Earlier today the UK Government announced that the new Graduate Route visa will open on 1 July 2021. This new route will allow the best and brightest international students to extend their stay in the UK. The advantages of obtaining a Graduate Route visa is that Applicants will have unrestricted permission to remain in the UK and will not require a job offer to be eligible and there is 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. Whilst the Graduate Route does not offer a settlement option Applicants on this visa can switch into a different category such as the Skilled Worker, Start-up and Innovator visas.
What is the Graduate Route visa?
The Graduate Route visa is a brand new visa that will allow Applicants to remain in the UK once their Student visa has ended. The route will officially open on 1 July 2021. The government has kept its promise to retain the brightest and best students. The introduction of this new route enhances the UK’s higher education offer and ensures that international students will continue to choose the UK as the destination to study and build their careers.
The Graduate Route visa will allow international students to remain in the UK to work or look after they have completed their studies. Applicants will be granted a 2-year visa. To be eligible for the Graduate Route visa students must have successfully completed a degree at undergraduate level or above at a recognised Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance. Applicants must hold a valid Student visa at the time of the application. There is no requirement to have a Sponsor or job offer prior to the application. The Home Office has confirmed that there will be no minimum salary requirements or caps on numbers. Applicants on the Graduate Route will be able to work flexibly, switch jobs and develop their career as required.
Key points to note about the Graduate Route visa?
- The Graduate Route will allow international students to extend their stay in the UK for a period of two years with unrestricted permission to work;
- Students who wish to apply for the Graduate Route visa must submit their application before the expiry of their Student visa;
- Students who already have dependants in the UK can also apply to extend their visas but new dependents will not be permitted;
- The Graduate Route does not offer a settlement option and any time spent on this visa will not count towards settlement. However, Applicants are able to switch into a different visa category such as the Skilled Worker, Start-up and Innovator visas; and
- Due to COVID-19, the Home Office has also put in place concessions for international students unable to travel to the UK due to the pandemic, recognising the continued disruption many face in international travel. Applicants who began their studies in autumn 2020 have until 21 June 2021 to enter the UK with permission as a Student in order to be eligible to apply to the Graduate Route visa. Students who began their studies in January or February 2021 will need to be in the UK by 27 September 2021.
What is the current Student visa?
The current Student Visa routes replaced the former Tier 4 (General) and Tier 4 (Child) routes on 5 October 2020.
The Student routes under the Points-Based System are for international students including EEA nationals who wish to come to the UK to study and experience life and culture in the UK. There are two categories; Student visas, for migrants coming to the UK for post-16 education and Child Student visas for children between 4 and 17 years old coming to the UK for their education. Child Students can only study at independent schools.
How our immigration solicitors can help submit the new Graduate Route visa
Our immigration solicitors in London specialise in visa applications and can submit successful Graduate Route visa applications. Our immigration team prepares applications to the highest standard. We have an impeccable track history of submitting successful visa applications for a range of clients. The key to submitting a successful Graduate Route visa application is being aware of the relevant Immigration Rules and submitting the correct supporting documents. Our immigration solicitors in London guide Applicants through the requirements and prepare detailed legal submissions in support of the application. In addition to the legal representations, our team of solicitors also provides multiple substantial reviews of the application bundle to ensure that the correct documentary evidence is submitted. We also prepare and assist with the submission of the application.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London to submit a Graduate Route visa application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration matter. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with a Graduate Route visa application. Our solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the Home Office’s requirements and meet the Immigration Rules.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications, which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, our solicitors and barristers will ensure all specified documents must be provided.
The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successfully submit a Graduate Route visa application
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your prospects of submitting a Graduate Route visa application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of a Graduate Route visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements under the Immigration Rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. LEXVISA is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice, and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to a successful Graduate Route visa application. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.