The UK Graduate Visa allows international students to extend their residence in the United Kingdom after completing a higher education course. This immigration route enables graduates to pursue career possibilities or start enterprises in the UK. It will be available on July 1, 2021, to those who have graduated from a recognized UK institution and want to contribute to the thriving British economy.
This visa benefits both the graduates and the UK. Graduates get vital time to transition into professional employment, while the UK benefits from skilled individuals with a thorough understanding of British culture and education. With this visa, the UK strengthens its position as an appealing destination for global talent looking to work or innovate within its thriving economic landscape.
Eligibility Criteria for the UK Graduate Visa
Applicants for the UK Graduate Visa must meet strict qualifying standards. Here’s what you should know:
- Current Visa Status: You must have a valid UK Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.
- Educational Achievements: You must have obtained a bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or equivalent higher education degree during your stay on a valid student visa.
- Approved institution: The UK government must recognize Your educational provider as a licensed sponsor and attest that you finished your course satisfactorily.
- Course Completion: Applicants must provide documentation from their institution that they have completed their courses successfully.
The United Kingdom emphasizes maintaining high compliance for institutions, requiring them to follow rigid requirements before sponsoring international students. Always check the sponsor’s status with the official UK Register of Sponsors.
The Application Process for Graduate Visa UK
Applying for a Graduate Visa UK is simple, but it demands meticulous attention to detail. Follow these steps to guarantee that the process runs smoothly:
Timing your application:
You may apply once your education provider acknowledges that you have completed your course. This can occur before receiving your official certificate, but it must be completed before your student visa expires.
Online Application Submission:
Submit your application online through the official UK visa webpage. They must file separate applications if they have dependents, such as a husband, partner, or children.
Identity Verification:
To scan your Biometric Residence Permit, use the UK Immigration: ID Check app. If this method is unavailable, go to a biometric center for fingerprints and photographs.
Document Submission:
Prepare and submit important papers such as:
- A valid passport or other recognized ID.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your institution
- Proof of relationships for dependents.
- A sponsor’s letter, if your tuition and living expenses were funded.
Processing Timeline:
Most applications are processed within eight weeks. To avoid delays or refusals, verify that all information and papers are correct and full. Consulting a knowledgeable immigration advisor can assist speed up the procedure.
Advantages of the UK Graduate Visa
The UK Graduate Visa has various perks, making it an excellent choice for graduates pursuing career and personal development. Key benefits include:
- Extended Stay in the United Kingdom: This visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to two years (three years for those with a PhD or equivalent).
- Work Flexibility: Graduates can work in any role, paid or voluntary, with no job constraints. You can also become self-employed.
- Family Inclusion: If your dependents remained with you while you studied, you may include them in your application. Children above the age of 18 are eligible provided they meet the dependency criterion.
- Minimal Restrictions: Compared to other visas, this path has fewer restrictions. However, you are unable to work as a professional athlete or receive public funds.
- Stepping Stone to Long-Term Residency: While the Graduate Visa UK does not directly lead to settlement, it does provide time to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa or other long-term options in preparation for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
With its numerous perks, the Graduate Visa UK provides a pathway for international graduates to prosper in a competitive and fulfilling environment.
Costs associated with the UK Graduate Visa
Understanding costs is critical for applicants to budget efficiently. Here’s an overview of the fees:
- Application Fees: The regular application fee is £715. Certain European candidates are eligible for a reduced cost of £645. Dependents must pay the entire price.
- Health surcharge: The annual health surcharge of £624 is necessary. For a two-year visa, the primary applicant must pay £1,248 in fees. If you have two dependents, the penalty increases to £3,744.
- Refund Policies: The health surcharge is recoverable if the application is denied; however, the application fee is non-refundable. This highlights the importance of presenting an excellent application.
- Additional costs: Applicants may be charged additional fees for document translations, consultations, or biometric appointments.
Investing in expert advice can minimize risks, ensuring your application meets all requirements and avoids costly errors.
Limitations of the UK Graduate Visa
The UK Graduate Visa provides fantastic prospects, but it also has some significant constraints that candidates must consider. First and foremost, this is a temporary visa that cannot be extended. It is specifically designed to assist graduates in exploring professional opportunities or entrepreneurship in the UK, but after two or three years (depending on your degrees), you will be required to change visa categories or leave the country.
Another restriction is that the Graduate Visa UK does not allow for residence. Unlike long-term visa options such as the Skilled Worker visa, time spent on a UK Graduate Visa does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). However, it can count towards the 10-year valid residency requirement for settlement under general grounds. Additionally, visa holders are ineligible for public cash or benefits. There are additional employment restrictions: while you can work in most industries, professional sports positions are not permitted. It is critical to consider these limits while contemplating a long-term career or stay in the UK.
Switching to Other Visa Routes
When your UK Graduate Visa expires, you must switch to a different visa type to continue living and working in the UK. Many graduates select the Skilled Worker visa, which permits long-term employment and eventually leads to residence. To qualify, you must receive a job offer from a UK firm that is a licensed sponsor.
Entrepreneurial graduates with an innovative business idea may want to explore moving to the Innovator Founder visa. This approach is suitable for people looking to start a scalable business in the UK. Additionally, those pursuing higher education or research may consider the Student visa (for further study) or the Global Talent visa (for exceptional skills). Early preparation is critical for this change. Start looking at visa choices, career opportunities, and company plans well before your Graduate Visa UK expires. Consulting with immigration specialists can help you make a smooth transfer.
Role of Immigration Advisors
Navigating the UK Graduate Visa procedure or transferring to other visa options might be difficult. Immigration advisors play a critical role in making this journey easier. They provide experienced advice that is targeted to your specific situation, guaranteeing compliance with UK immigration regulations. Advisors can assist you with gathering the required paperwork, verifying your eligibility, and avoiding errors that could result in visa refusal. Their competence also includes detecting dangers and proposing remedies.
If you want to switch from a Graduate Visa UK, advisors can help you determine the best visa choices for your goals, whether they are for a job, business, or further education. Furthermore, immigration advisors frequently have experience working with the Home Office, ensuring that your application is processed swiftly. Their support can save you time, reduce stress, and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
FAQ
Your UK Graduate Visa begins the moment your application is granted. It lets you to stay and work in the UK for two or three years, depending on your qualifications.
No, the UK Graduate Visa does not directly contribute to ILR. However, if you transfer to a long-term visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa, your time on that path will count towards settlement eligibility.
Following Brexit, EU nationals must meet the same requirements as applicants from other countries. However, certain European nationals pay a lower application fee. EU citizens with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may not need this visa.
Yes, you cannot work as a professional athlete. However, most other paid and volunteer work is permitted. You can also work for yourself or create your own business.
Yes, if your spouse, partner, or children were in the UK with you on a previous visa, they can be added as dependents on your Graduate Visa UK application.
Conclusion
The UK Graduate Visa is a wonderful option for international graduates to get useful work experience and explore career opportunities in the UK. While it has some drawbacks, such as its transient nature and the lack of direct settlement channels, it serves as a stepping stone to a brighter future. Understanding the visa’s conditions, planning your next steps ahead of time, and seeking advice from immigration specialists are all critical to taking advantage of this opportunity. By utilizing the Graduate Visa UK, you can lay the groundwork for a rewarding career or business venture in the UK. With the appropriate approach, this visa can lead to a better future, whether through work, entrepreneurship, or switching to a long-term immigration route.