Scotland has announced a proposal for a new visa aimed at supporting international graduates in transitioning from study to work and addressing the country’s ongoing population and economic challenges. The Scottish Graduate Visa would provide a two-year pathway for graduates to gain work experience in Scotland before they are required to apply for the more stringent Skilled Worker visa.
Under the current immigration system, international graduates in Scotland must secure a Skilled Worker visa to stay and work long-term. To qualify for this visa, they need a confirmed job offer that meets specific requirements, such as a salary of at least £38,700. However, the new Scottish Graduate Visa intends to ease this transition by offering graduates more time to gain relevant experience and meet the higher salary thresholds for the Skilled Worker visa.
The Scottish Graduate Visa will be valid for up to two years, during which graduates will be required to live and work in Scotland. The visa will be tied to a Scottish tax code, ensuring that the graduates contribute to the local economy while working towards fulfilling the Skilled Worker visa requirements.
Under the existing immigration framework, international graduates must navigate strict criteria to obtain the Skilled Worker visa, including securing a job offer from a sponsor with a worker sponsor licence. The visa also demands that the job meets certain salary thresholds ranging from £30,960 to £84,100, depending on the role. Some sectors, such as health and education, may be exempt from salary requirements, but these thresholds can still pose significant barriers for recent graduates.
The Scottish Graduate Visa is designed to help graduates overcome these hurdles by offering time to build the experience needed for the Skilled Worker visa. It will also allow graduates to take a second job if permitted, expanding their employment options.
While the Scottish government has proposed this tailored solution for its economy, immigration is a reserved issue under UK law, meaning Scotland would need cooperation from the UK government to implement the new visa policy. The proposal echoes past attempts by Scotland to introduce bespoke migration policies, such as the ‘Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland’ scheme, which ran from 2005 to 2008.
