Migration - Meeting Scotland's Needs

Annex A: Scottish Graduate Visa Proposal

A tailored visa route proposal for international graduates from Scottish Universities or Colleges who want to stay in Scotland. This Scottish Graduate Visa would be linked to a Scottish tax code and be based on a requirement to live and work in Scotland.

Eligibility Criteria

• having completed and been awarded a relevant qualification though an eligible Scottish institution including Higher National Diploma, UK recognised undergraduate degree, Master’s degree or PhD;
• currently in the UK on a Graduate visa;
• having lived in Scotland for “an appropriate period of time” whilst studying;
• intend to live in as well as seek and take employment in Scotland (including self-employment) – linked to a Scottish tax code.

What a successful applicant would be able to do

• work in most jobs in Scotland (no salary requirement)
• be self-employed – recognise and encourage entrepreneurship
• live in Scotland with a partner and/or children.

Cost

• individuals would need to pay an application fee.

Period of Time

• a Scottish Graduate Visa would be granted for up to 2 years
• the Scottish Graduate Visa would provide a further opportunity for individuals to gain the professional experience required to qualify for roles on the Skilled Worker Visa route
• individuals would then be able to apply for other visas, such as a Skilled Worker Visa.

Possible Visa Pathway

• individual applies for, and is awarded, a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
• following completion of their studies an individual is eligible to apply for a Graduate Visa
• a Graduate Visa lasts for 2 years or 3 years for those with a PhD or other doctoral qualification
• an individual who applied for, and secured, a Graduate Visa could then apply for a Scottish Graduate Visa as a further step after their Graduate Visa
• a Scottish Graduate Visa would last for 2 years.