New Opportunity in the UK for International Students and Migrants to Get a Work Visa -For many international students and migrants, the United Kingdom has long been a desirable destination for work and study. However, until recently, the country’s immigration policies made it difficult for non-UK nationals to obtain a work visa. In 2021, the UK government introduced a new opportunity that makes it easier for international students and migrants to obtain a work visa. This article will explore this new opportunity and what it means for those looking to work in the UK.
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What is the New Opportunity in the UK for International Students and Migrants to Get a Work Visa?
The new opportunity is known as the Graduate Immigration Route. It allows international students who have completed their studies at a UK university to stay in the country and work for up to two years after graduating. The Graduate Immigration Route was introduced on July 1st, 2021, and it replaces the previous Tier 4 visa system that required international students to leave the UK after completing their studies.
The Graduate Immigration Route is open to all international students who have successfully completed a degree-level course at a UK university. This includes undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students. The visa is also available to students who have completed a part-time or distance learning course as long as it meets the degree-level requirement.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Graduate Immigration Route, international students must have a valid Tier 4 visa or a Student visa at the time of application. They must also have completed their degree course at a UK university and have a valid degree certificate. Finally, they must have a job offer from a UK employer that meets the minimum salary requirement.
Both the Skilled Worker and Global Talent visas have their own eligibility criteria, and they may not be suitable for all international students and migrants. However, they do provide additional options for those who want to work in the UK.
Salaries Requirements
The minimum salary requirement for the Graduate Immigration Route is £25,600 per year. However, this may vary depending on the job and location. Some jobs may have a lower salary threshold, while others may require a higher salary. In addition to the salary requirement, the job must also be at the appropriate skill level. This means that it must be at or above RQF level 3, which includes jobs that require A-level qualifications or equivalent.
The Graduate Immigration Route is a significant opportunity for international students and migrants who want to work in the UK. It provides them with a clear pathway to obtaining a work visa and staying in the country after completing their studies. This is particularly important for those who want to gain work experience in the UK, as it can help them to develop their skills and improve their job prospects.
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Benefits of this New Opportunity in the UK for International Students and Migrants to Get a Work Visa
The Graduate Immigration Route also benefits UK employers, as it allows them to recruit from a wider pool of talent. Many international students have valuable skills and experience that can benefit UK businesses, and the Graduate Immigration Route makes it easier for employers to hire them.
However, it’s important to note that the Graduate Immigration Route is not a permanent visa. It allows international students to stay in the UK for up to two years, after which they must either switch to another visa category or leave the country. This means that it’s important for international students to plan their careers carefully and think about their long-term goals.
In addition to the Graduate Immigration Route, there are other opportunities for international students and migrants to obtain a work visa in the UK. For example, the Skilled Worker visa is available to those who have a job offer from a UK employer and meet the minimum salary and skill level requirements. The Global Talent visa is available to those who have exceptional talent or promise in a particular field.
Overall, the Graduate Immigration Route is an excellent opportunity for international students and migrants who want to work in the UK. It provides them with a clear pathway to obtaining a work visa and staying in the country after completing their studies. However, it’s important to remember that the visa is not permanent and that international students and migrants should carefully consider their long-term career goals and visa options.
How to Apply for this New Opportunity in the UK for International Students and Migrants to Get a Work Visa
To apply for the Graduate Immigration Route, international students must complete an online application and pay a fee. They will also need to provide evidence of their degree qualification, their English language proficiency, and their job offer. The application process can take several weeks, so it’s important to apply well in advance of the visa expiry date.
The Graduate Immigration Route has been welcomed by many in the UK, including universities, employers, and international student organizations. It’s seen as a positive step towards making the UK a more attractive destination for international talent and improving the country’s competitiveness in the global job market. APPLY NOW
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Concerns and Criticism
However, some have criticized the visa for being too restrictive. For example, it requires international students to have a job offer that meets the minimum salary and skill level requirements. This may be difficult for some international students who are looking for entry-level jobs or who are in fields where salaries are lower.
There are also concerns that the Graduate Immigration Route may not be enough to attract and retain international talent in the UK. Other countries, such as Canada and Australia, have more generous visa schemes for international graduates, which may make them more attractive destinations for some.
Despite these criticisms, the Graduate Immigration Route is a significant opportunity for international students and migrants who want to work in the UK. It provides them with a clear pathway to obtaining a work visa and staying in the country after completing their studies. It’s also a positive step towards making the UK a more attractive destination for international talent and improving the country’s competitiveness in the global job market.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Graduate Immigration Route is a welcome development for international students and migrants who want to work in the UK. It provides them with a clear pathway to obtaining a work visa and staying in the country after completing their studies. However, it’s important to remember that the visa is not permanent and that international students and migrants should carefully consider their long-term career goals and visa options. The Graduate Immigration Route is a positive step towards making the UK a more attractive destination for international talent and improving the country’s competitiveness in the global job market.
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