Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the rules on graduate visas in instances where international students are unable to apply for a new visa before their current one expires due to extenuating circumstances.

Graduates must have successfully completed a degree, or other eligible qualification, at undergraduate level or above whilst sponsored by a higher education provider (HEP) with a track record of compliance. They must be in the UK at the time of their application and have existing valid permission as a student. Student permission already includes post study period of up to 4 months from end date of course. The length of the post study period is determined by the duration and level of study.

These requirements determine the window of opportunity for making a successful Graduate application. The Graduate route provides an opportunity for international students who have been awarded their degree to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, at any skill level for 2 years, or 3 years for doctoral students, therefore only those with valid Student permission who are in the UK at the time of application are eligible. Exceptional circumstances which prevent someone from meeting these requirements will be considered by decision making teams on a case by case basis.

Though we have no current plans to alter these requirements, the Government keeps all immigration routes under review.