- In 2021, the UK will once again grant Graduate visas, especially to Indian scholars.
- The Graduate Visa permits travel overseas and returns to the United Kingdom.
- Although holders may choose to reapply after the visa expires, the graduate visa is not a path to permanent residency.
In 2021, the UK will once again grant Graduate visas, which will present numerous opportunities for foreign students, especially Indian scholars enrolled in the country.
Unlike the Skilled Worker route, this visa permits graduates and post-graduates to remain in the UK for a specified amount of time and look for work. The Graduate Visa permits travel overseas and returns to the United Kingdom, as well as flexible work shifts, volunteer work, and self-employment.
UK visa
At the time of application, the applicant must have finished their studies at a recognized UK higher education institution and possess a valid Tier 4 or student visa.
It is also available to spouses and dependent children residing in the nation. Holders of a graduate visa are permitted to remain in the UK for a period of two years following the successful completion of their degree, or three years in the case of a doctorate.
Although holders may choose to reapply after the visa expires, such as for a skilled worker visa, the graduate visa is not a path to permanent residency. Holders are unable to apply for benefits in these circumstances, though.
Those who are not applying for positions in the National Health Service or specific care provider roles will be required to pay a healthcare surcharge. The application fee is typically £700.
Given that they account for the largest proportion of international students studying in the UK, Indian students are expected to benefit the most from the graduate route.
According to recently released government statistics, the number of sponsored study visa grants awarded to Indian nationals in the year ending June 2023 was 142,848. This represents a 54% increase from the year ending June 2022 by 49,883.
