Graduates of the top 50 non-British universities in the world can apply to come to Britain through a new visa scheme.
Ministers hope the “high-potential individual” route, which opens on Monday, will attract the “brightest and best” at the start of their careers to work in the UK.
Successful applicants with a bachelor’s or master’s degree will receive a two-year work visa, while doctoral students may apply for a three-year visa.
Government guidelines state that beneficiaries can “switch to other long-term work visas, if they meet the eligibility requirements”.
The route is open to graduates of the top 50 non-UK universities with a degree, equivalent to a UK undergraduate or postgraduate degree, awarded no more than five years prior to the application date.
Although the Home Office did not comment on the number, the Telegraph reported that the visa scheme would not be limited, meaning the number would depend on demand.
Eligible universities must appear in the top 50 rankings of at least two of the following: Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, or World University Academic Rankings.
The most recent list of eligible universities in 2021, published online by the UK government, includes 20 US institutions, plus universities in Canada, Japan, Germany, Australia, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, France, Sweden and Switzerland.
The government also stipulated that candidates must pass a security and crime test and be able to speak, read, listen and write English at least up to intermediate level B1.
The British Council, the UK’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities, defines intermediate level B1 as “those who have the fluency to communicate effortlessly with native speakers”.
The visa will allow eligible people to come to the UK without a prior job offer and dependents will be able to accompany them.
The visa will cost £ 715 and is subject to the Health Surcharge for Immigration, a satisfactory visa fee or paid by immigration applicants which allows the use of the NHS.
Anyone applying for a visa must have a maintenance fund of at least £ 1,270.
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Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “This new visa offer means that the UK can continue to attract the best and brightest people in the world. The route means the UK will grow as a leading international center for innovation. , creativity and entrepreneurship.
“We want the companies of tomorrow to be built here today, and that’s why I’m asking students to take this incredible opportunity to forge their careers here.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “I am proud to launch this exciting new route as part of our point-based immigration system that puts capacity and talent first, not where someone comes from. “.
The government’s point-based immigration system means that people who come to the UK to work must meet specific requirements for which they will get points, with visas granted to those who have enough points.