International students who wish to work in the UK post the completion of a course of study ( a bachelor’s degree or above) will be able to apply for jobs starting July 2021. Keeping its promise on the points-based immigration system, the UK government is set to attract international talent in Britain to drive the economy forward. “The new Graduate route will open for applications on 1 July 2021, allowing the UK to retain the brightest and the best international students to continue to contribute to society and the economy post-study,” the official UK Government website reported on March 4.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be able to apply for jobs in the UK post study, International students must have completed an eligible course at a UK higher education provider, with a track record of compliance with the government’s immigration requirements to apply to the Graduate route. The UK government aims to achieve International Education Strategy to increase the number of international students in higher education in the UK to 600,000 by 2030. Under this Graduate route, students will be able to work or look for work after their studies for a maximum period of 2 years, or 3 years for Doctoral students. The Graduate route will work for all corners of the UK, ensuring that communities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can benefit from talented individuals who want to stay after their studies.
A flexible approach
Additionally, the website also reported that the Graduate route will be unsponsored, meaning applicants will not need a job offer to apply for the route. There will be no minimum salary requirements nor caps on numbers. Graduates on the route will be able to work flexibly, switch jobs and develop their career as required.
The Pandemic Graduates
Applicants who began their studies in Autumn 2020 will now have until 21 June 2021 to enter the UK (updated from 6 April 2021) in order to be eligible for the Graduate route. Students who began their studies in January or February 2021 will need to be in the UK by 27 September 2021. Coronavirus concessions for students unable to travel to the UK due to the pandemic have also been extended, recognising the continuing disruption many face due to international travel restrictions. As part of the route, highly skilled migrants with a job offer from a recognised high-growth firm will qualify for a visa without the need for sponsorship or third-party endorsement.
