Insights
The UK Government announced a new Graduate Immigration Route, launched in summer 2021. The route allows international students to apply for a visa to remain in the UK for two years after their studies to look for work or start work at any skill level — or three years if they have completed a PhD.
Eligibility
Unlike the Skilled Worker route, the Graduate Route was not expected to require a financial requirement, a separate English language test, a labour market test, a minimum skill or salary level, or sponsorship from an employer. Applicants were expected to be able to apply if they:
- Hold a valid Student or Tier 4 visa (except where granted under the Doctorate Extension Scheme) expiring on or after 1 July 2021
- Have successfully completed a degree at undergraduate level or above during that visa
- Had their course completion notified to UKVI by their university before submitting a visa application
- Have not previously been granted a visa under the Graduate Immigration Route
- Have permission from their financial sponsor, where applicable
- Spent the required minimum time studying their course inside the UK
Dependants
New dependants would not be permitted under the Graduate Route, though existing dependant partners or children could extend their visa in line with the main applicant, applying from inside the UK. Children born in the UK during the most recent Student or Tier 4 visa would also be able to apply as a dependant.
As with any new immigration route, the detail continued to evolve as the rules and guidance were published in full — our team monitored developments closely to advise students accurately as the route went live.
About the writer: Mr Abdullah is an English Solicitor, Arbitration Law expert and Human Rights Advocate. He heads Wright Justice Solicitors, a Midlands-based law firm.