Covid rules relaxed as launch day set for UK post-study work visa

The UK has confirmed that its new post-study work visa will open for applications at the start of July, with further concessions announced for students currently unable to enter the country because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Home Office said that the “graduate” visa would open for applications on 1 July, allowing international students who have completed an eligible degree at a UK higher education provider to stay in the country to work or look for work for two years, or three years for doctoral students.

Applicants will not need to have a job offer to apply, and there are no minimum salary requirements or caps on numbers.

Confirming the details of the scheme on 4 March, the Home Office said that it had extended concessions for students unable to travel to the UK due to the pandemic. Previously applicants who began their studies in autumn 2020 would have had to enter the UK by 6 April this year; that has now been pushed back to 21 June.

Students who began their studies in January or February 2021 will need to be in the UK by 27 September this year.

Kevin Foster, the minister for future borders and immigration, said: “As we rebuild from the global pandemic we want the world’s brightest talent, who aspire to a career at the highest levels of business, science, the arts and technology to see our United Kingdom as the natural place to fulfil their aspirations.

“The changes announced today will ensure once they have received a gold standard qualification from one of our world-leading education institutions they can easily secure the status they need to continue living, working and fulfilling their dreams in the UK.”

The government also plans to launch a new, unsponsored points-based visa to attract leading scientists and researchers to the UK, chancellor Rishi Sunak said in his budget on 3 March.

chris.havergal@timeshighereducation.com