UK: Graduate Route Visa is playing a crucial role in attracting international talent, feels expert

Mohit Gambhir,  Managing Director, Oxford International Education Services, wrote in his article published in Financial Express: " The government and educational institutions are keen to ensure that the UK remains an attractive destination choice for students worldwide. The discussions and reaffirmations from the educational leaders look towards providing a welcoming environment for the students in the UK and ensuring their educational investments are converted into meaningful professional opportunities."

He said the visa acts as a bridge to global opportunities for international students.

" As the UK continues to emphasise its openness to international talent, students can confidently plan their educational journeys, knowing that their aspirations are supported by a stable and welcoming policy framework," he said.

What is Graduate Route Visa?

As per the UK government's website,  a Graduate route visa gives a person permission to stay in the country for at least 2 years after successfully completing a course in the nation.

Eligibility

You can apply for a Graduate visa if all of the following are true:

You’re in the UK.

Your current visa is a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.

You studied a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for a minimum period of time with your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.

Your education provider (such as your university or college) has told the Home Office you’ve successfully completed your course

You can ask your education provider if you’re not sure whether they’ve told the Home Office you’ve successfully completed your course.

How long you can stay?

A Graduate visa lasts for 2 years. If you have a PHD or other doctoral qualification, it will last for 3 years.

Your visa will start from the day your application is approved.

If you want to stay longer in the UK

You cannot extend your Graduate visa. However, you may be able to switch to a different visa, for example a Skilled Worker visa