Did you know international students who have completed a degree in the UK can apply to stay and work in the UK for up to two years? The new Graduate Route visa is a fantastic opportunity for international graduates of UK universities. As a student who will graduate in June 2022, I have received lots of information and support from the BU Career team to prepare for my Graduate Route visa application! Discover more about this opportunity in my blog!

What is the Graduate Route Visa?

Starting from summer 2021, international graduates from UK institutions who have successfully completed an undergraduate or master’s will be able to benefit from two years’ work experience in the UK upon graduation through the new Graduate Route. PhD students will be able to stay for three years. If students can find a suitable job during this time and meet all the requirements, they will be able to switch into another route, such as the New Skilled Worker visa.

This New Graduate Route Visa will open many opportunities for international graduates in the UK. Not only will it help graduates make the most of their UK education, but it also helps them take the next steps into employment in the UK.

The New Graduate Route will require a new visa application, which will only be possible from inside the UK. This visa application will cost £700, and applicants will need to pay £624 Immigration Health Surcharge for each year of the Graduate Route visa. (Costs based on February 2022)

Where to find information and support?

If you plan to apply for this visa route, the BU Career team offers lots of helpful information and support. I have attended some useful webinars hosted by a Career Adviser from the BU Career team to get all the information and ask lots of questions about this new visa route. Usually, the webinar will be recorded and uploaded on MyCareerHub for interested students to look at once they start preparing for their application.

Moreover, as a student at BU you can book an appointment with a Careers Advisor for advice and guidance. The BU Careers & Employability Service and the MyCareerHub platform are valuable resources to help students develop and best prepare for their future careers. Subscribing to the CareerBU newsletter is also a good way for students to get the latest information about upcoming career and recruitments events, opportunities, webinars, and valuable workshops.

One of the things I like the most about studying at Bournemouth University is that students can receive career advice and support during our time at BU and up to 3 years after our course end date, whether we stay in the UK or return to our home country. This incredible opportunity and support will make my studying experience in the UK more rewarding and help me discover my full potential after graduation.