The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), tasked by Home Secretary James Cleverly to review the graduate route visa, has recommended its continuation in its current form. This visa enables international students to work in the UK for two years after graduating from a British university. The review found that the graduate route is achieving its objectives and supporting the UK’s International Education Strategy. It has played a significant role in attracting international students, with the target of six lakh students by 2030 being met ahead of schedule. While the contribution of the graduate route to this achievement is not quantified, its positive impact is acknowledged.
The committee found no evidence of widespread abuse of the graduate route due to its stringent conditions. However, concerns were raised regarding exploitation by agents mis-selling UK higher education. Indian students heavily utilize the graduate route, with over 45,600 visas granted in 2023, accounting for 40%.
The report highlights that graduate visa holders initially engage in lower-paid work but experience improved outcomes over time. Their earnings become comparable to domestic graduates after one year, and around 50% transition to skilled work through the Skilled Worker visa route.
