Navigating the New Entrant Route for Indian Students in the UK

The United Kingdom (UK) is known for transforming borders into bridges of opportunities, especially for Indian students who dream of a bright future.  One such bridge is the New Entrant Route under the Skilled Worker Visa, which offers a route for students to make a meaningful contribution to the economy and society of the UK through their studies. 

A seamless entry into the British workforce depends on an understanding of the New Entrant Route’s requirements and application procedure.

What is the New Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa?

After completing their education, foreign students, including those from India, can remain in the UK and enter the workforce through the New Entrant Route immigration procedure. 

This visa, which replaces the Tier 2 General Work Visa, is specifically designed for those offered a skilled job by a registered UK sponsor. It permits them to live and work in the UK for up to five years, with the possibility of extending the visa further. Additionally, after five years, individuals can apply for permanent settlement in the UK.

Requirements for the New Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa

To be eligible for the New Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa, Indian students must meet the following criteria:

1. Job Offer: They must have a formal job offer from an employer approved by the UK Home Office.
2. Certificate of Sponsorship (COS): They need to receive a COS from their employer.
3. Eligible Occupations: The job must be listed among the eligible occupations.
4. Salary Requirements: The job offer must meet the minimum salary requirements.
5. English Language Proficiency: They must meet the minimum English language requirements. 

Salary Threshold for the Skilled Worker Visa

For recent graduates, starting a career in the UK can be difficult because normally skilled worker visas have high-income requirements. However, the New Entrant Route offers a more accessible threshold, recognizing the value that recent graduates bring to the UK’s economy and society.

 Standard Salary Requirement

The standard salary requirement is the higher of:

– £38,700 per year

– The going rate for the job

For instance, if a job has an annual going rate of £40,000, the student must meet this going rate even if their initial salary is lower.

New Entrant Route Salary Requirement

Under the New Entrant Route, Indian students can work in the UK at a reduced salary threshold. As long as they are paid at least £30,960 annually, they can be paid anywhere from 70% to 90% of the market rate for the position. One of the following requirements must be met for them to be eligible:

1. Age and Education: Be under 26 years old, a recent graduate, or in professional training.
2. STEM Qualification: Have a PhD level qualification in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) relevant to the job.
3. Other Qualifications: For non-STEM PhD qualifications, the salary must be at least £26,100.
4. Postdoctoral Position: Hold a postdoctoral position in science or higher education.

Application Process for the New Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa

Once the eligibility criteria are met, students can apply for the visa through the following steps:

1. Online Application: Apply through the official UK government website
2. Application Location: Apply from within the UK to extend a current visa, from outside the UK, or switch from a different visa type.
3. Document Submission: Assemble and turn in the required paperwork, including your passport, the offer letter from the job, and proof of your qualifications.
4. Cost Payment: Pay all applicable payments, such as the application cost for a visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
5. Biometric Appointment: Make an appointment for a digital photo and fingerprinting. 

Indian students should apply at least three months before their intended start date in the UK, allowing enough time for identity verification. After submitting their application, they will typically receive a decision within 2-3 weeks.

Importance of the New Entrant Route Skilled Worker Visa

The New Entrant Route offers numerous advantages for young professionals and recent graduates:

Access to the UK Job Market

The lower minimum salary threshold makes the visa more attainable for recent graduates whose initial salaries might not meet the standard threshold. This is particularly beneficial for those starting careers in fields with lower starting salaries, such as social work or education.

Opportunities and Networks

The New Entrant Route makes it easier for graduates to obtain work visas more quickly, enabling a smooth transition from school to the workplace. This early integration into the UK workforce helps them build valuable experience and professional networks, which are crucial for long-term career growth.

Filling Key Roles

Education and healthcare are two industries that can draw in highly skilled Indian graduates with in-demand specializations thanks to the New Entrant Route. In the UK, for instance, a recent early childhood education graduate with knowledge of early intervention techniques can have a big influence.

Promoting Innovation and Diversity

Indian graduates bring diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to the UK workforce, fostering advancements in fields like engineering, business, artificial intelligence, and more. This diversity enriches the UK’s economy and society, benefiting universities, companies, and the nation as a whole.

Duration and Extension of the Skilled Worker Visa

Depending on the position and the sponsoring employer, the New Entrant Route visa might be issued for a period of three to five years. Extensions are possible, allowing individuals to work towards achieving Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as settled status, after five years of lawful residence in the UK.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

ILR represents permanent residence in the UK. Indian students can apply for ILR after residing in the UK for five years, with allowances for approved overseas work assignments. Proper documentation of these absences is essential.

Graduate Route Visa

The Graduate Route Visa was introduced in 2021 and gives graduates a two-year period to live and work in the UK even if they do not yet have a formal employment offer. This visa comes with flexibility and several advantages:

1. Work Experience: Allows students to gain practical experience and apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
2. Professional Networks: It helps graduates establish relationships with business executives and possible employers.
3. Earning Potential: Provides opportunities to increase earning potential and meet the salary requirements for the New Entrant Route.
4. Career Commitment: Demonstrates dedication to their chosen field through successful stints under the Graduate Route Visa.

Work Rights for New Entrants in the UK

For Indian graduates, the New Entrant Route provides a set of rights and safeguards that guarantee a safe and empowering work environment:

1. Equitable Remuneration: New hires must get at least £30,960 annually, along with paid time off and rest periods.
2. Safe Work Environment: UK employers must prioritize health and safety, providing necessary training and protective equipment.
3. Employment Contract: It is important for new hires to thoroughly go over their employment contracts, which detail duties, pay, perks, and working hours.
4. Tax Obligations: Indian students with valid visas are required to pay income tax in the UK and make contributions to National Insurance, as well as to be aware of the tax laws in the nation.
5. Changing Employers: If a new employee has a different occupation code, new entrants may be able to change employers by changing their visas.
6. Access to Public Services: New arrivals can access the National Health Service (NHS) and may be required to pay a health premium in addition to their visa application fees, even if certain benefits require ILR.

Conclusion

Both Indian students and UK employers can profit from the New Entrant Route under the Skilled Worker Visa. It facilitates a seamless transition from academic life to a professional career, enabling Indian graduates to build rewarding careers while infusing the UK workforce with youthful energy, advanced knowledge, and multicultural experiences. Ultimately, this initiative helps to a thriving, diversified community and enhances the UK’s standing in the world.

To learn more, reach out to our UK study abroad consultants at Landmark Immigration.