UK Government Keeps Graduate Visas But With Conditions

The government has decided to keep the graduate route visa for now, but it remains “under review” as part of efforts to prevent misuse by international students.

There were worries that the government might tighten or even abolish this visa to reduce net migration. However, on May 23, the Home Office and Department for Education responded to the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) by stating that the visa will be retained, though it will be closely monitored.

The government plans to enforce stricter rules for international student recruitment agents, making it mandatory for UK universities to follow these new guidelines. Universities failing to meet higher standards for visa sponsorship may lose their licences. Those that accept international students who fail visa checks, don't enroll, or don't complete their courses, risk losing their sponsor licences.

Additionally, international students will need to meet higher financial requirements to prove their financial self-sufficiency. An ongoing review of English language assessments aims to ensure students can understand their course materials.

What is the UK Graduate Visa?

The UK Graduate Visa allows international students to stay in the UK for up to two years after completing their studies.

This visa allows foreign students a chance to work or look for work in the UK, providing an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience and advance their careers.

The permission granted under the Graduate route, 2 years for undergraduate and Masters students and 3 years for PhD students, will start from when the decision is made on the application.

It is impossible to extend the permission under the Graduate route once granted. From the Graduate route, visa holders would be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK if they are offered a suitable job with an employer who holds a sponsor licence.

There are no minimum salary requirements or caps on the number of international students who can benefit from this visa. Visa holders are not tied to a specific job or employer, so they can have multiple jobs at any skill level and switch jobs as needed during their visa period.

A report by Universities UK found that the graduate route visa provides a favorable environment for graduates, with many working in key sectors like healthcare and education. Most surveyed graduates felt the visa met their expectations and contributed positively to the UK economy.

Decline in Study-Related Visas

The combination of new immigration laws, significant increases in visa fees, and prospective cuts to graduate employment privileges is reducing the UK's desirability as a study destination.

Recent figures reveal a 24.7% drop in study-related visas for non-EU migrants in 2023. The total number of these visas, which includes students and their dependents, decreased from 419,000 to 379,000—a 9.5% decline.

The decline in international student enrolments, constituting a significant portion of the student body at UK universities, poses substantial economic consequences. A drop in enrolments could jeopardise the economic viability of various courses, leading to severe financial disruption for numerous institutions.

Despite this reduction, overall net migration remains high, with 685,000 migrants in 2023, down from 764,000 the previous year.

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Charlie

Travel and Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager at IaM (Immigration and Migration)

UK Government Keeps Graduate Visas But With Conditions