In early December, the UK government made an announcement regarding a review of the two-year visa option for international graduates. This review aims to curb potential abuse and safeguard the integrity of the UK’s higher education sector. The review is expected to be extended into late 2024 by the Migration Advisory Committee. However, there is growing concern among key stakeholders within the country’s education sector that the government might contemplate discontinuing the route, given the pressure surrounding high net migration figures.
The UKCISA has responded to these developments by launching a questionnaire to assess how the review might impact the graduate route for current students. Several stakeholders have emphasised the significance of preserving the graduate visa route, with a Liberal Democrat MP from the House of Commons urging the government to ensure that the review does not lead to the termination of the visa option.
The potential impact on the more than 100,000 individuals who received visas through the graduate route last year has raised concerns. The Migration Advisory Committee’s specific task is to evaluate whether the review aligns with its intended purpose, addressing concerns related to abuse while protecting the quality and integrity of the UK’s higher education system.
Stakeholders have pointed out that the reintroduction of the competitive post-study work permit in 2019 was part of the broader strategy outlined in the International Education Strategy. The primary goal was to position the UK competitively in the global market. Additionally, the Migration Advisory Committee itself recognised the importance of the Graduate Route, considering it a resounding success for students. Critics of the review have underscored certain limitations of the two-year visa, such as the inability for students to claim benefits during this period and the time not counting towards settlement. Furthermore, only students who secure employment with a Home Office-approved employer are eligible for an extension, allowing them to stay in the country for an additional five years.
