July 1 brought great news for students aspiring to study abroad in the UK. It marked the official opening of the new Graduate Route, but there is more. Kevin Foster, UK’s Minister for Immigration, went on to confirm that the COVID visa concessions will extend to April 6, 2022, for the subsequent intake. With this, international students studying remotely owing to health and visa protocols will still be entitled to work rights upon graduating. The rules apply to distance learning and blended learning, which are likely to be around for the foreseeable future.
The objective is to curb the travel surge in late September and early October this year. Moreover, major markets like India and Pakistan are still on the red list, so students from these countries cannot expect to return. The UK government believes that enforcing managed hotel quarantine on arrival is not the best alternative for getting things back on track. There is hope that the world will be in a better place by early next year, making April a viable deadline for international students.
The extension of the current time-limited concessions by the UK government is a welcome move for those planning to seek admissions in the 2021-22 academic year. It comes as a reassurance to international students while being a wise decision to safeguard student and community health. The announcement came as a relief for Indian applicants as they can be more assured while accepting places offered. Their chances of staying in the UK after completion of their degree will not be jeopardised even if they have to start their course back home.
The graduate route is open to international students completing a degree, at the undergraduate level or above, in the UK. They can now work or even look for work in the country at any level post-study without sponsorship. Additionally, they can qualify for this visa without a job offer. The route gives them the freedom to switch jobs, work flexibly, and develop their careers. They can later switch into a permanent work route on finding a job that qualifies for it.
If you are considering studying abroad why don’t you discuss your prospects and opportunities with experts at Lurnable’s dedicated study abroad counselling division LurnPathways?
