What is Graduate Route?

Are you an international student looking to kickstart your career in the United Kingdom after finishing your studies? If so, you're probably eager to look into the post-study work or graduate route opportunities available to you. The UK provides excellent opportunities for new graduates to get significant job experience through its graduate route pathways. In this blog, we'll explain what the graduate route visa involves and walk you through the application procedure.

The graduate route visa allows international students who have completed their degree in the UK to stay and work in the country for a set period of time. It offers graduates an excellent opportunity to develop professional experience, expand their networks, and maybe transfer into a longer-term visa or permanent status in the UK.

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Who is eligible for a UK Graduate Route Visa?

You can apply for a graduate visa if you fit the following criteria:

1. You currently have a Tier 4 (General) student visa, also known as a student visa.
2. You used your student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa to study for a minimum length of time for a UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree, or other qualified course.
3. The Home Office has been informed by your university that you have successfully completed your course.
4. If your course is more than 12 months, you have studied in the UK for at least that long; if it is less, you have studied in the UK for the entire duration of your study.

How to apply for a Graduate Route Visa in the UK?

As soon as all of your documents are prepared, you must apply online at Gov.UK for a Graduate visa. When submitting an application, you must submit:

1. A valid passport or other identity and nationality-proving travel document.
2. Your biometric residence permit (BRP) that you received when you applied for a student visa.
3. Your university must have provided you with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number when they awarded you a spot on the course you finished with your student visa. Ask your university what it is if you are unable to locate it.

You should receive a decision within eight weeks after submitting your online application, proving your identity, and providing the necessary documentation.

When to apply for your UK Graduate Route Visa?

You must apply before your Tier 4 (general) student visa expires to create a sufficient buffer period before you graduate. You do not need to wait until you have graduated or been issued a degree. You can also apply once your university has informed the Home Office that you have successfully finished the course you studied on your student visa.

What are the UK Graduate Route visa fees?

The UK PSW (or the Graduate Route) visa involves an entirely new visa application, which is only available from within the UK. The fees for the visa include:

• The application fees: £822 per applicant.
• Health Charge fees: £1035 per year

So, the total fees will be £2,892 for two years and £3,927 for three years.

It is crucial to remember that qualifying standards can change based on individual circumstances and changes in immigration regulations. As a result, it is recommended that you review the most recent guidelines issued by the UK Visas and Immigration department or seek advice from an immigration specialist for personalized assistance.

The Graduate route enables the UK to retain top international students who can contribute to society and the economy through the points-based immigration system. This system provides an organized structure for individuals from all over the world to work, study, or invest in the UK.

Do you want to achieve your ambition of living and working in the UK? Take the first step towards achieving your professional goals and receive our assistance with the application steps to success after completing your degree in the UK.

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