UK Graduate Route Visa for Post-Study Work Remains Unchanged

The United Kingdom has confirmed that the Graduate Route visa for post-study work will stay the same. Sir Steve Smith, the UK government’s International Education Champion, shared this news at the India-UK Achievers Honours event in London. Smith emphasized that India is a top priority for the UK regarding educational collaboration.

India’s Growing Influence in the UK

Lord Karan Bilimoria, President of the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), praised Indian students for their valuable contributions to the UK. “India is a superpower,” Bilimoria said.

He added that Indian students are “phenomenal” and lead in key global roles, including at the World Bank. This highlights the UK’s recognition of Indian students’ impact and the importance of nurturing strong ties.

What is the Graduate Route Visa?

Introduced in July 2021, the Graduate Route visa allows international graduates to stay in the UK for work for two years after completing their studies. For Ph.D. graduates, this visa allows a stay of up to three years.

This program is highly popular among Indian students, who made up almost half of all Graduate Route extensions by mid-2024. Over 67,500 Indian nationals have benefitted from this visa, making the UK a top choice for post-study work.

Labour Govt’s Stance on International Education

The newly elected Labour government is currently reviewing the UK’s International Education Strategy. While Smith’s reassurance is welcome, the Graduate Route visa has faced scrutiny in the past.

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) had recommended retaining the visa, but the previous Conservative government had considered tightening immigration regulations.

Also Read: How Long Will Your UK Visa Take? Current Processing Times for 2024

Proposed Changes for International Students

The government has proposed the following measures:

• Tighter Compliance for Universities: Universities may need to meet stricter recruitment standards.
• Quality Assurance for Agents: A framework for agents recruiting international students.
• Increased Financial Requirements: Higher financial thresholds for international students.
• Standardized English Testing: Unified English proficiency tests for all institutions.
• Limits on Remote Study: Restrictions on online study, requiring more in-person classes.

Impact of Stricter Visa Rules

Home Secretary James Cleverly announced a decline in student visa applications following the introduction of stricter rules, including restrictions on dependent visas. In the first four months of 2024, student visa applications fell by nearly a quarter.

Significant Decline in Visa Applications

The Home Office shared recent data showing a significant drop in visa applications under the new rules due to stricter policies.

Key Trends in Visa Applications in 2024

• Student Visa Applications: Decreased by 16% (30,300 fewer applications).
• Dependent Visas (Study Route): Dropped by 81%, with 55,000 fewer applications.
• Health and Care Dependent Visas: Fell by 71%, or 53,100 fewer applications.

The Labour government’s stricter immigration approach has led to a substantial reduction in applications. “Immigration is beneficial for the UK, but it must be fair and controlled,” a Home Office spokesperson stated.

Conclusion

The UK’s commitment to the Graduate Route visa is a positive development for Indian students. However, the evolving immigration landscape necessitates clarity and stability.

As the Labour government finalizes its international education strategy, it is crucial to strike a balance between attracting talented international students and ensuring rigorous immigration controls.