GovWire

The Graduate route is an important part of the UKs offer for international students, ensuring we remain internationally competitive and meet the ambition to increase numbers of international students in higher education.

The route, introduced in July 2021, provides the opportunity for international students who have been awarded their degree to stay in the UK to work, or seek work, at any skill level for between 2-3 years.

To understand how this route is working, the Home Office commissioned IFF Research to conduct early insights research with successful Graduate route applicants. This consisted of a telephone survey completed by 50 Graduate route permission holders.

The research is part of wider evaluation by the Home Office on all points-based immigration routes. For findings from research with Skilled Workers and work sponsors, see Skilled Worker visa: early insights evaluation.