stay in the UK to work after completing their course.

From 1st July 2021, the Graduate Route 'provides an opportunity for talented international graduates who have been awarded their degree from a UK university to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, at any skill level for at least 2 years'.

International graduates must have completed an eligible course at a UK higher education provider, with a track record of compliance with the government’s immigration requirements, to apply to the Graduate route.

The Graduate route is unsponsored, meaning applicants do not need a job offer to apply to the route. There is no minimum salary requirements nor caps on numbers. Graduates on the route can work flexibly, switch jobs and develop their career as required. 

Key points of the new scheme

• Students will be able to work or look for work after their studies for a maximum period of 2 years, or 3 years for Doctoral students.
• The route will be unsponsored, meaning applicants will not need a job offer to apply for the route.
• There will be no minimum salary requirements nor caps on numbers. Graduates on the route will be able to work flexibly, switch jobs and develop their career as required.  

Entry based on when you start your degree

Applicants who began their studies in Autumn 2020 will now have until 21st June 2021 to enter the UK (updated from 6th April 2021) in order to be eligible for the Graduate working Visa scheme .

Students who began their studies in January or February 2021 will need to be in the UK by 27th September 2021. 

Coronavirus concessions for students unable to travel to the UK due to the pandemic have also been extended, recognising the continuing disruption many face due to international travel restrictions.

Applicants who began their studies in Autumn 2020 or in Spring 2021 will need to be in the UK with permission as a student by 27th September 2021. Students beginning their course this Autumn or early next year will need to be in the UK by 6th April 2022.

An eight page guide to the scheme is now available on the GOV.UK website to download