As immigration remains a key issue ahead of the upcoming general election, the government aims to ensure that visa route users contribute to the UK economy
A recent UK government-commissioned review has concluded that the post-study visa route, heavily utilized by Indian graduates, is crucial for bolstering UK universities’ finances and expanding the nation’s research landscape. The independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), assigned by Home Secretary James Cleverly, examined the Graduate Route visa, which allows international students to stay for up to two years post-graduation to seek employment and gain work experience, Indian Express reported.
The review highlighted that Indian students lead in this visa category, securing 89,200 visas between 2021 and 2023, making up 42% of the total. This visa option was identified as a major deciding factor for Indian students choosing the UK for higher education. MAC Chair Professor Brian Bell emphasized that the Graduate Route should remain unchanged, noting its importance in maintaining the quality and integrity of the UK’s higher education system.
Bell explained, “The fees from international students help universities offset losses from teaching domestic students and conducting research. Without these students, many universities would face reductions in size and research capacity.”
Changes to this post-study visa could significantly impact Indian student enrollment, Bell warned, as the route is a critical draw for them. The review also called for a mandatory registration system for international recruitment agents to prevent the mis-selling of UK education and recommended better data collection and outcome confirmations for enrolled international students.
UK-based Indian student organizations, which contributed to the MAC review, had expressed concerns about potential restrictions on the post-study visa, considering it vital for attracting students from India. Sanam Arora, Chair of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK, noted, “We spent considerable time distinguishing between ‘work’ and ‘work experience’—70% of Indian students cited the ability to gain work experience as a primary factor in choosing the UK over other countries.”
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The Graduate Route is essential under current higher education funding models, enabling universities to expand course offerings and compensate for domestic student and research financial losses
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It supports the government’s International Education Strategy, although visa holders initially tend to occupy lower-paid roles, improving over time as they transition to Skilled Worker visas
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Besides Indians, other leading nationalities on this route include Nigerians, Chinese, and Pakistanis
The Indian National Students Association (INSA) UK praised the report’s emphasis on data-driven conclusions and its illumination of current international recruitment practices. INSA UK President Amit Tiwari remarked, “The report clearly shows how international fees support UK universities and how the Graduate visa enhances the attractiveness of studying in the UK.”
While the government typically follows MAC’s recommendations in shaping migration policy, diaspora groups remain apprehensive about potential restrictions on the Graduate Route. Vignesh Karthik of NISAU UK stressed the necessity of the route for international students to apply their skills in the UK job market and urged the government to accept the MAC’s findings to maintain stability in the immigration system.
A Home Office spokesperson acknowledged the review’s findings and promised a comprehensive response. “We are committed to attracting top talent to our world-class universities while preventing immigration system abuses, which is why this independent review of the Graduate Route was commissioned.”
The review found that most Graduate Route visa holders completed postgraduate courses, with significant growth from second-tier institutions outside the Russell Group. The age profile of visa holders has shifted, with an increase in those over 25, partly due to recent policy changes on sponsoring family dependents.
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