Indian students to benefit from UK post-study visa deadline extension
Indian students will benefit from an extension to the entry deadline to qualify for the new post-study work visa. The Graduate route visa, commonly referred to as a PSW visa, allows eligible overseas students to work, or look for work, for two years after completing their courses.
It was launched by UK Home Secretary Priti Patel last year and under the application requirements, students undertaking their courses long-distance given the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions were expected to be present in the UK by June 21 to qualify for the Graduate route. However, the Home Office amended its guidance last week to extend that deadline to September 27.
The National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK was among the student representatives campaigning for an extension ever since India was placed on the “red list” travel ban on April 23 amid a spike in Delta variant infections. While Indian students with a valid UK student visa are permitted to fly to the country, many have had to postpone their plans in light of the health impact of India’s second wave and also the additional cost burden of around GBP 1,750 associated with compulsory 10-day hotel quarantine on arrival in Britain.
“Since India’s entry onto the red list a few months ago, NISAU has been requesting the Home Office to consider an extension of the June 21, 2021, entry deadline for Indian students to be in the UK as a condition of eligibility for the Graduate route,” said NISAU UK chair Sanam Arora. “We are delighted that the Home Office has accepted our request and know that this will significantly help many students who are unable to travel given the Covid situation in India right now. Huge sigh of relief,” she said.
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