The UK Graduate route (reminiscent of the old PSW visa) will open for applications on 01 July 2021 to international students.
The route is for international students who wish to work in the UK and gain some practical post-study experience in a commercial setting. The route will be applicable to applicants who have completed a course of study at UK Bachelor’s level or higher.
Students must have completed an eligible course at a UK higher education institution and show compliance with the government immigration requirements. This will largely entail the applicant to demonstrate that they had adhered to the restrictions of a UK student at the time of their study. For the large majority of genuine students, this will be a formality.
Successful applicants will be granted a period of 2 years or 3 years for Doctoral students in which they can look for work without sponsorship.
The launch of the new Graduate route is part of the government’s commitment to attract and retain the “brightest and the best” international students to continue to contribute to society and the economy post-study.
Minister for Future Borders and Immigration Kevin Foster said:
“As we rebuild from the global pandemic we want the world’s brightest talent, who aspire to a career at the highest levels of business, science, the arts and technology to see our United Kingdom as the natural place to fulfil their aspirations.
“The changes announced today will ensure once they have received a gold standard qualification from one of our world leading education institutions they can easily secure the status they need to continue living, working and fulfilling their dreams in the UK.”
The Graduate route seems to be on par with its PSW visa predecessor – applicants will not require a job offer (sponsorship), there will be no minimum salary requirements nor caps on numbers. Applicants will also be able to switch jobs as they sit fit.
Concessions have also been put in place for students unable to travel to the UK due to Coronavirus.
Students who began their course in 2020 will now have until 21 June 2021 to enter the UK to be eligible for the Graduate route. Students who began their studies in 2021 will need to be in the UK by 27 September 2021.
You can find more detailed information in the Statement of Change here.