Tier 4 Student Category: A Breakthrough for International Students

The Home office released a statement relating to Tier 4 Student on 11th September 2019 to introduce plans in regards to a new immigration route which is offering a two year visa for international students after graduating from a UK university. This will come as welcome news to international students who are planning on staying in the UK after their studies in order to find work.

At present, Tier 4 students must either leave the UK at the end of their course (and before the expiry of their visa) or apply to remain in the UK under a different immigration category.

The new immigration route provides great convenience and benefit to international students, with the Home Office announcing that, “the new immigration route will mean international graduates in any subject, including Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM), will be able to stay in the UK for two years to find work”. As long as the applicant has valid UK immigration status as a student and has successfully completed a course of study in any subject at undergraduate level or above at an approved UK Higher Education Provider, they are eligible to apply for this visa. This will mean that the applicant can work or look for work under this visa for up to two years after completing their studies.

To view a list of the approved education providers please visit: https://www.hesa.ac.uk/support/providers

The new scheme will be introduced in 2020 and further details will be published by the Home Office at the end of this year.