UK announces two-year post-study work visa for international students

THE UK has announced a new two-year post-study work visa for international students.

The new ‘graduate’ immigration route will be open to all international students who have a valid British immigration status as a student and have successfully completed a course of study at undergraduate level or above with an approved UK higher education provider.

The visa will allow eligible students to work, or look for work, at any skill level or subject, giving them valuable work experience at the start of their careers, the government said on Thursday (12).

This will build on government action to help recruit and retain the best and brightest global talent, but also open up opportunities for future breakthroughs.

British home secretary Priti Patel said: “The new Graduate Route will mean talented international students, whether in science and maths or technology and engineering, can study in the UK and then gain valuable work experience as they go on to build successful careers.

“It demonstrates our global outlook and will ensure that we continue to attract the best and brightest.”

The latest announcement follows recent announcements, such as the creation of a new fast-track visa route for scientists and the removal of the limit on PhD students moving into the skilled work visa route.