The UK has conventionally been one of the world’s prominent educational terminuses. It acknowledges centuries-old universities that have a legacy of producing the finest minds in the world. The United Kingdom (UK) and its universities have an undisputed reputation for academic excellence and quality with thousands of courses available for students, as well as being an ideal destination for many decades for over a million international students from all over the world.
Today, it remains one of the best destinations for students seeking high-quality education and a welcoming educational environment. Every year, over 600,000 international students come to the country to pursue a variety of academic programs ranging from bachelor’s degrees to PhDs.
In a major boost for Indian and also other international students, on 1st July 2021, the UK government announced a Study – Work Visa, expanding opportunities for talented international students to build successful careers in the UK.

What is a New Graduate Route Visa?

The Graduate route is designed in such a way that international students who have earned their degree from a recognised university in the UK to stay here and look for work for at least two years. Previously, bachelor or master’s degree holders can stay for only four months in the UK to look for a job.
Graduates need not have a job offer to apply for a post-study work visa.
There are no minimum salary caps on numbers that allow students to work flexibly and build their careers in the UK.
Candidates who began their education in autumn 2020 or in spring 2021 will need to be in the UK on a student visa by September 27, 2021.
students who are going to start their studies later this year or early next year need to be in the UK by April 6, 2022.

The graduate route visa is popularly known as PSW (Post study work) visa.

Who is eligible for a Graduate Route visa?

International students must have completed their course (undergraduate or higher level) by a recognised UK higher education institute from September 2020 onwards.
Students who began a course of 12 months or less in 2020 or 2021 who have existing permission as a Student to study that course
The students who have already travelled to the UK during that period of permission, will be able to make an application as long as they are present in the UK before the end date of their permission.
Those graduates from a UK degree need to have a valid visa (Tier 4 or Student Route) on or after 1 July 2021.
Eligibility isn’t restricted by subject area or nationality.

How long can you stay?

Masters graduates (and Bachelors graduates) can live and work in the UK for up to two years
PhD graduates can live and work in the UK for up to three years

When is the deadline to apply for Graduate Route?

Students need to apply to the Graduate Route before their current student visa expires. Exactly when this is will depend on your course.
A Tier 4 or Student Route visa will normally last for the duration of your Masters or PhD plus an additional four-month grace period. Masters students who applied through the Tier 4 pilot scheme (before October 2020) will have a slightly longer grace period of up to six months.
You can find out exactly how long your visa lasts by checking your Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS) or asking your university.

How many people can access the Graduate Route?

There will be no cap on the number of people who can benefit from the Graduate Route.

What is the cost of Graduate Route visa?

You will need to pay a separate visa fee to access the Graduate Route. You will also need to pay another Immigration Health Surcharge to cover each additional year you spend in the UK. The standard fee ranges from £610 to £1,408 depending on your circumstances. You need to pay the healthcare surcharge – this is usually £624 per year.

What to do after PSW visa expires?

Once the PSW visa expires, those who are looking to stay longer in the UK need to apply to a skilled work visa or general work visa (Tier 2 visa). However, in order to get a Tier 2 visa, the general work visa, the candidate must be getting at least £30,000 per year. For some jobs, this can be higher or lower.

Benefits of PSW to Indian students:

The graduate route is a boon for many Indian students who aspire to pursue career in UK due to several benefits;
The route does not require sponsorship, and graduates do not require a job offer to apply.
Plus, there are no minimum salary requirements and there is no limit on the number of people who can apply.
The new visa program allows graduates to work flexibly, switch jobs and advance their careers

Effect of covid 19 on graduate route visa:

You will normally need to have studied your degree in the UK in order to apply to the Graduate Route. However, due to coronavirus, the UK government is temporarily allowing students who are studying remotely (from outside the UK) to apply to the Graduate Route when their course finishes. In order to do so you’ll need to have arrived in the UK before:
27th September 2021, if your course began in the 2020-21 academic year
6th April 2022, if your course begins in the 2021-22 academic year

Novaturient helps students at every step of their UK admissions process. We have the experience and widespread service package to make your student journey stress free and help you begin your education at the right time, in the best possible university.
Novaturient is a Licensed Immigration consultant that offer Visa services in acquiring Permanent Resident Visa, Student Visa and Visit Visa for countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Schengen Countries and the UK.
Email : info@novaturientvisas.com
Call us: 9731473738