United Kingdom’s Graduate Route Visa (GRV) Scheme

• Context (IE): The British PM is contemplating tweaking the United Kingdom’s Graduate Route visa (GRV) scheme with a view to curb the influx of international students to the country.
• Currently, Indians constitute roughly 42% of GRV holders, again, the highest among all nationalities.
• According to the UK Home Office, the number of student visas issued to Indians increased 54% between June 2022 and June 2023.

Graduate Route Visa (GRV) scheme

• The GRV was introduced by the UK government in July 2021.
• It permits individuals to remain in the UK for at least two years upon successful completion of a bachelor’s, post-graduate, or other eligible courses.
• For those with PhDs or other doctoral qualifications, the GRV extends to a three-year stay.
• A GRV applicant must be in the UK at the time of application and hold a Short-Term Study visa or a General Student Visa.
• Additionally, the applicant’s education provider must notify the UK Home Office about the course’s successful completion.

Why do Indians seek GRVs?

• Other visas: GRV provides a window for individuals to obtain other visas (such as a work visa) by finding a good sponsor or employer.
• Allowing family: GRV allows families to accompany the GRV-holder if certain eligibility criteria are met.
• Repayment of education cost: Students repay costly student loans by working in the UK after studies and making some money to lead a comfortable life.

Impact of possible GRV tweaks

• Restricting GRVs could significantly reduce the number of international students seeking to study in the UK by creating uncertainty.
• Restricting GRV only to the “best and brightest” will especially hinder the prospects of the ‘average’ student seeking to study in the UK.
• Financial viability of British Universities: The fees paid by international students help universities cover the cost of teaching British students and conducting research.