You have taken years of hard work to complete your UK degree. The last thing you want is to leave the country carrying your bags the moment you graduate. The good news is that you do not need to go immediately. UK Graduate Route Visa provides international students with a proper and clear method of remaining in the UK upon completion of their studies. You are able to work, find good jobs, and begin to create a better future there. When you are about to complete your degree and wondering what to do, this easy-to-understand guide will tell you all you need to know.
What Is the UK Graduate Route Visa?
The UK Graduate Route Visa is a special post-study work visa. It allows international students to stay in the UK once they complete their course in any recognized UK university. It was reintroduced by the government in 2021, and since that time it has gained immense popularity among Indian and many other students.
The most wonderful thing is, you do not require an employment offer to apply for this visa. It allows you to work, switch jobs and make your own decision without being pressurized by any sponsor.
Who Is Eligible for the UK Graduate Route Visa?
To obtain the UK Graduate Route Visa, there are simple rules to be followed:
- You must have finished a degree at undergraduate level or higher from a UK university that has a good record with Student visas
- Your university must be a licensed student sponsor
- You must have a valid UK Student visa when you apply
- You must send your application while you are still in the UK, not from your home country
- You must not have got this Graduate Route visa before
Students who have primarily studied using online courses or not in the UK are ineligible to apply.
How Long Can You Stay on the UK Graduate Route Visa?
Your duration of stay will depend on the degree you earned:
- Undergraduate and master degree graduates: 2 years.
- PhD and doctoral degree holders: 3 years.
This additional time will assist you to experience some real work, useful contacts and get ready to stay longer in the UK.
What Can You Do on the UK Graduate Route Visa?
This visa is quite flexible compared to others. Here is what you are allowed to do:
- Work in almost any job, whether it is part-time or full-time
- Change your employer or job whenever you want
- Look for new work if you are not working at the moment
- Continue studying if you want, as long as you follow the rules
- Travel in and out of the UK freely while your visa is valid
But remember, you cannot extend this visa. It is a single entry visa. That is why you must begin to think about your next visa already at the very beginning.
How to Apply for the UK Graduate Route Visa
The application process is quite easy if your papers are ready:
- Check that your university has sent your details to the Home Office through the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies system
- Fill the form online on the UK Visas and Immigration website
- Pay visa fee, which is now 700 pounds, and also Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Give your fingerprints and photo if they ask for it
- Wait for the decision, which usually comes in about eight weeks
You have to apply before your current Student visa expires.
What Comes After the UK Graduate Route Visa?
This is the most significant section. As you have no option to extend the Graduate Route visa, you must switch to a different visa before it expires. The most popular choices are as follows:
UK Skilled Worker Visa
When the UK employer you are offered work by has a sponsor licence, then you may change to the Skilled Worker Visa. This is one of the ways taken by many students and then it may result in permanent residence in the UK.
UK Scale-Up Visa
If you join a fast-growing company in the UK, the Scale-Up Visa gives you more freedom after the first six months.
UK Global Talent Visa
You could also apply to the Global Talent Visa in case you are highly talented in such areas as technology, science, arts or research. It does not need a job offer and can help you settle faster.
UK Innovator Founder Visa
This visa is applicable to those with new and good business ideas that are supported by an approved organisation in case you wish to start your own business in the UK.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many students make small mistakes that cause problems. Be careful about these:
- Waiting too long to apply, which can leave a gap after your Student visa ends
- Not checking if your university is a licensed sponsor
- Thinking you can extend the Graduate Route visa and forgetting to plan the next step early
- Forgetting to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is quite expensive
Conclusion
The UK Graduate Route Visa is one of the easiest and most helpful ways for students to stay back after studies. It allows you two or three years to work, acquire new skills and get a bit nearer to permanently living in the UK. However, you need to think of it as a beginning, not an end. You should plan your future visa well ahead of time, remember all the dates and you should enjoy your stay in the country.
Not sure what to do after studying in the UK? Get in touch with Delta Immigration. Our helpful consultants will clarify the UK Graduate Route Visa, and assist you to make a great plan to stay there, and lead you through the correct long term visa to your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I apply for the UK Graduate Route Visa before my results are out?
No. You must finish your degree successfully before you apply. Your university has to confirm to the Home Office that you have completed the course.
2. Can I bring my family to the UK on the Graduate Route Visa?
Yes. Your spouse or partner and children can join you or stay with you if they meet the rules.
3. Does the UK Graduate Route Visa lead to permanent residency?
The Graduate Route visa itself does not give permanent stay. But the time you spend on it can count towards the five-year requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain, depending on which visa you switch to later.
