Graduate route to open in July 2021

Intended for international students wishing to work in the UK following the successful completion of studies at UK bachelor’s degree-level or above, the Graduate route will open for applications on 1st July 2021.

To be eligible, students from any area of the UK will be required to have completed a suitable course at a UK higher education provider, with a track record of compliance with the government’s immigration requirements before applying; and will be able to work or look for work after their studies for a maximum period of 2 years, or 3 years for Doctoral students.

Details of the route are contained within the Immigration Rules laid out in Parliament on 4th March and confirm that the route will be open to international students who successfully complete a degree at undergraduate level or above in the UK, will not require sponsorship, and will have no minimum salary requirements or cap on numbers.

International applicants who began their studies in Autumn 2020 will now have until 21st June 2021 to enter the UK (updated from 6th April) in order to be eligible for the Graduate route. Students who began their studies in January or February 2021 will need to be in the UK by 27th September 2021.

“As we rebuild from the global pandemic we want the world’s brightest talent, who aspire to a career at the highest levels of business, science, the arts and technology to see our United Kingdom as the natural place to fulfil their aspirations.”

“The changes announced today will ensure once they have received a gold standard qualification from one of our world leading education institutions they can easily secure the status they need to continue living, working and fulfilling their dreams in the UK.”

Kevin Foster, Minister for Future Borders and Immigration