Navigating Post-Graduation Visa Options For International Students In The UK

[Editor2]

The landscape of visa options available to international students in the UK post-graduation is diverse, offering several pathways depending on individual career goals and circumstances. This article explores the various visa routes international graduates can consider to extend their stay in the UK.

Graduate Visa

The Graduate visa, recommended for retention by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), allows students who have completed their degrees at accredited UK institutions to remain in the country for up to two years after finishing a master’s level course or three years following a Ph.D. This visa does not require employers to hold sponsor licenses, nor does it impose a salary requirement beyond the national minimum wage. Graduate visa holders can explore various employment types, including self-employment and voluntary work.

However, the Graduate visa does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and cannot be extended. Graduates will eventually need to switch to another economic visa route.

Skilled Worker Visa

Many graduates opt to switch to the Skilled Worker visa either immediately post-graduation or after their Graduate visa expires. This visa requires a Certificate of Sponsorship from an employer who holds a sponsor licence, and the role must meet specific skill and salary thresholds (typically £38,700 per year or the “going rate” for the job). Graduates usually meet the English-language requirement due to their UK studies.

Exceptions to the minimum salary requirement include recent graduates, Ph.D. holders in STEM subjects, and those in jobs on the immigration salary list. Employers sponsoring Student visa holders to switch to this route are exempt from the Immigration Skills charge, a financial benefit not extended to Graduate visa holders.

The Skilled Worker visa permits limited flexibility for additional employment but supports dependants more generously than the Graduate visa. It is extendable indefinitely and can lead to settlement after five years.

Innovator Founder Visa

Graduates interested in entrepreneurship can consider the Innovator Founder visa. This route requires the establishment of a new business endorsed by an approved body, demonstrating innovation, viability, and scalability. Applicants must meet agreed milestones and show business progression.

The Innovator Founder visa offers settlement after three years, and dependants can accompany the visa holder.

Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent visa targets individuals recognized as exceptional talent or promise in fields such as science, medicine, engineering, digital technology, humanities, and the arts. Applicants must obtain an endorsement from a relevant body and then apply for the visa.

This route allows considerable flexibility, as visa holders are not tied to a specific employer and can work within their field without significant restrictions. It also offers the opportunity for settlement after three years, with dependants permitted to join the visa holder in the UK.

Pros and Cons Summary

Graduate Visa

• Pros: No employer sponsorship required, flexible employment options, easy entry criteria.
• Cons: No pathway to ILR, non-extendable, requires switching to another visa for long-term stay.

Skilled Worker Visa

• Pros: Pathway to ILR after five years, supports dependants, lower salary thresholds for recent graduates.
• Cons: Requires employer sponsorship, less flexible employment options.

Innovator Founder Visa

• Pros: Direct route to settlement in three years, supports dependants, encourages entrepreneurship.
• Cons: Requires endorsement and business progression milestones, potentially challenging application process.

Global Talent Visa

• Pros: High flexibility in employment, settlement in three years, supports dependants.
• Cons: Requires recognition as exceptional talent or promise, dual application process (endorsement and visa).

 

[mike1985]

I think the Graduate visa is a great option for students who want to stay in the UK after finishing their studies. It gives them time to find a job and doesn't have strict requirements. What do you guys think?

 

[nickdev]

I'm curious about the Innovator Founder visa. It sounds interesting, but how difficult is it to get the endorsement from an approved body? Has anyone gone through this process?

 

[cmarchan]

THE GrADuate visa sEEMS Good but wHat AbOUT THE PathWAy To ILR, HOW dOES ONE MANAGE aFter tHAT?

 

[steven.harrington]

The Graduate visa indeed offers flexibility, but the lack of a direct pathway to ILR means you'll eventually need to switch to another visa. Most graduates opt for the Skilled Worker visa, which does lead to settlement after five years.

 

[sophia_l]

Analyzing the options, the Skilled Worker visa seems most practical for those aiming for long-term residency. However, the salary thresholds could be a hurdle for recent graduates unless they qualify for the exceptions.

 

[alexcooney]

GRADUATE VISA IS A TEMPORARY SOLUTION!! WHAT HAPPENS AFTER IT EXPIRES?!??

 

[jennifer.javier]

Can someone explain how the Global Talent visa works? What kind of endorsement do you need, and how hard is it to get?

 

[adamhholmes]

The Global Talent visa requires an endorsement from a relevant body in your field, such as the Royal Society or Tech Nation. It's aimed at individuals who are either recognized leaders or emerging talents in their sector. It's a rigorous process, but if you qualify, it offers great flexibility.

 

[vivienne]

I'm not very familiar with the Innovator Founder visa, but it sounds challenging. Has anyone had any success with it?

 

[drake69]

I'm not very familiar with the Innovator Founder visa, but it sounds challenging. Has anyone had any success with it?

I've heard that the Innovator Founder visa is tough because you need to show your business is innovative and scalable. Plus, you need to meet certain milestones. Anyone else know more about this?