Renowned for its globally acclaimed education sector, the United Kingdom (UK) extends a warm invitation to all those who are wishing to develop their academic skills. It is home to distinguished, global leading educational institutions, welcoming thousands of talented and high potential students every year.
“The new Graduate route va open for applications on 1 July 2021, allowing the UK to retain the brightest and the best international students to continue to contribute to society and the economy post-study.” – La voie des diplômés sera ouverte aux étudiants internationaux à partir du 1er juillet 2021. GOV.UK
Qu'est-ce qu'un visa pour diplômés ?
The UK’s Graduate Route, also known as the Post-Study Work Visa, is a type of visa that allows international students who have completed a degree at a UK higher education institution to remain in the UK for a period of 2 years or 3 years after their studies. It provides accomplished international students who have successfully completed their degrees, the privilege to extend their stay in the UK. During this period, graduates can engage in a range of employment endeavours for two years. For those who have accomplished their PHD studies, this privilege extends to three years.
Comment postuler ?
Applying for a Visa pour diplômés in the UK involves a structured process. The Graduate Visa application can only be completed online and from within the UK. Before beginning the application process, you must ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria for the Graduate Route.
The application process involves submitting an online application form, paying the relevant home office fees, collating and submitting relevant documents. As part of your application, you will also need to prove your identity.
Quand dois-je demander le visa pour diplômés ?
Vous devez demander le Graduate Visa à la fin de vos études et avant l'expiration de votre visa d'étudiant (ou Tier 4). Il est important que vous soumettiez votre demande avant l'expiration de votre visa actuel, car cela pourrait affecter votre éligibilité.
Critères d'éligibilité :
Vous pouvez demander un visa Graduate si toutes les conditions suivantes sont remplies :
Vous êtes au Royaume-Uni
Your current visa is a Student Visa or Tier 4 [General] student visa
Vous avez étudié au Royaume-Uni en vue de l'obtention d'une licence, d'un diplôme de troisième cycle ou d'un autre cours admissible pendant une période minimale avec votre visa d'étudiant ou votre visa d'étudiant de niveau 4 [général].
Votre établissement d'enseignement (par exemple votre université ou votre école) a informé le ministère de l'intérieur que vous avez terminé votre formation avec succès.
Durée du séjour
A Graduate visa lasts for 2 years. If you have a PHD or other doctoral qualification, it will last for 3 years. Your visa will start from the day your application is approved. You cannot extend your Graduate Visa. However, you may be able to switch to a different visa, for example a Travailleur qualifié Visa.
Les frais pour le visa Graduate
You are obligated to submit a new visa application, necessitating the payment of the application fee, which is £715. Alongside the visa application fee, you will be required to pay the L'immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) amounting to £624 per year. It is noteworthy that the IHS sum is subject to change, and it is typically based on the length of your visa. For example, you will need to pay £1248 for two years.
It is advised to verify the current fees and payment methods directly from the official UK government sources, such as the Home Office or UK Visa and Immigration.
Frais d'immigration et de nationalité du ministère de l'Intérieur : 29 juin 2023 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Comment s'assurer que la demande de visa pour diplômés est acceptée ?
Most students turn to social media, immigration forums, and friends for guidance. However, individual circumstances vary, meaning that their experience in applying for a Graduate Visa may differ significantly from yours.
Immigration rules undergo frequent changes. It is vital to stay up to date with relevant immigration legislation and requirements. We recommend that everyone maintains a consistent practice of checking the official UK government sources for the most recent information and updates concerning the Graduate Route.
Engaging with one of our immigration advisors at Ronald Fletcher Baker guarantees comprehensive assistance throughout your unique graduate journey. Our experts provide tailored advice to assist you in your application process. We will liaise with the University and the Home Office to ensure a seamless process.
FAQ's :
1. Puis-je demander une prolongation du visa Graduate après la période de deux/trois ans ?
The Graduate Route does not offer an extension beyond the initial two or three-year period. Once your Graduate Route visa expires, you will need to explore other visa options if you wish to continue staying in the UK. Depending on your plans, you might consider options such as switching to a Skilled Worker Visa, applying for a different work-related visa category, or exploring other immigration routes available at that time.
2. Le programme Graduate Route est-il pris en compte pour l'établissement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) ?
The time spent on the Graduate Route does not count toward settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK. However, it may provide you with an opportunity to gain work experience that could make you eligible for other visa categories, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.
3. Puis-je passer d'un visa de diplômé à un visa de travailleur qualifié à tout moment au cours de ces deux années ?
You will be able to switch to the Skilled Worker route if you meet the relevant requirements. You must have secured a job offer from an employer that holds a valid Skilled Worker Sponsor License and meeting the relevant criteria for the Skilled Worker visa category, such as skill level, salary, and English language proficiency.
4. Puis-je travailler pendant que je suis en possession d'un visa de diplômé ?
During the Graduate Route period, you can work, seek employment, or start your own business in the UK. There are no restrictions on the type of work you can do, and you do not need a job offer to apply for this visa because it is an unsponsored route. You will be able to work, switch jobs and develop your career in the UK as required.
5. Puis-je voyager pendant que je suis en possession d'un visa de diplômé ?
Vous êtes autorisé à voyager avec un visa de diplômé et vous devez toujours avoir votre BRP en cours de validité lorsque vous voyagez, car vous devrez le montrer aux forces frontalières du pays dans lequel vous vous rendez et on pourra vous demander de le présenter à la frontière britannique.
When crossing the UK border, information will be checked digitally on arrival, and those with a UKVI account will not routinely need to prove their status. To prevent unnecessary delays at the border, it is important to ensure the document you travel on is registered to your account.
6. les personnes à votre charge peuvent-elles demander à bénéficier de votre visa de diplômé ?
Bringing new dependents is not permitted, except in cases where the dependant is already present in the UK under a Student dependant visa. In such instances, they may also be eligible to apply as a dependent of a Graduate at the same time the Graduate applies for the Graduate Route.
7. Que dois-je faire si mon visa de diplômé est refusé ?
If your Graduate Visa application is refused, it can indeed be disheartening. However, it is important to remember that a refusal does not signify the end of your options or opportunities. It is recommended you seek legal advice regarding your application and depending on your circumstances you will have the following options;
Examen administratif - Un réexamen administratif est une procédure qui vous permet de demander un réexamen de votre demande de visa si vous pensez qu'il y a eu une erreur dans le processus de prise de décision qui a conduit à votre refus.
Contrôle judiciaire - Si la lettre de refus ne vous donne pas la possibilité d'effectuer un contrôle administratif, vous pouvez demander un avis juridique pour effectuer un contrôle judiciaire de la décision.
Nouvelle demande - Pour une nouvelle demande, il est simple d'introduire une nouvelle demande. Notez toutefois que des refus de visa antérieurs peuvent affecter vos chances.
8. Ai-je besoin d'un avocat pour présenter la demande ?
The Graduate Visa may seem simple as there is no requirement to have a Confirmation of Acceptance for studies [CAS] from a Sponsored University or a Certificate of Parrainage for workers [COS] from a sponsored employer.
Toutefois, la procédure de demande de visa pour diplômés requiert des documents spécifiques et tous les critères d'éligibilité doivent être remplis. Plusieurs raisons peuvent expliquer l'échec de votre demande :
Aucune preuve d'identité n'a été fournie
Statut d'immigration incorrect
Absence de pièces justificatives correctes
Absence de réponse aux demandes d'informations complémentaires du ministère de l'intérieur
Failing to provide evidence of completion of the course
Il serait donc judicieux de faire appel à un conseiller en immigration expérimenté pour vous guider tout au long de la procédure.
Nous contacter :
Please contact our Immigration team who will be able to assist you;
- Mohammed Abukar : Senior Avocat associé │ M.Abukar@rfblegal.co.uk │ 02074675767
- Asra Shubbar : Immigration Paralegal │ A.Shubbar@rfblegal.co.uk │ 02076137134
Informations complémentaires
- News Author:Mohammed Abukar | Asra Shubbar
Mohammed Abukar
Avocat senior associé
Asra Shubbar
Avocat stagiaire
