Earlier this month, the UK government announced a new route which will allow international students who have recently completed a bachelor’s degree or above to remain in the UK.

What Is the New Route?

This new route aims to retain the brightest international students with the hope that they will continue to contribute to the UK economy after their university studies.

“As we rebuild from the global pandemic we want the world’s brightest talent, who aspire to a career at the highest levels of business, science, the arts and technology to see our United Kingdom as the natural place to fulfil their aspirations” said Minister for Future Borders and Immigration Kevin Foster.

Who Is Eligible?

International students who have completed an eligible course at a UK higher education provider will be eligible for this route. Applicants to this route must already be in the UK and must already be on a Student visa, and must also meet the following requirements:

Successful completion requirement:

• the applicant must have last been sponsored by a university or higher education provider with a track record of compliance at the date of application; 
• the applicant must have successfully completed the course of study which was undertaken during their most recent period of leave on the Student visa; 
• the sponsoring university or higher education provider must have notified the Home Office that the applicant has successfully completed the course of study. 

Qualification requirement:

• the applicant must have successfully completed a course of study for which they have or will be awarded a UK bachelor’s degree, UK postgraduate degree or a ‘relevant qualification’ as defined in the Immigration Rules. 

Study in the UK requirement:

• the applicant must have studied in the UK for a required ‘minimum period’ of the course, depending on the total length of the course. Different requirements are in place for those who undertook distance learning between 24 January 2020 and 27 September 2021. 

There is no need for applicants to be sponsored, meaning that they will not need a job offer to apply for the route. There will be no minimum salary requirements nor caps on numbers.

What Leave Will I be Granted?

Successful applicants will be able to work or look for work after their studies for a maximum period of 2 years, or 3 years for Doctoral students. They will be able to work flexibly, switch jobs and develop their career as required.

The Graduate route does not lead to settlement, so those residing in the UK on this route will need to look to switch into other immigration categories that lead to settlement if they wish to stay in the UK for a longer period of time.

Stella Maris Solicitors specialise in immigration law and are here to help if you need us. Contact us today on 01793 296118 or email mail@stellamarissolicitorsllp.co.uk to book a consultation with our solicitor – we always aim to book a consultation for the next working day.