Shreyashi Pathak Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
The Graduate Route Visa is a special visa in the UK that allows Indian students to stay and work in the country after they complete their studies. If you've graduated from a UK university, you can apply for this visa to live and work in the UK for up to two years (or three years if you have a PhD). Students also need to be aware of some restrictions during and after the Graduate Route Visa, such as: you cannot access public funds, work as a professional athlete or coach, or enroll in certain courses that require a Student Visa.
Once your visa expires, you must switch to another visa type, like the Skilled Worker Visa, to continue living and working in the UK. Additionally, if you don’t find a job before your visa runs out, you’ll have to leave the country, so it’s crucial to plan ahead and secure employment during your stay.
Also Check - UK Graduate Route Visa
Public Funds Access
If you're on the Graduate Route Visa, you can't access any government benefits or financial support, which means you need to take care of your own expenses. You won't be able to claim things like housing assistance or unemployment benefits, so it's important to have a plan for how you'll manage your money while looking for work.
Also Check - UK Scholarships for Indian Students
Employment in Professional Sports
Under this restriction, If you're on the Graduate Route Visa, you can't work as a professional athlete or coach. This means you won't be able to take on any jobs in professional sports while you're in the UK on this visa.
Study Enrollment Limitations
While on the Graduate Route Visa, you can't enroll in courses at schools that would require a new Student Visa. This means you're focused on working rather than continuing your studies during this time.
Visa Transition Requirements
When your Graduate Route Visa expires, you need to switch to another visa, like the Skilled Worker Visa, to keep living and working in the UK. Make sure to secure a job offer from a licensed employer before your current expires.
Compliance with New Visa Rules
Once you switch to a new visa, like the Skilled Worker Visa, you have to follow its specific rules, such as meeting skill and salary requirements. Not following these rules could put your immigration status at risk, so it’s important to understand what’s expected.
Consequences of Unemployment
The consequence of unemployment while on the Graduate Route Visa is that if you don’t secure a job before your visa expires, you will need to leave the UK. Being unemployed doesn’t directly affect your visa status while it’s still valid, but it limits your options for switching to another visa, and eventually, you’ll need to find work or transition to a different visa before your current one ends.
Also Check - UK Work Visa
FAQs
Ques What happens if I decide to study again during the Graduate Route Visa?
Ans You can study while on the Graduate Route Visa, but you cannot enroll in courses at institutions that would require a Student Visa if those courses qualify for it. Make sure to check the institution's status before enrolling.
Ques What should I do if my Graduate Route Visa is about to expire and I haven’t found a job?
Ans If your Graduate Route Visa is about to expire and you haven’t found a job, you need to either secure employment quickly or consider applying for a different visa before your current visa expires to avoid having to leave the UK.
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