From September 2020, international students who have started their studies at UK universities will be able to stay and work for two years after graduation, by applying for the newly announced Graduate Immigration Route.

This Graduate Immigration Route will be available to international students who have completed a degree at undergraduate level or above at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance and who have a valid Tier 4 visa at the time of application.

There will be no limit on the number of international students who can come to the UK to study.

The new student visa application system allows them to apply six months before they are due to start a course if they are applying from outside the UK.

Successful applicants on this route will be able to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for a maximum period of two years. Graduates who have found skilled jobs, and who qualify for skilled work visas, will now be able to apply UK’s newly introduced Point Based Skilled Immigration.

Under the points-based immigration system, points will be awarded for a job offer at the appropriate skill level, knowledge of English and being paid a minimum salary. Skilled worker visas will be awarded to those who gain enough points.