Immigration News - United Kingdom Graduate route open for applications Share this article LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) July 6, 2021 The Home Office officially opened the new Graduate immigration route on July 1, 2021. Key Points: U.K. graduates from higher education institutions can now apply for a two- or three-year visa enabling approved individuals to stay and work in the U.K. Eligibility requirements include: Applicants must hold a valid Tier 4 or Student visa and have received a degree at the undergraduate level or above from a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance to meet eligibility requirements. The education program must have been started and finished entirely in the U.K. Applicants must have completed the qualification named on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that corresponds with the Student or Tier 4 visa. Applications can be submitted once the university has sent final course results; applicants do not need to wait until graduation to apply. Applications must be submitted while in the U.K. and applicants should not leave the country or Common Travel Area while the application is being processed. Additional Information: If an applicant’s visa expired after a Graduate route application is submitted, the applicant can remain in the U.K. until a decision is made. The new route was initially announced in March of this year as part of the U.K. government’s switch to a points-based immigration system. BAL Analysis: The Graduate route provides international students additional time to work in the U.K. following graduation and serves as a pathway to apply through the Skilled Worker route. This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com. Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.