Migration - Meeting Scotland's Needs

Tailored Migration Routes

45. The UK immigration system is comprised of a series of tailored migration routes. Currently, those routes are primarily tailored around the needs of different sectors, with no immigration routes tailored on the basis of geography. However, this is a choice by successive UK Governments, and a geographical approach to tailored migration would be deliverable within the existing framework of the UK immigration system.

46. The UK previously had a tailored migration route based on geography. In 2005, the then Scottish and UK Governments established the ‘Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland’ scheme. This was a post-study visa route for international students in Scotland. The visa ran from 2005 to 2008, at which point, owing to the success of the scheme, it was replaced by a UK-wide post study work route.

Scottish Graduate Visa

47. International students have a positive economic impact on Scotland. We want to attract and retain international students in Scotland. However, the restrictions on dependents and the significant increase in the salary threshold for the Skilled Worker Visa are significant disincentives to making this a realistic or attractive proposition for international students. The retention of the Graduate Visa within the existing immigration system is welcome, but there are significant challenges for international students in gaining a role which meets the salary threshold for a Skilled Worker Visa immediately following completion of their studies, especially students outside of London.

48. We therefore propose the establishment of a Scottish Graduate Visa which would act as a bridge between the existing Graduate Visa and a Skilled Worker Visa, giving international students in Scotland an additional 2 years to develop their career to meet the salary threshold.

49. To be eligible, individuals would need to have completed, and been awarded, a relevant qualification through a Scottish institution, such as a degree, Master’s degree or PHD. They would need to currently be in the UK on a Graduate visa, and intend to live and work in Scotland for the duration of their Scottish Graduate Visa. An overview of the proposal is provided at Annex A, below.

50. This proposal for a Scottish Graduate Visa should be viewed alongside our other proposals for tailored migration routes, which are focused on addressing specific challenges within the immigration system.

Rural Visa Pilot

A community driven, employer-based migration route for rural and island communities, which would be delivered through a partnership between Scottish Government, UK Government and community partners – including employers, local statutory, and third sector services.

A Scottish Visa

A place based visa restricted to Scotland, linked to a Scottish tax code. Holders of this visa would have to live in Scotland and could not live elsewhere in the UK. The Scottish tax code is an example of an existing framework based on residence and would help ensure that people on the Scottish Visa are staying in Scotland and contributing to the Scottish economy.