The new Graduate route got open for applications on 1 July 2021

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.

This route is for Students in the UK who want to work, or look for work, following the successful completion of eligible courses of study at UK bachelor’s degree-level or above. The study must have been with a higher education provider with a track record of compliance.

The Graduate route is not based on sponsorship. Though the Graduate route is not a route to settlement, it is highly beneficial for foreign students who successfully complete their studies in the UK, and this would enable them to work in the UK for the period of permission to stay which is 2 years for Graduate level course and 3 years for post graduate students.

The process is mostly governed by “Immigration Rules Appendix Graduate” of the Home Department.

There is lack of clarity in the above Rules as to whether students who are currently under Covid extension would be eligible to apply for Graduate Route.

But the Guidance for the Home Office Staff published on 1St July 2021 – ‘Graduate Route Caseworker Guidance’, clearly indicates that such students could also apply.

In the ‘Graduate Route Caseworker Guidance’, it is specifically stated and clarified as under:

“An applicant must either:

Currently hold valid permission on either the Student route or the Tier 4 (General) route or have held valid permission on the Student or Tier 4 (General) routes which expired but either one of the paragraph 39E exceptions for over-stayers applies or the applicant has been given a period of exceptional assurance and has not overstayed that period. In either case, the period of overstaying will be disregarded when considering their application”

In view of the above, the Students Currently under Covid Extension, if otherwise eligible can apply under Graduate Route.

We Can Help You Get Through the Process Successfully

Our expert Immigration solicitors in London can help you in the best possible manner for hassle-free success in the process of Graduate Route Permission to Stay.