Employment Opportunities in the UK After Graduation
Now, working in the UK for international graduates has become even more accessible due to the country’s new immigration policy.
Today, I want to talk about why the UK is such an attractive option for higher education right now. While it’s well known that higher education in the UK ranks among the top 3 in the world, not everyone is aware of the positive immigration changes that officially took effect in January 2021.
How to Stay in the UK After Studies?
Students often ask, “How can I stay in the UK after my studies?” or “Is it realistic to find a job in the UK after university graduation, especially with Brexit in the picture?”
Let’s break it down:
Firstly, Brexit has actually created favorable conditions for international students to remain and find work in the UK. Why? After Brexit, there was a significant outflow of highly skilled workers from the UK, which means there are now job vacancies that need to be filled by skilled labor, including international students.
Previously, potential employers would first consider UK candidates, then Europeans, and only then international students. But now, the chances are equal for all, as skills have become a more important factor than nationality. As a result, finding work after graduation is a logical continuation.
The removal of the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) has also facilitated employment. Previously, employers had to prove that no UK or EU candidates were suitable for the role before hiring an international graduate. This requirement has now been removed, making it easier for international students to find work.
Immigration to the UK or the New UK Immigration System
Since January 1, 2021, a new immigration system was implemented, which includes the much-anticipated UK Graduate Route – a visa for graduates that allows them to stay in the country for up to 2 years (for Bachelor’s or Master’s degree holders) and up to 3 years for PhD graduates.
Studying abroad, especially in the UK, is an important step for many students, not only for realizing their academic potential but also for developing practical skills. This is why it’s crucial to choose a country that allows students to work during their studies and holidays because future employers highly value work experience on a resume. The good news is that while studying in the UK, students can work 20 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during holidays. This is a great opportunity to gain experience and build connections.
Postgraduate programs in the UK have always been popular, but the maximum stay for graduates under previous immigration policies was only 6 months. Now, students don’t need to worry about tight deadlines for finding a job and securing a work visa.
According to the experiences of our successfully employed students, it’s absolutely realistic to find work within the 2-year period after graduation, as it typically takes 6 to 11 months to find the right job, attend interviews, and complete other application processes.
The new UK Graduate Route doesn’t require graduates to secure employment immediately after completing their studies; it allows them to search for a job at a more relaxed pace. This new system benefits both students and potential employers, as before hiring an international specialist and issuing a work visa, the employer can be sure that the candidate is truly indispensable. The Graduate Route allows graduates to work while searching for a job before transitioning to a Tier 2 work visa.
A Few Important Points About the UK Graduate Route:
- The Graduate Route will start accepting applications on July 1, 2021, meaning all 2021 graduates can apply (if they wish).
- There will be no quotas or limits on the number of applications.
- A job offer, minimum salary, or sponsor is not required to apply.
- It is important to apply before your student visa expires.
- You will need to pay a visa fee of £700, as well as a Health Surcharge fee of £624 per year.
So, if you dream of receiving high-quality higher education in English and having a real chance of finding employment, we highly recommend that you pay special attention to the UK!
Contact us:
If you are interested in applying to the UK, feel free to reach out to our team at The Academic Advisor. We are happy to answer all your questions about applying to universities in the UK.
Contact us at: info@theacademicadvisor.co.uk.
Or get in touch with us via messengers:
- WhatsApp: +351910113920
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