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Benefits of New Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa for Indian Students

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By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Jun 24,2024 04:06 PM IST

The New Entrant Route simplifies access to Skilled Worker Visa for recent Indian graduates in the UK.
This program benefits both recent graduates and employers in UK. Indian students can enjoy a smooth transition into the British workforce, while UK employers gain access to skilled professionals from India.
The New Entrant Route in UK encourages inclusion of diverse perspectives in the workforce. It leads to breakthroughs in many fields thus strengthening the economy and society of the country.

United Kingdom (UK) - where borders are not barriers but bridges to opportunities, the New Entrant Route under the Skilled Worker Visa is just that bridge for Indian students with a promise of a bright future. It presents a golden chance to those who wish to turn their knowledge and skills acquired through UK education into valuable contribution to the country’s economy and society. To qualify for the New Entrant Route in UK, Indian students must understand its requirements and application process to ensure a smooth transition in the British workforce.

What is New Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa in UK?

It is an immigration route to stay in the UK and join its workforce after completing studies. Under this route, applicants must have a qualifying job offer from a registered sponsor in the country. Other than that, this skilled Worker Visa replaces the Tier 2 General Work Visa and is designed for Indian nationals who are offered a skilled job in the UK by a sponsor. It allows them to live and work in UK for up to 5 years, with an option to extend it further. Moreover, individuals can also apply to settle permanently in UK after being there on the visa for five years.

New UK Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa Requirements

After studying in UK, a student can be eligible for a New Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa if they:

have a formal job offer from an employer in UK approved by the Home Office.
receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) from the employer.
are offered a job mentioned in the list of eligible occupations.
are being paid minimum salary.
meet minimum English language requirements.

UK Skilled Worker Visa (Salary Threshold)

Starting a career in the UK can be daunting for any new graduate, especially with the high salary threshold required for the standard Skilled Worker Visa. Fortunately, the New Entrant Route under the Skilled Worker Visa recognizes the value that recent graduates bring to the country’s economy and society. Let us explore these requirements and benefits of the UK's New Entrant Route in the next section:

Standard Salary Requirement

The minimum standard salary rate (£ 38,700 per year) for the type of work an individual would be doing in the UK workforce,

The going rate for the type of work the individual would be doing, whichever is higher.

For example, the student joins the UK workforce at a salary of £ 30,000 per year, but the annual going rate for the job is £ 40,000, the student must meet the going rate requirement.

New Entrant Route

With the New Entrant Route in UK, Indian students can work in the country at less than the standard salary requirement. They can be paid between 70% and 90% of the starting going rate of the job if the salary is at least £ 30,960 per year. To be eligible for the New Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa, the student must meet one of the following criteria:

They must be under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training.
They have a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) PhD level qualification relevant to the job.
In case of a PhD level qualification in other subject, the salary must be at least £26,100.
They have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education.

Application Process for UK New Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa

Once a student meets the above mentioned requirements, they can start applying for UK Skilled Worker visa under this new entrant route. They must undertake the following steps:

Apply through the official website of UK government.
The student can apply from within the country to extend current Skilled Worker visa, from outside the UK or to switch from a different visa.
Gather all necessary documents, such as passport, job offer letter, and evidence of qualifications.
Pay relevant fees, including Immigration Health Surcharge and visa application fee.
Schedule a biometric appointment for fingerprinting and a digital photograph.

Indian students must apply for the visa 3 months before their intended start date of work in UK. They must include buffer time to schedule an appointment for identity verification. After submitting all their documents, they will receive a decision in 2-3 weeks.

Importance of New Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa

The New Entrant Route under the Skilled Worker Visa attracts young professionals and recent graduates to the UK job market due to its lower minimum salary threshold. This accessibility translates into several advantages, including enabling graduates to secure Skilled Worker visas sooner. The section below discusses its importance:

Access to UK Job Market	The lower minimum salary threshold makes the visa more attainable for recent graduates whose initial salaries may not have reached the standard threshold. It is relevant for students looking to begin their careers in fields that offer low starting salaries, like social work or education. Recent graduates can gain valuable experience and build careers without being locked out of the UK job market due to financial limitations.
Access to Opportunities and Networks	The New Entrant Route enables graduates to secure work visas sooner. It eliminates the gap between completing their education in UK and obtaining work authorization. It helps them integrate in the UK workforce and hone their skills. This access to opportunities and a wide network of professionals translates into career growth and long-term success.
Targeted Acquisition for Important Job Roles	The New Entrant Route Skilled worker visa allows primarily education and healthcare sectors to tap into the pool of highly qualified Indian graduates with in-demand specializations. This route can help Indian graduates fill gaps in the UK workforce with their specialized education. For instance, a recent graduate in early childhood education with a background in early intervention strategies can utilize their expertise in helping children with developmental needs.
Boost Innovation and Diversity	Indian graduates bring a diverse thought process and experience within the UK’s workforce. The diversity is not limited to nationality or educational background. Indian graduates bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to problem-solving in different fields. It leads to breakthroughs in engineering, business practices, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, among others. Such a range of perspectives benefits not only universities and companies but also the UK’s economy and society at large.

The New Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa not only helps Indian graduates build successful careers in UK but also helps the country gain access to a wide pool of skilled Indian professionals.

New Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa Duration & Extension

Studying in the UK helps Indian students gain valuable skills to prepare for the many challenges of a competitive job market. After graduating, students have a few pathways to consider.

The post study work permit allows students to stay and work in the country for two years after completing a bachelor’s degree or taught master’s degree. This can be beneficial for graduates who have secured a job offer in their field of study. In this period, Indian students can gain valuable work experience in their chosen field, build and strengthen their professional network, and hone their skills. This helps them transition from their theoretical knowledge to practical application in the UK workplace. The visa does not allow any extension so the next step is a Skilled Worker Visa.

The UK grants a New Entrant Route visa for three to five years, depending on the job and sponsoring employer. The new entrant route allows for incremental extensions helping the individual work towards achieving an Indefinite Leave to Remain.

What is Indefinite Leave to Remain(ILR)?

Also known as settled status, the indefinite leave to remain (ILR) can be applied for after meeting residency requirements. It represents permanent residence in UK. An Indian student can apply for ILR after lawfully residing in the UK for five years. Absences for approved overseas work assignments related to the Indian student’s sponsored employment can be considered. The student must document these absences appropriately with a record of timeframes.

Graduate Route Visa

Introduced in 2021, the Graduate Route Visa provides a 2 year window to live and work in the country, regardless of whether they have a confirmed job offer. It allows graduates to gain practical experience and build a professional network in the UK. This flexibility allows recent graduates to:

Gain valuable work experience	The Graduate Route Visa lets students explore work opportunities in their chosen field. They can stand at par with their British counterparts by gaining practical experience and applying knowledge to real world scenarios.
Develop professional networks	Students can build connections with potential employers and industry leaders. Establishing a strong network can prove to be a valuable resource for career guidance and future job opportunities.
Increase earning potential	Students can get an opportunity to showcase their skills thus increase their earning potential. It is a beneficial aspect when meeting the minimum salary requirement for the New Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa.
Showcase commitment within your field	Having a successful stint under the Graduate Route Visa is a clear demonstration of a student’s dedication towards their career.

Work Rights of a New Entrant in UK

The new entrant route within the skilled worker visa is an opportunity for Indian graduates to launch their career in UK. This visa offers a framework of rights and protections to ensure a secure and empowering work experience for the new entrants:

Fair Compensation and Working Conditions	As a new entrant, an Indian graduate in UK must be paid at least £30,960 per year. The students are entitled to rest breaks and paid holidays to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Safe Work Environment	UK employers have a legal obligation to prioritize health and safety at the workplace. New entrants must be trained on potential work hazards and required protective equipment. They must be provided with an environment that minimizes risks.
Employment Contract	New Entrants must carefully review their employment contract. It must outline their job responsibilities, salary, benefits, and working hours. Before signing the contract, the new entrant must also review and understand all terms and conditions.
Understand Tax Obligations	As a Skilled Worker visa holder, an Indian student in the UK is liable to pay UK income tax and contribute to National Insurance. It is important for the Indian graduate to familiarize themselves with the country’s tax regulations.
Change Employer	A new entrant skilled worker in UK can change employer by updating their visa. They must also update their visa if the new job has a different occupation code.
Access to Public Services	While some benefits require the Indian graduate to receive indefinite leave to remain, they can use National Health Service. They might have to pay a health surcharge as part of their visa application.

Conclusion

The New Entrant Route under the Skilled Worker visa in UK has a twofold opportunity to benefit both; Indian students and UK employers. It allows recent graduates to transition from their academics to professional career seamlessly. It not only benefits Indian graduates with rewarding careers in the UK but also acts as a catalyst by infusing the British workforce with a dynamic blend of youthful energy, advanced knowledge, and multicultural experience. Ultimately, this program strengthens the country’s global position and paves way for a more vibrant and diverse society.

FAQ

Can the Indian graduates change their employers under the New Entrant Route Visa?

Yes, they can change employers. They will have to update their visa with the new occupation code.

How does the New Entrant Route contribute to the UK economy and society?

The New Entrant Route attracts young professionals and recent graduates to study in the UK and enrich its economy with their diverse perspectives.

How long is the New Entrant Route Visa valid for?

Indian graduates can be granted the New Entrant Route Visa for three to five years, depending on their job and sponsoring employer. Its incremental extensions help the graduates with getting an Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years.

What are the eligibility requirements for the New Entrant Route?

To be eligible for the New Entrant Route, Indian students must have a formal job offer from a registered sponsor in the UK. They must receive a Certificate of Sponsorship from their employer. It is also important to seek job opportunities listed on the list of eligible occupations. It is pertinent that the applicant must be under 26 and studying or a recent graduate.

What is the minimum salary requirement for the New Entrant Route?

Students who take the New Entrant Route within the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK will be paid between 70% and 90% of the starting going rate of their job. Their salary must be at least £ 30,960 per year.

What is the New Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa in UK?

The New Entrant Skilled Worker Visa is for recent Indian graduates who have been offered a skilled job in the UK by a sponsor. It allows them to work in the country for up to 5 years, working towards an indefinite leave to remain.

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Benefits of New Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa for Indian Students

Table of Contents

What is New Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa in UK?

New UK Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa Requirements

UK Skilled Worker Visa (Salary Threshold)

Standard Salary Requirement

New Entrant Route

Application Process for UK New Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa

Importance of New Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa

New Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa Duration & Extension

What is Indefinite Leave to Remain(ILR)?

Graduate Route Visa

Work Rights of a New Entrant in UK

Conclusion

FAQ

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