The United Kingdom has emerged as the most sought-after destination for international students in the last few decades. The credit goes to the remarkable reputation of education, universally recognized degrees, great opportunities in course options, British culture, and easier UK visa options. However, these visa norms are equally streamlined to settle post-studies in the UK. One can experience a specific set of rules around obtaining a settlement and quicker decision making on an immigration application. The country is one of the most developed economies in the world and about to welcome a major decisive reform in the form of Brexit.
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On 1 January 2021, freedom of movement will end and the current immigration system will be replaced by a “Points Based System.” This new system will touch upon several new immigration opportunities that will undoubtedly make it one of the best countries to settle post-studies.
- Tier 2
Tier 2 (General) is the best immigration route that supports the relevant immigration status of international students post-studies. Under the current system, Tier 2 is for any Tier 4 student who is within 60 days of completing an undergraduate or above level course in the UK or have completed it. The current immigration route is designed for individuals with a job offer from the UK employer at RQF Level 6 and the minimum salary of £30,000 according to the UK Standard Occupational Classification (SOC). However, from 1 January 2021, the job will be offered at a required skill level of RQF3 or above (equivalent to A level) and the minimum salary threshold will be reduced from £30,000 to £25,600 per annum.
There will be no overall cap on the number of migrants who can apply under this immigration route. Moreover, employers will be exempted from conducting any resident labour market test.
- Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa is introduced on 20 February 2020. Under the current system, this immigration route is primarily designed to attract promising individuals from non-EU citizens who work in a qualifying field and who wish to work/run a business in the field of expertise in the UK. The individual must be endorsed as a recognised leader (exceptional talent), emerging leader (exceptional promise), or under the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) endorsed funder option. This route is to facilitate the access of global leaders, and the leaders of tomorrow in humanities, science, engineering, arts, and digital technology. This route will be open to both EU and Non-EU citizens from 1 January 2021.
- Graduate Immigration Route
Gone are the days when foreign students had to return to their homeland just after the completion of UK post studies. The UK government introduced this new immigration route in 2019, which grants international students to enjoy an extended stay of 2 years after studying in the UK. During this period, students can undertake a job or can look for work in the country. However, the period of 2 years is not extendable. This route will be implemented in the summer of 2021.
- Start-up and Innovator
Launched in March 2019 under the current system for non-EU citizens where the Start-up and Innovator routes are designed to attract promising entrepreneurial talent and innovative business ideas to the UK. Start-up visa works for individuals who are wishing to set up a business for the first time, whereas the Innovator route is for individuals with considerable industry experience and at least £50,000 funding. However, the individuals need support from an Endorsing body and the business idea must be assessed to be innovative, viable, and scalable. After 1 January 2021, the immigration route will be opened for both EU and non-EU citizens.
- Youth-Mobility Scheme Visa
The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) is a temporary route to provide opportunities for young people. The YMS is for individuals who are aged between 18 and 30 at the time of application and wish to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. The individuals must have £1,890 in savings along with certain types of British Nationality or from certain countries. However, this immigration route does not permit applicants to be employed as a professional doctor or dentist or sportsperson in training. They are not permitted to bring family members and not have held entry clearance in this category before.
- UK Ancestry
The UK Ancestry allows commonwealth citizens to come, live, and undertake a job in the UK. However, the applicant must provide evidence to prove that one of his or her grandparents was born in the UK or Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man). The migrant will be permitted to come to the UK for five years and perform any kind of work at any skill level. Holders of UK Ancestry can also apply to settle permanently in the UK or extend their visas for the next five years.
The Verdict
The transition period is gradually trickling away. So do you need any expert opinion regarding immigration opportunities or visa categories? Look no further than A Y & J Solicitors, which is a multi-award winning, 10+ years of experience recommended by Legal 500 boutique UK immigration law firm based in Central London. Our exceptionally qualified immigration solicitors take a genuine interest in clearing up your doubts. Get in touch with one of our qualified lawyers to begin preparation well-in-advance. For further information about our immigration service, please email us at contact@ayjsolicitors.com or Whatsapp us on +44 7448 5656 70.
