India stands out as a top contributor to the UK’s student population, with over 45,600 students securing graduate visas, comprising 40% of the total.
The UK government has made a significant announcement regarding the retention of the graduate visa route for international students that allows students to work or seek employment for two years post-graduation, with an extension to three years for those pursuing a PhD. The home office will instead focus on regulating agents that recruit international students and bring out tougher compliance standards for institutions recruiting them. Reportedly, it will be kept “under review”, as it set out proposals to crack down on student visas to ensure they aren’t used as a “gateway to immigration”.
Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommendations have played an important role in shaping this policy, advocating against the scrapping of the graduate route. Initially, there were discussions about potential modifications to restrict visas exclusively to the “best and brightest” individuals, a proposal that has since evolved.
Notably, Indian students constitute a significant portion, with over 40% benefiting from the Graduate Route visa in the UK. The government’s previous proposal to limit the number of graduate visas aimed to address migration concerns. However, the government is now considering more modest reforms to address system loopholes and prevent abuse of the immigration system, according to The Guardian.
The Home Office has indicated that the policy will be continuously reviewed to ensure that student visas are not misused as a pathway for immigration. By accepting the MAC’s recommendations and emphasizing the importance of the graduate route, the UK government aims to strike a balance between facilitating international talent retention and safeguarding against misuse of the visa system.
What it means for Indian Students
India stands out as a top contributor to the UK’s student population, with over 45,600 students securing graduate visas, comprising 40% of the total. The Sun reports a potential policy change where Indian and other international students might have to undergo mandatory English tests if they opt for the graduate visa route.
Furthermore, institutions with high dropout rates risk losing their authority to enroll foreign students. This move aims to enhance the quality of education and ensure that students are proficient in English, aligning with the UK’s academic standards and expectations.
Understanding Graduate Route visa
The UK government introduced the Graduate Route visa in July 2021, providing a vital pathway for international students seeking opportunities post-graduation.
Under this visa, students can stay in the UK for a minimum of two years after completing their studies, with an extension to three years for PhD holders. To qualify, applicants must be on a Short Term Study Visa or General Student Visa (Tier 4) and have their course completion verified by their educational institution.
Graduates under this visa can work, freelance, pursue further education, and potentially transition to a ‘skilled worker’ visa if they secure employment in the UK. This flexibility has made the Graduate Route visa a popular choice among international students, particularly those from India.