What is the UK Graduate Route Visa?
The UK Graduate Route Visa is a post-study work visa introduced by the UK government in July 2021. This visa allows international students who have completed their degree in the UK to stay and work, or look for work, for up to two years after graduation (three years for PhD graduates). It’s designed to attract and retain talented international students, providing them with an opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the UK. For Nepalese students, this visa offers a significant advantage, allowing them to apply their skills and knowledge in the UK job market without the need for employer sponsorship.
Who can apply for the UK Graduate Route Visa?
The UK Graduate Route Visa is available to international students, including those from Nepal, who have successfully completed a degree at undergraduate level or above at a UK Higher Education Provider. To be eligible, applicants must have:
- Completed their entire course in the UK, with the exception of permitted study abroad programs or remote study due to Covid-19
- Studied on a course lasting at least 12 months, or completed a PhD
- Held a valid Tier 4 or Student visa at the time of application
- Completed their course at a UK institution with a track record of compliance
Nepalese students who meet these criteria can apply for the Graduate Route visa, opening up opportunities for post-study work experience in the UK.
How long can you stay in the UK under the Graduate Route?
Under the UK Graduate Route visa, the duration of stay depends on the level of qualification obtained:
- Undergraduate and Master’s degree graduates: Can stay for up to 2 years
- PhD graduates: Can stay for up to 3 years
This extended period allows Nepalese graduates ample time to gain valuable work experience, explore career opportunities, and potentially transition to other work visas if they secure long-term employment. The two to three-year duration provides a significant advantage for those looking to establish themselves in the UK job market or gain international work experience before returning to Nepal.
Can international students work in the UK with this visa?
Yes, international students, including those from Nepal, can work in the UK with the Graduate Route visa. This visa allows graduates to:
- Work in most jobs
- Be self-employed
- Look for work
- Volunteer
- Travel abroad and return to the UK
There are no restrictions on the type of work or the number of hours graduates can work under this visa. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for Nepalese graduates, allowing them to explore various career paths, gain diverse work experiences, and potentially find long-term employment opportunities in the UK.
What qualifications are required for the Graduate Route visa?
To be eligible for the UK Graduate Route visa, applicants must have successfully completed one of the following qualifications from a recognized UK institution:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Postgraduate degree (Master’s)
- PhD or Doctoral degree
- Other eligible courses such as:
- Graduate Diploma
- Graduate Certificate
- Postgraduate Diploma
- Postgraduate Certificate
The qualification must be awarded by a UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance. For Nepalese students, this means ensuring that their chosen UK institution meets these criteria before commencing their studies.
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Do EU students need a Graduate Route visa?
Yes, EU students, along with students from other countries including Nepal, need a Graduate Route visa to stay and work in the UK after completing their studies. This requirement came into effect following the UK’s exit from the European Union (Brexit). EU students who began their studies before 31 December 2020 and have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme do not need to apply for the Graduate Route visa. However, EU students who started their courses after this date are treated the same as non-EU international students and must apply for the Graduate Route visa if they wish to stay and work in the UK after graduation.
Is the Graduate Route visa available for PhD students?
Yes, the Graduate Route visa is available for PhD students, and it offers an extended stay period compared to other graduates. PhD students who have successfully completed their doctoral degree can stay in the UK for up to 3 years under this visa, as opposed to the 2 years granted to undergraduate and master’s degree graduates. This extended period is particularly beneficial for Nepalese PhD graduates, providing them with more time to:
- Conduct postdoctoral research
- Gain industry experience
- Establish professional networks
- Potentially transition to other work visas or settle in the UK
The additional year allows PhD graduates to make significant contributions to their field of study and potentially secure long-term career prospects in the UK.
Can you extend the Graduate Route visa after two years?
No, the Graduate Route visa cannot be extended beyond its initial duration (2 years for undergraduate and master’s graduates, 3 years for PhD graduates). However, this doesn’t mean that Nepalese graduates must leave the UK after their visa expires. They have several options:
- Switch to a Skilled Worker visa if they find eligible employment
- Apply for other work visas such as the Global Talent visa for exceptional talents
- Pursue further studies and switch to a Student visa
- Apply for a Start-up or Innovator visa if planning to start a business
While the Graduate Route visa itself can’t be extended, it provides valuable time for Nepalese graduates to explore these alternative pathways for staying in the UK long-term.
What fees are associated with the Graduate Route visa?
The fees associated with the UK Graduate Route visa are as follows:
- Application fee: £700 (as of 2023)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £624 per year of stay
- For a 2-year visa: £1,248
- For a 3-year PhD graduate visa: £1,872
It’s important for Nepalese students to factor these costs into their financial planning. While these fees represent a significant investment, they are generally lower than the fees for other work visas. The potential for unrestricted work and valuable UK experience often outweighs the cost for many graduates.
Is there a health surcharge for the Graduate Route visa?
Yes, there is a health surcharge for the Graduate Route visa, known as the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). As of 2023, the IHS for the Graduate Route visa is £624 per year of stay. This means:
- For a 2-year Graduate Route visa: £1,248
- For a 3-year PhD Graduate Route visa: £1,872
The IHS allows visa holders to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) on the same terms as permanent UK residents. This includes:
- Free GP consultations
- Free hospital treatments
- Reduced cost prescriptions
For Nepalese graduates, this comprehensive health coverage provides peace of mind and financial protection against potential health issues during their stay in the UK.
Can dependents stay in the UK under the Graduate Route?
Yes, dependents can stay in the UK under the Graduate Route visa, but only if they are already in the UK as dependents of the main visa holder during their studies. New dependents cannot be added under this route. Eligible dependents include:
- Spouse or partner
- Children under 18 years old
Dependents have the right to:
- Work full-time
- Study
- Access NHS services
This provision is particularly beneficial for Nepalese graduates with families, allowing them to keep their family unit together while pursuing career opportunities in the UK.
What benefits does the Graduate Route provide for graduates?
The UK Graduate Route visa offers numerous benefits for graduates, including those from Nepal:
- Work Flexibility: Graduates can work in any job, be self-employed, or start a business without restrictions.
- Career Exploration: The 2-3 year period allows graduates to explore different career paths and gain diverse work experiences.
- No Sponsorship Required: Unlike other work visas, the Graduate Route doesn’t require employer sponsorship, making it easier to find employment.
- Networking Opportunities: Graduates can build professional networks in the UK, which can be valuable for future career prospects.
- Potential Pathway to Settlement: The work experience gained can help in transitioning to other visas that may lead to settlement.
- International Experience: UK work experience can be highly valued by employers in Nepal and globally.
- Language Skills: Extended stay allows for further improvement in English language skills.
- Cultural Exposure: Living and working in the UK provides rich cultural experiences and personal growth.
- Higher Earning Potential: UK work experience can potentially lead to higher earning opportunities in Nepal or internationally.
- Access to UK’s Innovation Ecosystem: Particularly beneficial for those in tech, research, or entrepreneurial fields.
These benefits make the Graduate Route visa an attractive option for Nepalese students considering studying in the UK.
How can students apply for the Graduate Route visa?
Nepalese students can apply for the UK Graduate Route visa through the following process:
- Eligibility Check:
- Ensure you’ve successfully completed your UK degree
- Check you have a valid Student or Tier 4 visa
- Timing:
- Apply before your current Student visa expires
- You can apply up to 2 years after completing your course (3 years for PhD)
- Online Application:
- Visit the official UK government website
- Create an account or log in to an existing one
- Fill out the online application form
- Document Submission:
- Provide digital copies of required documents
- This may include your passport and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Biometrics:
- You may need to provide your fingerprints and a photograph
- Fee Payment:
- Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Decision:
- Wait for the Home Office to process your application
- This usually takes around 8 weeks
- Visa Issuance:
- If approved, you’ll receive a new Biometric Residence Permit
It’s crucial to apply from within the UK and to do so before your Student visa expires. Nepalese students should start preparing for this application well in advance of their course completion.
Does the Graduate Route visa require maintenance funds?
No, the UK Graduate Route visa does not require applicants to show proof of maintenance funds. This is a significant advantage compared to other UK visas. Key points to note:
- No need to prove a specific amount of savings
- No requirement to show bank statements
- Financial requirements are limited to the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
This lack of maintenance fund requirement makes the Graduate Route visa more accessible for Nepalese graduates who may not have substantial savings. It allows them to focus on finding employment or starting their career without the additional stress of meeting financial thresholds.
However, graduates should still ensure they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their job search and initial period of stay in the UK.
Can students work as self-employed under the Graduate Route?
Yes, students, including those from Nepal, can work as self-employed under the UK Graduate Route visa. This provision offers significant flexibility and opportunities:
- Freelancing: Graduates can offer their services as freelancers in their field of expertise.
- Starting a Business: The visa allows graduates to set up their own businesses in the UK.
- Consultancy Work: Graduates can work as independent consultants.
- Creative Industries: This is particularly beneficial for those in fields like art, design, or writing.
- Tech Start-ups: Graduates can develop and launch their own tech products or services.
- No Restrictions: There are no limitations on the type of self-employment activities.
- Combining Employment: Graduates can combine self-employment with regular employment.
- Building a Portfolio: Self-employment can help build a diverse portfolio of work.
- Testing Business Ideas: The visa period allows graduates to test and refine business concepts.
- Networking: Self-employment can lead to valuable professional connections in the UK.
This self-employment option provides Nepalese graduates with the freedom to explore entrepreneurial opportunities and potentially establish businesses that could grow into long-term ventures.
Conclusion
The UK Graduate Route visa offers significant benefits for Nepalese students and graduates. It provides a valuable opportunity to gain work experience, explore career paths, and potentially establish long-term prospects in the UK. With its flexible work options, including self-employment, and the absence of maintenance fund requirements, this visa pathway opens doors for Nepalese talent to contribute to and benefit from the UK’s dynamic job market. As the global landscape of international education and employment continues to evolve, the Graduate Route visa stands as a testament to the UK’s commitment to attracting and retaining global talent, offering a win-win situation for both Nepalese graduates and the UK economy.
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