A new immigration visa route will help UK businesses attract the “best and brightest” students from around the world, the Government has suggested.
It comes after the launch of the ‘Graduate route’, providing international graduates who have been awarded their degree from a UK university to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, at any skill level for at least two years.
The Home Office said the scheme forms part of the new points-based immigration system, which will allow anyone – and not just those from the EU – to live and work in the UK providing they meet the points threshold.
Points are scored through a variety of means, but workers will usually have to demonstrate that they have a job offer at the required skill level (usually RQF 3/A Level or above) and salary threshold and speak English to the required standard.
But the new immigration route means graduates can bypass these requirements while they seek permanent employment.
Commenting on the launch of the graduate visa, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Our world leading universities welcome thousands of international students every year.
“As we build back better, it is vital that the UK continues to be a beacon for talented young people across the globe who want to make a difference.
“The new Graduate route does just that, giving the best and brightest graduates the opportunity to continue contributing to the UK’s prosperity and the freedom to kickstart their careers in the UK.”
Universities Minister, Michelle Donelan, added: “…we are introducing this new route for international graduates, enabling British businesses to attract and retain some of the brightest, most talented graduates across the globe, and helping this nation build back better from the pandemic.”
If your business seeks to employ nationals from the EU or the rest of the world, you must apply for a sponsor licence through the Home Office. As an approved employer, you are responsible for ensuring that potential candidates meet the requirements for coming to the UK for work.
Find more information about the Graduate route and the sponsor licence, please click here.
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