Solicitors in London remarks that the UK has once again delivered an immigrant student-friendly policy. This time, it’s openly welcoming international students to earn the much needed global work experience from the vibrant job market in the UK. According to the new Graduate Immigration Route, on completing their course, students are free to apply to stay in the country for another two years without the need to fetch a separate skilled worker visa.

Immigration Solicitors in London Explains the New Graduate Route 

Formally coming into force on July 1st, 2021, the new scheme will benefit international students who have completed their undergraduate / postgraduate courses to stay in the country and earn work experience for a maximum of two more years without sponsorship. For PhD / Doctoral graduates, the deal is three years maximum. 

The new Graduate route shouldn’t be confused with the Tier 4 Student Visa, and it is in addition to the time period students get after completing their course on the existing Student Visa. This means students could make use of the grace time-period on their Student Visa to start their preferred job and/or apply for the graduate route.

Eligibility for the Graduate Immigration Route 

Successful completion of an eligible undergraduate or higher course from a recognised institution of Higher Education is mandatory at the time of application. Applicable only if the graduation date is after the 1st of July, 2021. A good track record with the government immigration requirements is also compulsory.

Candidates should be physically present in the UK to apply. However, those students who may have started their course online sitting in their own home countries, unable to travel due to the Covid-19 restrictions, need not worry. They can also apply if they come to the UK on or before the 21st of June, 2021. 

A special leeway is given to those students who started their course online as late as January or February of 2021. They are exempted relatively and need to arrive in the UK by September 27th, 2021, to stand eligible to apply for the New Graduate Visa. The above two grace periods offers significant relief to students adversely hit by the coronavirus travel restrictions.

It is essential that international students be present in the UK using a valid Student Visa (Tier 4) in order to become eligible to apply. Along with it, the corresponding Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, a.k.a. CAS, is necessary.

No Sponsor Required: says Immigration Solicitors in East London.

Interestingly, there is no sponsorship requirement, meaning students are free to look out for jobs, research, and other opportunities with much more flexibility. They can wait for the right opening or work without pay for the time period. This gives a lot of time for graduates to settle down and calmly plan ahead their careers.

Visa Fees

The only other requirement is to pay a Visa Fee of £700 and an additional £624 per year as Immigration Health Surcharge.

Will this Post-Study Route Count Towards Settlement?

The route is non-extendable and does not count towards settlement. However, graduates who find an appropriate job and meet the requirements, in the meantime, will qualify to apply to work routes, including Tier 2 (Skilled Worker), which is a route to settlement.

Get In Touch With The Best Immigration Solicitors in East London

To conclude, the UK has really become an immigrant-student friendly nation. If you are an international student, due to finish your degree this year, and in search of Global work experience, it’s the right time to prepare and move ahead with your application to work in the UK. Get in touch with your University authorities and one of the best immigration solicitors in London, the Legend Solicitors, to pave the way to fulfil your dream of working and/or living in the UK. 

Feel free to drop an email, call us at or walk right into our student-friendly office in East Ham, London. We are there to assist you.