The New UK Student and Work Visas: March 2021
The UK government has launched two new visas for international students this year concerning studying in the UK and working in the UK after your degree. For more detailed information, also refer to the government website: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa.
The New UK Student Visa: Study in the UK Visa (formally known as the Tier 4)
What is it?
The new student visa is open to an unlimited number of international students, including those from Europe coming to study after the Brexit transition period ends. This follows the government’s commitment to introduce a points-based immigration system in 2021. It aims to extend equal opportunity to all foreign talent in the post-Brexit UK.
How do I qualify for a UK student visa?
International applicants must achieve the required 70 points to be granted a visa to study at a UK university. They will achieve the required points if they can demonstrate that they:
have been offered a place on a course
can speak, read, write and understand English
have enough money to support themselves and pay for their course
When do I apply?
The earliest you can apply for a student visa is six months before you start your course when applying from outside the UK – up from the three-month window previously under Tier 4. You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within three weeks.
Post Study Work Visa
What Is It?
The launch of the new Graduate route (which includes the new post study work visa) shows that the UK government is continuing to deliver on its key manifesto promise to implement a points-based immigration system, which will attract talent and ensure that businesses can recruit the most highly qualified from across the globe to drive the economy forwards.
The Details:
Bachelor’s or master’s level graduates will be able to stay in the UK and work or look for work for two years
PhD level graduates will be able to stay for three years
The visa fee is £700 + £624 per year for the Immigration Health Surcharge
While on this visa you can switch to other visas such as Skilled Worker, Start Up, Innovator or Global Talent, among others (you can switch at any time before the expiry date of your Graduate Route Visa).
Applicants will not need a job offer to apply for the route. There will be no minimum salary requirements nor caps on numbers. Graduates on the route will be able to work flexibly, switch jobs and develop their career as required.
Am I Eligible?
To be considered, you must have:
Completed a degree at undergraduate level or above at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance
Have a valid Tier 4 or Student visa at the time of application
Students who began their studies in Autumn 2020 have until 21 June 2021 to enter the UK in order to be eligible to apply to the Graduate route
Students who began their studies in January or February 2021 will need to be in the UK by 27 September 2021
Who Isn’t Eligible?
Students that graduate and whose Tier 4 or Student visa leave expires before the route (1st July 2021) is introduced will not be eligible
You cannot apply for this visa outside the UK, only in the UK
Does this visa count towards settlement in the UK?
This visa does not count towards settlement in the UK, you must switch to a new visa after 2/3 years on this visa. Additionally, The Graduate route will require a new visa application beyond your study in the UK visa or Tier 4.
For more detailed information, also refer to the government website: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa.
Interested in Studying in the UK?
Check out our partner The UK Study Expert. The UK Study Expert provides educational services and information to students, families, counsellors and universities on earning a full degree in the UK.
The UK Study Expert works with over 100 UK universities and can match you with the right university based off your academic rigor, interests and needs.
They offer quick, 30 minute consultations to help you determine how a UK degree might help you in your education and career journey.
Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com
