Gateway open to full time employment for International Students
The UK government has announced the re-introduction of 2-year Post Study Work (PSW) visas commencing September 2020 for international students.
The previous Tier 1-PSW visa route permitted international students from UK universities to remain in the UK for a year after graduation. The route allowed graduate visa holders to gain some UK work experience before either returning to their home country, or applying for a further visa category such as the Tier 2 (General) Migrant visa or other work related visas to remain in the UK. The route was, however, closed 7 years ago and the current government aims to reopen it because of the immense benefits to both the UK and students.
Under the current rules, international students can remain in the UK for up to 4 months after completing their studies, and they must return to their home countries with all the skills they have acquired from their various UK universities. However, with the impending new Graduate route, the UK government aims to encourage talented international students to come to the UK to study and build successful careers in the UK after their studies.
This new route will be opened to all international students who have valid UK immigration status as students and have successfully completed a course of study in any subject at undergraduate level or above at an approved UK Higher Education Provider to remain in the UK after graduation. Students will be able to work in any career or position of their choice without being sponsored by an employer. Although it is sensible to take advantage of this route when it opens up somewhere in September 2020, it is equally advisable to seek legal assistance before taking any employment after graduation. The reasons being that you would be guided on the best work visas available as well as the best options which may lead to securing the best route leading to settlement and British citizenship.
Furthermore, while this new route will be open to all nationalities, it seems to be targeting the Asian countries, particularly Indian nationals, because of the 42% increase in the number of Indian students compared to the previous year and which currently stands almost 100% compared to the year ending June 2016.
So how can graduates take advantage of the impending opportunity? If a UK graduate wishes to settle in the UK, it is important that upon completing the 2-year PSW visas, they must go ahead and apply for a skilled work visa under Tier 2 category or other work related visa routes in the UK. This must, however, be done with the assistance of a sound legal advice in order to secure the best job offers in the UK from employers holding sponsorship licence.
Who can I contact for legal advice?
If you need a U.K. immigration lawyer and need assistance with any aspect of U.K. immigration law whether from inside the U.K. or from overseas, contact Aschfords Law in Harrow, London. We have experience in offering specialist advice in respect of all U.K. immigration matters and have insight to make the process as smooth as possible. We also provide legal advice and assistance in respect to Wills & Probate, Litigation, Landlord & Tenant and Family Law.
Please contact us today on: +44 (0) 75 8293 2830 or visit our website on www.aschfordslaw.com