Graduate Route
The graduate immigration route provides those who have completed their higher education course at a UK institution with the opportunity to stay and work, or look for work in the UK, immediately following graduation.
If you are interested in studying in the UK, Latitude Law specialises in providing legal advice to migrants. Our lawyers have in-depth knowledge on all aspects of Student visas and can help you successfully apply to study in the UK.
To apply to study in the UK, you may need to apply for a Student Visa, previously known as a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa, through the government’s Points Based System.
For students who are 16 or over, you can apply for a (General) Student Visa. To qualify, you require the following:
If your application is successful, you’ll be eligible to arrive in the UK one month before your course commences, providing the duration is longer than 6 months.
When applying for a Student visa you must provide:
Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to provide:
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The expert solicitors at Latitude Law can provide expert advice on Student visa applications and options for remaining in the UK post-graduation. We can provide detailed guidance about the requirements or prepare the entire application alongside a detailed representation document explaining how the relevant rules are met. Our experts can also provide assistance in applications to switch to a Student visa from another category or apply for further leave.
Latitude Law has significant experience of preparing successful Student visa applications.
Thanks to our extensive knowledge of the Immigration Rules, we are able to provide pragmatic advice and meet our clients’ needs; we can advise you with confidence and ensure the entire immigration procedure runs smoothly and efficiently for you.
Working with a law firm can be a big decision which is why we ensure that our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We are a highly driven team that is dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice.
As a boutique law firm specialising in UK-inbound immigration, our experts understand the complexity and uncertainty that constantly shifting visa and residence policies create for Students and those looking to live and work here in the UK after graduation. Our lawyers can provide up-to-the-minute legal advice on how any changes will impact your application.
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As there are various student routes available to study in the UK, you should seek specialist advice from an immigration solicitor before you proceed with an application. Latitude Law’s specialist lawyers can advise you about your individual requirements and ensure that your supporting documentation is compliant with the very latest immigration rules.
How long a Student visa is valid for depends on the length of your course and what study you’ve already completed in the UK.
If you’re 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it’s below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.
You may be able to extend your Student visa to stay longer and continue your course or study a new course, please contact out team to discuss extending your Student visa in more detail.
The refusal of a Student visa may be challenged by way of Administrative Review, meaning that the decision is reviewed by another Home Office official. Please contact out team if you would like to discuss your Student visa refusal in more detail.
The route does not lead to settlement (although permission to remain as a Student can count towards a future 10 years long residence application).
Your partner and children may be able to apply to come to the UK or stay longer in the UK as dependants on your student visa if you are
Changes to the Immigration Rules impose restrictions on when students can switch into other routes. You may be eligible to switch to the Graduate route if you studied a UK Bachelor’s degree and your education provider (such as your university or college) has told the Home Office you’ve successfully completed your course. For switching to the Skilled Worker route the rules require that students must have completed their course of study or have a work start date that is after the completion date of their course before they can switch to the Skilled Worker visa. Please contact out team to discuss switching to a different visa category in more detail.
The graduate immigration route provides those who have completed their higher education course at a UK institution with the opportunity to stay and work, or look for work in the UK, immediately following graduation.
The Child Student visa is available to 4-17 year-olds who wish to study at an independent school in the UK. The intended course of study must meet various requirements, and the applicant may also need to satisfy financial provisions. Consent from the applicant’s parent or guardian will also need to be provided.
A Skilled Worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. It is open to individuals wanting to work in the UK who have been offered an eligible job by an employer with an approved Sponsor Licence.
