Navigating UK Visa Options For International Graduates

Understanding and navigating the UK visa system can be complex but with the correct information and adequate preparation, international graduates have several pathways to remain and work in the UK. Of course, for detailed guidance you should either consult recognised immigration experts or check for updated and current information on the appropriate websites.

Graduating from university is an exciting milestone but for international graduates, the journey continues with navigating visa options to remain in the UK so it is very important to fully understand your options. Some of these options are outlined below.

One of the options is a general work visa or sometimes known as a Tier 2 visa. With a UK degree, you can pursue employment within a UK company and while some employers may hesitate due to a variety of perceived visa complexities, it can be more straightforward than initially anticipated. If you do secure a job offer then your employer must demonstrate to the Home Office that the position is genuine and meets the skill and salary requirements, usually the job level has to be equivalent to NVQ Level 6 and you may be given permission to work for the employer for up to a period of five years. To simplify things, if you apply for a job while still in the UK on your student visa then as long as you have obtained your degree, the employer will not need to prove that they have advertised the position but is slightly more elaborate if you return to your home country and then apply.

Continuing education is also a viable path and graduates can extend their stay by enrolling in higher qualifications. This is known as the Tier 4 visa. Ensuring you meet the financial requirements and haven't exceeded the maximum duration of stay which is allowed on a student visa is crucial. In certain cases, you may be able to leverage an extension scheme which provides twelve months to find work and transition to a different visa.

For those graduates who are entrepreneurs, you can start a business in the UK under the specifications of a Tier 1 visa, provided that you have either a substantial sum of money to invest, either independently or with someone else or alternatively, a substantial sum of money secured by specific UK government bodies. This route requires a solid business plan and the ability to create at least two full time jobs.