UK government orders review of Graduate Immigration Route

The UK government is to review the Graduate Immigration Route (GIR), which was implemented on July 1st, 2021. This route permits international students in the UK, who enrolled after July 2021, to remain in the country for two years upon completion of their studies. Previously known as the post-study work visa, the GIR was first introduced in 2007, discontinued in 2012, and reintroduced in 2021 under its current name.

Despite being reintroduced relatively recently, the UK government has deemed it necessary to conduct a review of the GIR, citing various factors for consideration. Data from public sector banks indicates that a significant number of Indian students, approximately 460,000, have utilized bank loans to pursue studies abroad. Notably, nearly 10% of these students have chosen to study medicine. Additionally, scholarships offered by universities rank as the third most influential factor for students when deciding where to study, following ranking and career prospects.

For Indian students, the GIR represents a valuable opportunity to remain in the UK post-graduation, facilitating the acquisition of international work experience, exposure to multicultural environments, and a partial return on their educational investment. This opportunity holds particular significance for Indian students, as evidenced by their strong preference for the UK as a study destination compared to markets like China and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region