Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, has unveiled plans for a dedicated visa aimed at retaining international graduates from Scottish universities and colleges. Speaking at JP Morgan Chase & Co in Glasgow, the First Minister highlighted how the proposed “Scottish Graduate Visa” could address Scotland’s population challenges while fostering economic growth.

What Is the Scottish Graduate Visa?

The Scottish Graduate Visa is designed for international students who wish to remain in Scotland after completing their studies. It would be tied to a Scottish tax code and require graduates to live and work in Scotland for up to two years. Acting as a bridge between the Study and Graduate visas and the Skilled Worker Visa, this initiative provides graduates with additional time to gain the professional experience needed to qualify for roles under the Skilled Worker Visa route.

Key Benefits

  • Supports Economic Growth: By attracting and retaining talent, the visa aims to fill critical workforce gaps.
  • Addresses Population Challenges: Scotland’s distinct demographic needs could be tackled through increased inward migration.
  • Pathway for Professional Experience: Graduates gain extra time to meet Skilled Worker Visa requirements.

Cooperation with the UK Government

Since migration is a reserved issue, implementing the Scottish Graduate Visa would require collaboration with the UK Government. The proposal builds on Scotland’s history of tailored migration schemes, such as the ‘Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland’ initiative, which ran from 2005 to 2008.

A Call for Action

In his speech, the First Minister also stressed the importance of Scotland rejoining the European Union to restore freedom of movement and access to the Single Market, further addressing Scotland’s demographic challenges.

John Swinney said:

“I urge the UK Government to work with us – not dismiss this proposal out of hand – to ensure that we can attract and retain those students and graduates to Scotland, so that they can continue to contribute to our economy and society.”

Background

This proposal complements other Scottish Government migration initiatives, including the Rural Visa Pilot and the Scottish Visa, which aim to address challenges in the current immigration system.

Scotland’s vision for migration reflects a pragmatic and forward-thinking approach, ensuring the country remains an attractive destination for international talent.

.

Need professional guidance with your Canadian, UK, Irish, American, or EU study visa? Click here to get in touch with us.

Comment (1)

  1. Temmy
    January 29, 2025

    Great initiative, thank you for the update.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *