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Graduate Route Visa is a post-study work option that has raised interest all over the world among international students that intend to complete their studies in the United Kingdom. A lot of students learn about it in bits and pieces either through friends, social media, or newspaper articles. Nevertheless, when it comes to the real details one may get lost in the noise. It enables qualified international students to stay in the UK even once the degree is obtained, therefore, they would have the chance to have a working experience without a job offer at hand.

The visa is exclusively made available to graduates of UK universities with a valid Tier 4 or Student visa at that when they are making the application. It is valid within the duration of two years after getting a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, three years after getting a Ph.D. degree. You are not limited in what kind of work you can do in this part-time capacity, and this means that you can consider new work, new industries, or you can work for yourself.

The prospect of staying in the UK is just part of the reason the Graduate Route is important to many students. It is a point of transition to permanent residency or sponsorship under skilled worker visa in the future. But the people are always confused about who should qualify and how expensive they become and what kind of opportunities are opened with it. I am going to simplify everything in this blog and provide as plainly and accurately as possible the facts, requirements, and pointers so that you make the best of this visa.

What is the Graduate Route Visa?

Graduate Route Visa is an employment visa to work in the UK post-study that is recently introduced by the UK government in July 2021. It is modelled to accommodate lodgers who have attained a UK degree and wish to continue working, without any kind of restriction, within a specified time.

Key Features

Two years after undergraduate/ postgraduate degrees and three years after PhD degree.

Flexibility of work: No restriction of the working hours and type of work.

You Do not need a Job Offer: You can choose to work in any employer or can venture into a business on your own.

Eligibility: Applicant must have been a student in the UK and must have had a valid student visa and must have successfully completed the course.

Who can apply?

It is always good to know how it works. No one wants to be disappointed at the receiving end.

Basic Requirements

Should possess a valid Student visa at applicational time.

Needs to have at least completed a recognised course (bachelors, master’s, or doctorate) at a higher education establishment in the UK.

It must have studied in the institution so long as it is mandatory (usually at least 12 months).

Must apply within the UK before his existing visa expires.

Application Process

The process is not complicated, and time is of essence.

Step-by-Step Process

1.         Verification of course completion: The university will write to the home office and notify it that you have successfully completed a degree.

2.         Apply by Post: fill in and print the postal application form and post it.

3.         Pay Fees: The visa application fee is 822 Pounds, and the immigration health surcharge (approximately 624 per annum) is also required.

4.         Hand over Checks: Passport, BRP (where applicable), CAS information, and any necessary biometrics.

5.         Wait time to decision: Most of the cases are determined within 8 weeks.

Advantages of International Students

The Graduate Route Visa provides students with room to breathe to work in the country of the UK.

Experiential Learning: The students can develop specific UK experience which enhances their employability.

Liberality to Switch Employers: There is no need to maintain one employer like in the case of skilled worker’s visa.

Opportunity to Change: Students have a chance to shift to other long-term types of work visas when they secure appropriate employment.

Common Misunderstandings

Most students misunderstand the flexibility of the visa. Though it permits any job, it does not assure permanent staying. Later, you will still need to satisfy the condition of a long-term visa. The other misconception is that his or her Graduate Route contributes to indefinite leave to remain. It might not, but it can open the door to other possibilities that can qualify you in the future.

Top Tips on How to Use Graduate Route Visa to Your Advantage

Think Ahead: Take the time as a student to scout job markets and industries.

Network: Go where the students are, attend career fairs, professional meet ups and student events.

Remember Visa Expiry Dates: Do not overstay on visas.

Look at the Skilled Worker Transition: Get ready to receive employer sponsorship with the expiry of the Graduate Route.