The Graduate Route visa, currently under review by the UK government, holds immense potential to shape post-study work options for international students. Introduced in September 2019 and implemented in July 2021, this two-year visa has proven invaluable for 42% of the 176,000 Indian nationals who have obtained it. Any changes made to this visa category would undeniably have a profound impact on Indian students.
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has stressed the urgent need for clarity on the purpose of this visa in its annual assessment. Concerns have been raised about its effectiveness in attracting skilled graduates for high-skilled jobs. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently announced a series of stringent rules, including a ban on dependent visas for international students, with the exception of research scholars. This aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to reduce overall immigration numbers.
The evolving landscape of UK immigration policy has sparked apprehension among international students, particularly regarding their post-study work options. The popularity of the Graduate Route visa among Indian students can be attributed to its two-year validity, offering them the chance to explore diverse career opportunities and gain valuable work experience in the UK. The current government review of this visa category has caused significant anxiety among many Indian students, who fear that any modifications may limit their prospects of securing suitable employment in the UK. This uncertainty has also impacted the decision-making process for prospective international students considering studying in the UK.
