Indian students in the UK will now have the opportunity to stay back for a longer duration after completing their studies.
UK home secretary Priti Patel on Thursday opened a new graduate immigration route which will allow international students to stay and work in the UK post-college, or look for opportunities at any skill level, for at least two years.
The application process under the new route is more convenient as it allows students to submit the documents online. Earlier, the applicants had to visit a UK visa and citizenship application service or re-submit their biometrics.
Those who cannot use the app can still apply online but will need to visit a UK visa and citizenship application service.
The move is expected to benefit tens of thousands of students from India.
Last year, more than 56,000 Indian nationals were granted a student visa — a 13% increase on the previous year and almost a quarter of all student visas the UK has issued.
“Under the UK government’s points-based immigration system, talented students from India and across the globe now have the opportunity to kick-start their careers in the UK at the highest levels of business, science, technology and the arts.
Once they’ve received their world-leading qualification from one of our fantastic education institutions, this new visa will give them the freedom to fulfil their aspirations and advance their careers,” home secretary Patel said.
Jan Thompson, acting British high commissioner to India, said: “The numbers show that UK universities are already a popular destination for Indian students, who contribute immensely to the unique living bridge that exists between the UK and India.
“The graduate route will further help students who wish to stay and work in the UK, strengthening this bond between our two countries even more. Cooperation in higher education is one of the crucial commitments in the UK and India’s 2030 Roadmap, and this is another positive step in that direction.”
Barbara Wickham, director India, British Council said: “It is really heartening to see the response from Indian students who have placed their trust in a UK education to shape their careers. The UK is equally committed to enabling Indian students to realise their dreams through the benefits of the graduate route. It’s testament to both countries’ continued focus on realising their mutual knowledge ambitions in a fast evolving world.”
“The British Council is engaging with Indian students who plan to pursue a UK education this autumn by organising webinars and Facebook lives to provide all the information prospective students need.”
The launch of the new graduate route shows the UK government’s commitment to attracting talented individuals from India and across the globe to bring their talent to the UK and develop their skills further, according to the release from the British HC.
