STUDY ABROAD: How New Entrant Route under Skilled Worker Visa benefits Indian students looking to work in the UK

STUDY ABROAD: How New Entrant Route under Skilled Worker Visa benefits Indian students looking to wo

In the dynamic global world, the UK remains a leading destination for proficient individuals searching for novel prospects and stimulating challenges, especially Indian students who are looking to study and work abroad. While there is a lot of conversation surrounding the short skilled list being abolished, there is little or no awareness of the ‘New Entrant Route’ for the Skilled Worker Visa. It is important to shed light on the New Entrant Route and how Indian students who go to the UK for quality education and building sustainable career paths can benefit from it.

Eligibility criteria

The Skilled Worker Visa was introduced in 2020 (replacing the Tier 2 visa) essentially enabling international workers with the necessary skills and eligible occupation to stay and work in the UK. This visa opens doors to prospects in a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, and engineering. It is a long-term visa that is initially granted for up to 5 years and can be then renewed based on sponsorship. After 5 years you might also be eligible to apply for “indefinite leave to remain” which is another name for permanent residency in the UK. This would then grant you the freedom to come and go as you want, live, work, and study here, and to apply for benefits, if you qualify.

While many know about the Skilled Worker Visa, what stands to benefit Indian students who study in the UK specifically is the New Entrant Route under this visa. To apply through this route, you must be a student or recent graduate or undergoing professional training or under the age of 26.

Feasible option

The significant benefit that the student has is that if they apply through the New Entrant Route, they can be paid 70% of their job’s standard going rate by the employer if the minimum salary threshold for their occupation is £30,960 per year. This means the student gets a 30% discount which is significant for Indian students aiming at employment in the UK. For example, if you are a mechanical engineer, then the standard going rate/minimum salary threshold for your occupation is £42,500, but if you opt for the new entrant route, then it becomes £30,960. This makes it more feasible for Indian students to find employment and qualify for the skilled worker visa.

To qualify for the New Entrant Route of the Skilled Worker Visa, candidates need to fulfil some requirements as elucidated below:

  • Minimum skill and salary threshold: The offered position must pay at least 70% of the salary threshold or meet or surpass the “going rate” for the occupation by 70%, and the offered employment must have a skill level corresponding to RQF level 3 or above.
  • Age parameter: Students who are under 26 years old or have completed a degree-level course or above at a UK institution with a valid Tier 4 sponsor licence can apply.
  • Job offer from a licensed sponsor: Together with meeting the necessary skill level and income standards, the employment offer must come from a UK employer and be listed as an acceptable occupation on the Home Office’s list. They have to make the candidate a real offer of employment, usually for a post that fits the skill standards specified by the UK government.
  • English language proficiency: Candidates must meet the minimum requirements specified by the UK government for English language proficiency. There are several ways to fulfil this criterion, including earning an academic degree taught in English or passing an authorised English language exam.
  • Maintenance funds: Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient resources to sustain themselves in the UK independently of government assistance. This can change based on a student’s unique situation.

The prospective applicants and the UK economy both stand to gain from the New Entrant Route as it would provide a young talented workforce and a multitude of opportunities for growth and building synergies. It would also add to the diversity, provide access to a global talent pool, and support cultural and economic exchange. The UK will also benefit from a varied pool of talent whose innovative ideas, experience, and creativity will bring to its institutions and sectors a global outlook, cohesive growth and enhance its cultural fabric. The New Entrant Route is a crucial means of bringing young and fresh talent into the UK and enhancing its international reputation in an increasingly connected world.

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