Introduction

Starting from July 1st 2021, the UK government has implemented a new visa policy that allows international graduates to stay and work in the UK for up to five years after completing their studies. This is great news for non-EU students as previously, they were only allowed to stay for up to two years. Let's dive deeper into the details of the new policy.

The New Policy

The new policy grants international students who complete undergraduate or postgraduate degrees at UK higher education providers the right to remain in the UK for two years, while students completing a PhD can stay for three years. This is an extension of the previous rules only allowing them to stay up to two years post-graduation and setting a time limit on the time they could work or study in the UK.

Benefits for Students and the UK

The new policy is a win-win for international students and the UK as a whole. This will allow students to gain more experience in their field and establish connections with local businesses and industries. This experience will help them later in their careers, whether they stay in the UK or return to their home countries. The UK will benefit from this policy by retaining talented graduates in fields where there is a lack of domestic talent. This will allow the UK to maintain its leading role in important industries and further the international community's reputation as a hub for education and innovation.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this new visa policy, international students must have successfully completed their studies at a registered UK institution. They must have a valid Tier 4 visa at the time of application for visa extension. They also must have a valid job offer from a recognized employer at a skill level equivalent to RQF level 3 or above. This means that the job must pay a minimum of ￡25,600 per annum or the appropriate rate for the job. Lastly, the UK government has stipulated that applicants must provide evidence of sufficient knowledge of the English language.

Conclusion

The new visa policy is a great step forward for international students looking to study and work in the UK. The policy will make the UK a more desirable location for studying and help cement the country's place in the global educational landscape. By extending the period of post-graduation stay and work, international students will have more opportunities to build lasting relationships with British businesses, gain invaluable career experience and contribute to the UK economy.