Graduate Route
The New Graduate Route has been opened since 1st July 2021.
Eligibility:
International students, who have completed a degree at undergraduate level or above at a Higher Education Provider can now apply for a New Graduate Route which gives an opportunity to stay and work in the UK for 2 years after the course completion. It is essential to have a valid Tier 4 Visa at the time of the application.
The entire length of the course has to be completed in the UK (unless it was a permitted study abroad programme or remote study due to COVID-19).
The applicant would have to complete the qualification named on CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies). The change of course is allowed if the applicant was carrying on with his current Tier 4 visa without applying for further permission.
This new route is only available to those whose Leave to Remain as a Tier 4 student still was valid on 1st July 2021. If it expiries before this date you will not be eligible to apply.
How to apply:
You may only apply from the UK. All applications made from outside the UK will be automatically refused.
An application can be made as soon as a student received final course results. No need to wait until the graduation.
Length and conditions of the Graduate Route:
If your application is successful, you will be able to stay in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD or Doctoral students).
You will be able to work as an employed person without dependence on the company. You are also allowed to be a self-employed in the UK. Studying is permitted but you cannot study with a student sponsor on a course which would meet the requirements of a Student route.
You may be issued with the Graduate Route visa only once and it is not leading to a settlement by itself.
You will also be allowed to switch to a Skilled Worker route once you have found a suitable position.
Dependants:
Only those who already were in the UK as dependants of Tier 4 student or children born in the UK during last grand of Tier 4 visa will be allowed to apply. No new dependents are permitted on this route.
Home office fees:
Graduate Route visa fee – £700 (either 2 or 3 years’ route)
Each dependant visa fee – £700
As this route gives an access to the NHS there is an Immigration Health Surcharge – £624 per year (prices as of July 2021, subject to change in the future).
The total amount for the whole length of visa should be paid at once.
Each dependant also needs to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
