The UK is one of the best places that offer the wealth of world-class education, great diversity in course options, universal work rights, British culture, and easier visa norms. One can find specific rules around obtaining a settlement, and relatively quick decisions in immigration applications that make it further easier to continue in the UK post-studies.
Gone are the days when international students had to return to their homeland just after the completion of UK post-studies. Now the UK government has acknowledged the challenges and is all set to welcome the historic change in the form of Brexit. The concept is associated with freedom of movement, the introduction of the points-based system, and several visa categories. These will touch immigration opportunities and will make the country an incredible destination post-studies. Brexit will come into force from 01 January 2021.
So are you looking for some best UK immigration routes post-studies? Look no further than the following best visa options available post-studies.
Tier 2
Tier 2 General is the best personal immigration route that supports the relevant immigration status of international students post-studies. Under the current system, tier 2 is for skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland who are coming to the UK to fill a gap in the labour force that could not be filled by someone settled within the territory.
Please note that the current immigration route is designed for individuals with a job offer from Home Office approved Sponsor at RQF (Regulated Qualification Framework) Level 6 and the minimum salary of £30,000 according to the SOC. However, from 1 January 2021, certain changes will be visible under the Tier 2 (General) visa. The job will be offered at a required skill level of RQF3 or above (equivalent to A level) and the minimum salary threshold will be lowered from £30,000 to £25,600 per annum.
Graduate Immigration Route
The UK government unveiled this new immigration route in 2019, which permits international students to enjoy an extended stay of 2 years after studying in the UK. During this period, students can accept a job or can look for work in the country. However, the period of 2 years is not extendable. This route will only be implemented in the summer of 2021.
Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa came into effect on 20 February 2020. Under the current system, the immigration route is aimed at attracting promising & talented individuals from non-EU citizens who work in a qualifying field and who wish to work/run a business in the field of expertise in the UK. However, the individual must be endorsed as a recognised leader (exceptional talent), emerging leader (exceptional promise), or under the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) endorsed funder option. This route is to streamline the access of global leaders, and the leaders of tomorrow in science, humanities, engineering, arts, and digital technology. Right from 1 January 2021, this immigration route will be open for both EU and Non-EU citizens.
Youth-Mobility Scheme Visa
The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) is a temporary route for individuals who are aged between 18 and 30 at the time of application and wish to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. However, individuals must have £1,890 in savings along with certain types of British Nationality or from certain countries. Moreover, this immigration route does not permit applicants to be employed as a professional doctor or dentist or sportsperson in training.
Start-up and Innovator
The concept of Start-up and Innovator launched in March 2019 for non-EU citizens where the immigration routes are designed to attract promising entrepreneurial talent and innovative business ideas to the UK. Start-up visa works for individuals who intend to set up a business for the first time, whereas the Innovator route is for individuals with significant industry experience and at least £50,000 funding. However, individuals need support from an Endorsing body. The Endorsing body will assess the business idea to be innovative, viable, and scalable. After 1 January 2021, the immigration route will be opened for both EU and non-EU citizens.
The Verdict
The UK has always stayed humble in terms of retaining the best talent. Are you concerned about visa options or potential consequences of Post-Brexit in the UK? Look no further than A Y & J Solicitors, which is a multi-award winning, 10+ years of experience recommended by Legal 500 boutique UK immigration law firm based in Central London. Our exceptionally qualified immigration solicitors take a genuine interest in clearing up your doubts. Get in touch with one of our qualified lawyers to begin preparation well-in-advance. For further information about our immigration service, please email us at contact@ayjsolicitors.com or Whatsapp us on +44 7448 5656 70.