This week there have been calls for the UK Government to extend the proposed new post study visa for Indian students to 4 years instead of 2. As a consequence of the current on-going COVID-19 pandemic, this is said to have an effect on UK universities and other higher education institutions. Therefore, the Government has been urged to double to duration of the proposed visa in order to stabilise the country. Whilst the Post Study visa route is still in the proposal stages and therefore not currently open to Applicants, our Immigration Solicitors in London have experience in preparing applications under the former Tier 1 Post Study Work visa route and we are also always knowledgeable and up to date with all the latest changes in the UK’s immigration rules and system and can therefore arrange a consultation for advice regarding the prospects of applying for this future visa route in light of the current statements from the Home Office and MPs.
Is post study work visa coming back in UK?
Last year it was announced by the Home Secretary that the Post Study Work visa route may return for Indian and other non-EEA national students in the UK. This is so that they can stay in the UK once they have completed their course which will offer opportunities for work and research in their field. The initial proposals were that this would be a 2 year visa, with no prospect of extension on the same visa route, although switching visa categories will probably be permitted. This is considered to be beneficial for not only the migrant but also universities and UK economy.
What are the latest calls for the post study visa for Indian nationals?
The UK Government is being urged to extend the proposed Post Study visa from 2 years to 4 years in duration, in response to the impact that Coronavirus is having on the UK’s higher education sector. It has been anticipated by former Universities Minster (and PM Boris Johnson’s brother) Jo Johnson that there will be a 50 to 75 per cent drop in international students coming to the UK to study. Mr Johnson is calling for an extension to the visa in order to “help Britain bear the impact of COVID-19 and Brexit” on the UK’s higher education sector.
Who is eligible for post study work visa UK?
Under the proposals, the Post Study visa will be open to talented international students who are studying in the UK on a Tier 4 visa, specifically in the fields of science, mathematics, technology and engineering. This new visa would have many benefits for these students, in particular Indian nationals as the majority of student visa Applicants are from India. The exact requirements are not yet known; however, this is an exciting new route to keep updated on over the coming months.
Can international students stay in UK after graduation?
Under the current UK Immigration Rules, there is no post study visa route for international students. The former Tier 1 Post Study Work visa was closed to new Applicants in April 2012. However, international students can remain in the UK after their studies have concluded if they meet the requirements to switch into another visa category. Some of the most popular visas to switch to from a Tier 4 (General) visa include:
- Tier 2 (General) visa – if the international student has received a job offer for a skilled job listed under Appendix J to the Immigration Rules from an employer with a Tier 2 sponsor licence; or
- Start-up visa – if the international student wishes to set up a business in the UK and can secure an endorsement from a designated body, then they may be able to apply for this visa in accordance with Appendix W to the Immigration Rules; or
- Family member application under Appendix FM to the Immigration Rules – if the international student is in a genuine and subsisting relationship with a British or settled person then they may be able to apply for a Spouse, Civil Partner or Unmarried Partner visa depending on their relationship; or
- EU Settlement Scheme applications under Appendix EU to the Immigration Rules – similarly to the above, if the international student is in a genuine and subsisting relationship or marriage to an EEA national in the UK then they may be able to apply on the basis of this relationship.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London to submit a Post Study Work 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 legal representatives to successfully assist you with an application to apply for a Post Study Work visa. 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 UK Visa 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.
Successful Post Study Work Visa applications with our Immigration Solicitors in London
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 Post Study Work Visa application before it even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of your UK Visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant 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. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. 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 to discuss a Post Study Work Visa.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.