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.

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.

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.