If you wish to study and work in the UK, the UK Government’s revised Graduate Route ensures that international students are able to stay and look for work in the UK after completion of their university degree.
The post-study work visa provides options to international students for a smooth transition to the UK labour market, whilst the new point-based immigration system is aimed at making it easier for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and professional graduates to benefit from worker rights and gain permanent residency status in the UK.
Learn more below about ways in which post-study Graduate Visa Route benefits international students studying at a UK university and if you wish to begin your application to study in the UK, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK Uganda today.
Six Benefits of the Post-study Visa for International Students
1. 2-Year Post-study Work Visa
The post-study work visa allows international students studying undergraduate and postgraduate courses at UK universities to look for work in the UK for up to 2 years after graduation. During this period students can work at any skill level without requiring to meet the conditions of a minimum threshold salary or job sponsorship from employers. The Graduate Route is a great way for international students to access the lucrative UK labour market.
2. 3-Year Post-study Visa Extension for PhD students
Highly skilled PhD students in the UK are now eligible for a 3-year post-study visa extension as part of the UK Government's Global Talent Drive, thus making the UK job market more attractive for PhD professionals. The latest changes are aimed at providing better post-study work options to highly skilled professionals and attract more talent to the country in a bid to promote its STEM sector and improve its research output.
3. Extended Time in the UK for Postgraduate Students
The UK Government has proposed to remove the study time limit for postgraduate students, whilst also extending the period of time for which students can come to the UK before the start of their course from 3 to 6 months.
4. Dependent Work Rights
The post-study work visa also provides worker rights for dependents of international postgraduate students, and almost full access to the UK labour market.
5. Benefit for STEM Graduates
The new points-based immigration system starts from January 2021 and will take into consideration factors such as skills, qualifications, professions, salaries and age profiles to help fasten the process of granting residency to highly skilled professionals and STEM graduates.
6. Easy to Find Jobs on the Shortage Occupation List
The new immigration system grants an additional 20 points for jobs that appear on the Shortage Occupation List. An international student studying any related professional degree which is classified as a skills shortage position will find it easier to secure residency under the new system.
Study in the UK
If you are interested in studying in the UK and working there after course completion, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK Uganda today to learn more about UK university courses and beginning your application.
My counsellor contacted me every day throughout the application process and helped me receive an unconditional offer. I am so grateful to SI-UK and will never forget them. I will study very hard as I feel this is the best reward I can give the whole team. 
