UK Government Tightens Student Visa Rules; Graduate Route Remains for Now
In line with recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), the government will maintain the Graduate Route in its current form.
The UK Home Office has released fresh recommendations to strengthen laws pertaining to student visas, emphasizing the need to stop the actions of dishonest recruitment agencies. Prior to the next election, the government has made it clear that the Graduate Route, which permits international students to remain in the UK for employment or job looking after graduation, would continue to be "under review" but won't be altered.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan and Home Secretary James Cleverly have promised to shut down the operations of dishonest agents who take advantage of the student visa program. Universities will now be subject to the possibility of losing their sponsor licenses if they do not meet the government's more stringent compliance standards.
Sanam Arora, Chair of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK, expressed relief on social media, stating, "Incredible news & much awaited relief! The UK has revealed new proposals to 'crack down' on student visas, & while the Graduate Route will remain 'under review', it’s not going anywhere before the election. So glad our core recommendations have been accepted!”
This includes ensuring that international students pass visa checks, enroll in, and complete their courses.
In line with recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), the government will maintain the Graduate Route in its current form. This route is particularly popular among Indian students, as it offers a two-year post-study work visa (three years for PhD graduates). The Home Office has acknowledged the MAC's findings, which caution against abolishing the Graduate Route but highlight the need for vigilance against rogue agents.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, speaking on the first official day of his campaign for the general election set for July 4, welcomed the Office for National Statistics' (ONS) report of a 10% decrease in net migration. Sunak emphasized his commitment to reducing both legal and illegal immigration as a key part of his electoral platform.
"Since I became Prime Minister, net migration has fallen by 10 percent. The plan is working. Let's stick with it," Sunak stated.
The Home Office highlighted that recent ONS figures do not yet reflect the impact of stricter visa rules on family dependents, which have already resulted in a 25% drop in visa applications. The new measures will also include higher financial maintenance requirements and a review of English language assessment levels.
The Home Office reaffirmed its stance on ensuring that the student visa route is not abused and that international students come to the UK primarily for education, not employment. The government will continue to monitor the Graduate Route and make necessary adjustments to maintain its integrity and contribution to the economy.
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Abhay an alumnus of IIMC and Delhi University, has over a decade long experience of reporting on various beats of journalism. During his free time he prefers listening to music or play indoor and outdoor games.
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