The Graduate Route visa is a post-study work visa that allows international graduates to stay in the UK for two years (three years for PhD graduates) and gain experience in the workplace so that they can get a job after graduation.
NISAU UK, which represents the interests of Indian students and alumni in the UK, mentioned the positive economic contribution of international students, the positive perception of the Graduate Route from the UK public, and the contribution of international graduates to addressing the skills shortage.
The letter further addressed improving learning for local learners, empowering Britain as a global player, increasing the power of influence, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the place of universities in the UK.
Writing its first letter to Johnson in October, Campaign for the Recruitment of International Students criticized Johnson for calling foreign students ‘Deliveroo visas.’ It explained that these students are extremely motivated about their study in the UK and add to the economy in total.
One of the UK’s migration policies – Graduate Route – will remain in place despite the recommendation of the Migration Advisory Committee that it may be contributing to migration ‘abuse’ that is engaged by young people in the country. Students were granted work visas to law students of 50,000 in 2023, accounting for 44% of all student extension visas to all countries, making it the highest extension given.
The MAC has, however, recommended that the UK government mandate universities to verify course completion and degree classification.
