Scotland’s graduate visa proposal: A pathway for international students to stay and thrive

A new graduate visa has been proposed in Scotland, something that current international universities students believe would help them stay and thrive in the nation.

First Minister John Swinney put forward the Scottish Graduate Visa which would allow non-domestic graduates from Scottish universities to remain in the country after completing their studies. The initiative aims to address Scotland’s demographic challenges and support economic growth, but its implementation would require cooperation from the UK government.

A proposed pathway for international graduates

First Minister John Sweeney speaking about the visa via YouTube

Speaking at JP Morgan Chase & Co in Glasgow, Mr Swinney outlined a visa scheme that would provide graduates with a two-year extension to gain professional experience before applying for a Skilled Worker Visa. The visa would be linked to a Scottish tax code and require recipients to live and work in Scotland. This initiative seeks to retain skilled talent and strengthen Scotland’s workforce.

As migration policy is a reserved matter under UK law, the Scottish Government cannot introduce the visa without Westminster’s approval. Mr Swinney has urged the UK Government to engage with the proposal, emphasising its potential benefits for Scotland’s economy and international students.

NUS Scotland backs visa proposal, urges collaboration

Today the First Minister announced a proposal for a Scottish Graduate Visa.

We welcome this & call on the UK and Scottish Governments to work together productively to see it achieved.

The hostile environment to international students is morally wrong & economically damaging. pic.twitter.com/ABdrpbUKC5

— NUS Scotland (@NUSScotland) January 22, 2025

The National Union of Students (NUS) Scotland has welcomed the proposal and called for meaningful collaboration between the UK and Scottish governments to support international students.

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Commenting on the announcement, NUS Scotland President Sai Shraddha S. Viswanathan said: “In Scotland, we’re rightly proud of the brilliant education available at our colleges and universities. We should celebrate international students coming to study here and appreciate the contributions they make to our communities and economy. If people want to stay, build lives, and put that education to work here in Scotland, we should welcome that.

“For too long now, policy around international students in the UK has been driven by an ideological opposition to immigration that does not serve Scotland, students, or the education sector. Currently, international students are treated merely as a source of income to sustain a system that suffers from declining public funding.

“Ultimately, we need to see the complete dismantling of the unjust hostile environment and a renewed recognition of education as a public good, accompanied by proper public funding. This policy proposal is a very welcome step in that direction.”

International students react to the proposal

The proposal has sparked discussions among international students, many of whom see it as a crucial step in allowing them to establish careers in Scotland.

For Maria González, a postgraduate student at the University of Edinburgh, the opportunity is appealing. “This [visa] would give me the opportunity to gain experience in Scotland without the immediate pressure of securing a Skilled Worker Visa,” she told The Glasgow Tab.

“I love studying here, and I would love to stay, but the visa process is often daunting. This could make a huge difference.”

Others have expressed concerns about whether the visa would be enough to address wider issues in the immigration system.

Emma Stevens, a third year student at the University of Glasgow, told The Glasgow Tab: “The proposal is a step in the right direction, but I worry that two years might not be enough to meet the high salary threshold for a Skilled Worker Visa.

“I hope the UK Government considers expanding opportunities for graduates beyond this initial period.”

Previous migration initiatives and UK government response

Scotland has previously implemented tailored migration routes. In 2005, the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme allowed international graduates to stay and work in Scotland for two years. This was later replaced by a UK-wide post-study work route, which was discontinued in 2012.

The Scottish Government has also proposed other targeted migration initiatives, such as the Rural Visa Pilot and the Scottish Visa, to address workforce shortages. However, UK ministers have not signalled support for region-specific visa schemes.

A UK Government spokesperson responded to the proposal, stating: “The Graduate Route already offers talented international students the opportunity to stay in the UK after successfully completing their studies.

“We continue to work closely with the Scottish Government on areas where devolved and reserved policies intersect, but there are no plans to introduce a visa route specific to Scotland.”

As discussions continue, the proposal raises important questions about Scotland’s ability to address its demographic and economic challenges within the current UK immigration framework. For now, international students and policymakers alike will be watching closely to see whether Westminster engages in meaningful dialogue or if the plan remains an ambition rather than a reality.