UK Cuts Graduate Route Post-Study Work Visa Duration to 18 Months

The UK government has released a white paper outlining tougher rules for foreign students wishing to study in Britain. A significant immigration change that will affect international students is the shortening of the duration for post-study work permits. The post-study work visa permits graduates to remain in the UK for employment.

The White Paper on Immigration suggests shortening the time that Graduates can stay in the UK post-studies to 18 months, down from the existing 24 months (and three years for PhD students).

The Graduate route was introduced in July 2021 as an unsponsored pathway that enables students to remain in the UK for two years (or three years for those with a PhD) following their graduation. The route aims to allow international student graduates to seek employment or work after finishing an eligible course successfully.

The second significant effect is on the expense of education in the UK. Proposed changes in the Immigration White Paper will increase the expenses associated with studying in the UK for international students. The UK is considering implementing a tax on income from international students at higher education institutions, which would be reinvested into skills development.

Thirdly, the UK will raise language standards for Skilled Workers and those already subject to language requirements from B1 to B2 (Independent User) levels, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The UK will implement a new English language requirement at level A1 (Basic User) for all adult dependants of workers and students to bring it in line with spousal and partner routes, and will progressively enhance this requirement in the future. The revised English language criteria will limit the entry of only those individuals proficient in English into the UK.

Fourth, the Immigration White Paper includes measures designed to encourage sponsors to recruit their students responsibly, strictly providing places to authentic students who fulfill the route's requirements.

The UK government is strengthening the limitations for schools and universities aiming to draw in international students. These changes aim to stop individuals from misusing student visas.