Scotland is unveiling a new visa pathway aimed at international graduates who wish to stay and work in the country after their studies. The proposed ‘Scottish Graduate Visa’ is designed to ease the transition for students into the workforce while tackling Scotland’s ongoing demographic and economic challenges.
What the Scottish Graduate Visa Offers
The Scottish Graduate Visa, which would be valid for up to two years, aims to bridge the gap between the Study/Graduate visas and the Skilled Worker visa. Graduates would be required to live and work in Scotland during this period, linking them to a Scottish tax code. This visa offers more time for graduates to gain the necessary experience to meet the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa, making it easier for them to secure long-term employment in Scotland.
Current Skilled Worker Visa Requirements
At present, international graduates wishing to work long-term in Scotland must qualify for a Skilled Worker visa. This visa requires a confirmed job offer in a position that meets the criteria of the visa and an annual salary of at least £38,700 or the “going rate” for the job, whichever is higher. Certain jobs, such as those in health and education, are exempt from this threshold.
The going rate varies between £30,960 and £84,100 depending on the occupation. The minimum hourly rate is £15.88 for a 37.5-hour workweek, although there are exceptions for individuals with a PhD, new entrants to the workforce, and those in occupations on the immigration salary list, where the salary requirement can drop to £30,960.
The Challenge and the Proposed Solution
The proposed Scottish Graduate Visa would allow international graduates to gain crucial experience before needing to meet these higher salary requirements. This visa would also permit skilled workers to take on a second job, provided their visa conditions allow.
International graduates could apply for the Skilled Worker visa either from outside the UK or by switching from an eligible visa, such as the Study or Graduate visa. Those already holding a Skilled Worker visa could apply for an extension.
Cooperation Needed for the Plan
While Scotland has been vocal about its need for immigration powers to address local workforce needs, migration remains a reserved issue under UK law. For the Scottish Graduate Visa to be implemented, it would require the cooperation of the UK government.
This proposal brings to mind the previous “Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland” scheme, which offered a similar post-study work route from 2005 to 2008 before it was absorbed into a UK-wide program that was later discontinued in 2012.
