International students can stay in the UK for 2 years after graduation with new visa
The UK government has confirmed that from 1 July 2021, international students can apply to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years after graduating with the new Graduate Route visa.
What is the Graduate Route visa?
With the Graduate Route visa, students set to graduate in summer 2021 onwards will be able to remain in the country for up to 2 years. This new rule applies to both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, regardless of your area of study. Applications for the Graduate Route visa are now open.
You don’t need to be sponsored by an employer to be eligible for the visa, so you don’t need to already have a job when you apply. There are also no restrictions on the kind of job you can do during these 2 years, and no minimum salary requirements. You could look for roles related to your degree, or gain experience working in other areas. Either way, it’s a fantastic opportunity to build your CV and kick-start your career!
The new route is also very flexible: you don’t need to be employed continuously in the same job on the Graduate Route visa, so if you decide to take some time out, or change jobs, it won’t count against you.
The Graduate Route is slightly different for PhD students. You will be able to work in the UK for up to 3 years after completing your doctoral degree.
The visa is part of the government’s aim to increase opportunities for international graduates in the UK and bring 600,000 international students into the country’s universities by the year 2030. This confirms the UK’s commitment to welcoming students from all over the world, and creating fantastic opportunities for them to boost their career prospects with an international education.
What if I have been studying online from my home country?
Many universities switched to digital learning in the early part of 2020, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Understandably, lots of international students also returned to their home countries at the same time.
However, there’s no need to worry as you will still be eligible to apply for the Graduate Route visa if you can travel to the UK this year. The deadline for arriving in the UK was previously set at June 2021 for students who started their studies in Autumn 2020, and September 2021 for students who started in January or February this year. We’re pleased to say these deadlines have been extended! Now, all students who began their studies in either Autumn 2020 or Spring 2021 need to arrive in the UK by 27 September 2021 to qualify for the visa.
You will also need to complete at least the final semester of your degree in the UK.
I’m planning to start studying online this Autumn — can I still apply for the visa?
Although most UK universities are now open for face-to-face learning, many are still offering digital options for students who aren’t able to travel to the country for the start of the new academic year in September 2021. However, you will still have the chance to apply for the new visa: if you start your studies online this Autumn, you will be eligible to apply for the Graduate Route visa if you arrive in the UK by 6 April 2022.