Important Updates
Important Updates
August 20, 2025 | ThailandThailand: New Rules Forthcoming for Board of Investment-Promoted Companies
August 21, 2025 | United StatesFragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™
August 21, 2025 | 🌐United States: Appeals Court Stays Postponement of TPS Terminations for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua
August 20, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
August 20, 2025 | SingaporeSingapore: New Salary Benchmarking Table by Sector Now Available
August 20, 2025 | ThailandThailand: New Rules Forthcoming for Board of Investment-Promoted Companies
August 21, 2025 | United StatesFragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™
August 21, 2025 | 🌐United States: Appeals Court Stays Postponement of TPS Terminations for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua
August 20, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
August 20, 2025 | SingaporeSingapore: New Salary Benchmarking Table by Sector Now Available
August 20, 2025 | ThailandThailand: New Rules Forthcoming for Board of Investment-Promoted Companies
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

UK Government Commissions Graduate Visa Route Review

May 2, 2024

Graduate

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Alisa-Bartholdy

Alisa Bartholdy

Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9434

Alexander Hood - web porthole

Alexander Hood

Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9161

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Alisa-Bartholdy

Alisa Bartholdy

Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9434

Alexander Hood - web porthole

Alexander Hood

Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9161

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Alisa-Bartholdy

Alisa Bartholdy

Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9434

Alexander Hood - web porthole

Alexander Hood

Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9161

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Alisa Bartholdy, Alexander Hood, Elizabeth Collier

The UK Government is considering whether the current Graduate visa route is achieving its goals and supporting the country’s reputation for world-class higher education.

As a result, on 11 March 2024, the Home Secretary commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to carry out a rapid review of the route, with a tight 14 May 2024 deadline.  

Graduate route background

The unsponsored Graduate route was launched in July 2021 to allow graduates of UK universities the opportunity to remain in the UK for two years after graduation (or three years for PhD students).

The route was launched to attract and retain international students who may contribute positively to the UK economy. To be eligible, students must have completed a degree with a higher education provider with a track record of compliance and have held valid leave under the Student route. The Home Secretary’s letter commissioning the review asks the MAC, amongst other things, to assess whether the route is open to abuse, and achieving its goal of attracting the best graduates to the UK.

Graduate route assessment

In his letter to the MAC, the Home Secretary noted that early data from 2023 suggests that only 23% of those on the Graduate route switched to Skilled Worker visas, with only 16% earning more than £30,000 per year and many going into care work. He has requested the MAC to provide evidence of abuse of the route and whether it is fit for purpose.

The MAC has further been asked to identify the demographics of individuals accessing student and graduate visas, questioning who is using the route and from which universities they are graduating. The MAC review will ask whether those on the route contribute positively to the UK economy.

The overall aim is to assess whether the Graduate route enables UK universities to attract the brightest international students and allows the UK to successfully retain talent without undermining the integrity of the UK higher education system.

However, the review has attracted criticism from the MAC itself as the 10-week deadline leaves little time to conduct a full review. Professor Brian Bell, Chair of the MAC, explained that the tight deadline will limit the quality and quantity of evidence they can provide, and asked the Home Office to provide evidence by 26 March 2024. It is common for the MAC to be given much longer to review and report.

The UK Government has had an ongoing struggle with the Graduate visa and its predecessor. In 2012 the Tier 1 Post Study Work visa (which was very similar to the current Graduate route) was removed by the Home Secretary, who had concerns about abuse of the student visa system and the number of graduates remaining in the UK in what the Government viewed as unskilled roles.

Post-Brexit, this policy was reversed, and the Graduate route was introduced. The current Home Secretary’s instruction to the MAC appears to broadly echo the events of 2012. This suggests that the issue of how to encourage the best international students to the UK by providing them with a post-study work route – whilst alleviating concern over the overall number of international students – is a circular conundrum for the Government to which an answer has yet to be found.

Looking ahead

It is important to mention that alterations to the Graduate visa pathway could affect the opportunities accessible to potential international students post-graduation. Should the route be terminated, it could lead to fewer students coming to the UK.

The Graduate visa currently allows students to secure jobs without the need for sponsorship, allowing individuals to gain invaluable experience and allowing employers to trial candidates before committing to the high costs associated with sponsorship.

With the impending deadline for the MAC’s review, Fragomen will closely evaluate any potential modifications and their consequences.

Need to know more?

For further information regarding the UK immigration system, please contact Managers Alisa Bartholdy and Alex Hood at [email protected] and [email protected], respectively.

This blog was published on 2 May 2024, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please visit our dedicated COVID-19 site, subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Alisa-Bartholdy

Alisa Bartholdy

Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9434

Alexander Hood - web porthole

Alexander Hood

Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9161

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Alisa-Bartholdy

Alisa Bartholdy

Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9434

Alexander Hood - web porthole

Alexander Hood

Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9161

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Alisa-Bartholdy

Alisa Bartholdy

Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9434

Alexander Hood - web porthole

Alexander Hood

Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9161

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Video

Greek Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Start Smart: Visa Pathways for Educational Opportunities in Thailand

Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Charles Johanes contributes to Global Mobility Lawyer’s Guide to Global Immigration

Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Learn more

Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Viewpoint: Immigration Compliance: A Strategic Imperative for Today’s Employers

Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Learn more

Blog post

From Ground Staff to Game Day: UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes in 2025 and the Impact on the Hidden Workforce in Sports Sector

Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Learn more

Blog post

Talent & Policy: Navigating Career Beginnings and Hiring Challenges in Singapore

Assistant Business Immigration Managers Jeszel Panistante-Cabral, Elsie Lim and Nellanie Quimson explore the complexities young professionals face entering the workforce and the evolving hiring landscape in Singapore.

Learn more

Blog post

Global Mobility Support and Visa Services: Fragomen’s Outbound Solutions from Germany

Director David Iannella discusses Fragomen Germany’s approach to outbound immigration solutions and how the office supports global mobility through visa services and compliance expertise.

Learn more

Blog post

Lifting the Curtain: Saudi Arabia Demands Full Disclosure of Real Company Owners

Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung discuss Saudi Arabia’s push for corporate transparency through new ownership disclosure rules.

Learn more

Video

Fragomen's Posted Worker Compliance Solutions

In this video, we share an overview of Fragomen's posted worker compliance solutions.

Learn more

Blog post

From Facilitation to Surveillance: How Digitalization Will Impact Your European Compliance Program

Partner Jo Antoons and Managers Sara Fekete and Andreia Florina Ghimis explore how digitalization is reshaping European compliance programs and share how organizations can prepare with Fragomen’s support.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: What the UK’s Industrial Strategy and Immigration Reforms Mean for Employers

Partner Rajiv Naik examines how the UK’s industrial strategy and immigration reforms will reshape talent access and create new opportunities for HR and mobility teams.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Video

Greek Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Start Smart: Visa Pathways for Educational Opportunities in Thailand

Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Charles Johanes contributes to Global Mobility Lawyer’s Guide to Global Immigration

Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Learn more

Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Viewpoint: Immigration Compliance: A Strategic Imperative for Today’s Employers

Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Learn more

Blog post

From Ground Staff to Game Day: UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes in 2025 and the Impact on the Hidden Workforce in Sports Sector

Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Learn more

Blog post

Talent & Policy: Navigating Career Beginnings and Hiring Challenges in Singapore

Assistant Business Immigration Managers Jeszel Panistante-Cabral, Elsie Lim and Nellanie Quimson explore the complexities young professionals face entering the workforce and the evolving hiring landscape in Singapore.

Learn more

Blog post

Global Mobility Support and Visa Services: Fragomen’s Outbound Solutions from Germany

Director David Iannella discusses Fragomen Germany’s approach to outbound immigration solutions and how the office supports global mobility through visa services and compliance expertise.

Learn more

Blog post

Lifting the Curtain: Saudi Arabia Demands Full Disclosure of Real Company Owners

Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung discuss Saudi Arabia’s push for corporate transparency through new ownership disclosure rules.

Learn more

Video

Fragomen's Posted Worker Compliance Solutions

In this video, we share an overview of Fragomen's posted worker compliance solutions.

Learn more

Blog post

From Facilitation to Surveillance: How Digitalization Will Impact Your European Compliance Program

Partner Jo Antoons and Managers Sara Fekete and Andreia Florina Ghimis explore how digitalization is reshaping European compliance programs and share how organizations can prepare with Fragomen’s support.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: What the UK’s Industrial Strategy and Immigration Reforms Mean for Employers

Partner Rajiv Naik examines how the UK’s industrial strategy and immigration reforms will reshape talent access and create new opportunities for HR and mobility teams.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.