Graduate Visa Changes Set To Impact UK Immigration and Higher Education Sector

The UK government is poised to implement stringent measures requiring foreign graduates to secure graduate-level positions or face deportation, marking a significant shift in immigration policy aimed at reducing record-high migration figures.

Current regulations permit overseas students to remain in the UK for up to two years post-graduation, regardless of employment status. The forthcoming white paper on immigration suggests this flexibility will be curtailed, with graduates needing to secure positions befitting their qualifications.

Net migration reached an unprecedented 728,000 in the year leading to June, predominantly driven by non-EU citizens. The government’s target is to reduce these figures to pre-pandemic levels of 200,000-300,000 annually. Brian Bell, Migration Advisory Committee chairman, has previously indicated graduate salary thresholds could range between £36,000 and £40,000 annually.

The graduate visa programme witnessed approximately 150,000 participants last year, contributing 10% to total net migration. Indian nationals dominated the scheme, representing over 40% of visas, while students from India, Nigeria, China, and Pakistan collectively accounted for 70% of graduate visas.

The potential policy shift has raised concerns among universities, which heavily rely on international student revenue. Universities UK, representing 142 institutions, emphasised the need for careful consideration of changes to the points-based immigration system, citing the substantial economic, social, and cultural contributions of international students.

The care sector may also face significant impacts, as 20% of graduates transitioning to skilled worker visas enter care work. With a third of care workers being migrants, any policy adjustments could potentially exacerbate existing staffing challenges in the sector.