The Honourable Home Secretary of the United Kingdom has instructed the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to perform a detailed review of the graduate visa pathway. This initiative is part of the British government's efforts to ensure the integrity of student migration frameworks and prevent potential misuse.
The government has implemented a series of measures to minimise risks within the student migration system. These efforts are designed to protect the reputation of UK higher education institutions from the exploitation of immigration systems or visa abuse.
Since its launch, the Graduate visa scheme has successfully facilitated the issuance of over 175,000 visas, demonstrating its importance in attracting international talent to the UK.
Announced by the Right Honourable James Cleverly, Home Secretary, on March 11, the review seeks to examine the graduate visa route for any potential misuse. The aim is to preserve the graduate route's integrity and ensure it serves genuine educational purposes rather than being exploited as an alternate immigration pathway.
Secretary Cleverly highlighted concerns about the potential risks to the esteemed reputation of UK higher education institutions due to unaddressed visa abuse or exploitation of immigration systems.
Preliminary findings indicate an increase in international student enrollment, especially in institutions of lower academic standing, and a significant spike in postgraduate students choosing programs with the lowest UCAS tariff scores.
The UK government has taken decisive steps, such as limiting the ability of postgraduate taught master's students to bring dependants and increasing the salary threshold for the Skilled Worker visa, to curb potential abuses within the student migration framework.
Scope of the Review
Scheduled for expedited completion by May 14, the review will cover:
Introduced in July 2021, the Graduate visa scheme is an unsponsored pathway allowing international students to extend their stay in the UK post-graduation. The program has issued 175,872 visas to date, highlighting its role in retaining international talent within the UK.
The UK Graduate Visa is a post-study work visa that allows international students who have completed a degree in the UK to stay in the country to work or look for work for 2 years (3 years for doctoral students) without needing a sponsor.
The Home Secretary has requested a review of the Graduate Visa to ensure it aligns with the UK's immigration policy goals, possibly to address concerns about the balance between attracting talent and maintaining immigration control.
The review could lead to changes in eligibility criteria, duration of stay permitted, or the application process. It might also introduce new requirements for institutions or students.
Current applicants may face changes in the visa application process, eligibility, or post-study work conditions depending on the review outcomes. Keeping up with the most recent information is essential.
Candidates must be in the UK at the time of application, have finished an appropriate degree at a UK higher education institution, and possess a valid Tier 4 or student visa. They should also have completed their course.
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