The British government has announced stricter immigration policies impacting international students aspiring to study and work within the United Kingdom. A key alteration involves the Graduate Route visa, which will now permit a maximum stay of 18 months for work-seeking graduates, a reduction from the previous 24 months. This adjustment, however, does not apply to those completing PhD qualifications.
Furthermore, the financial burden of pursuing education in the UK for international students is anticipated to rise. The government is considering implementing a levy on higher education institutions, a cost that could potentially be passed on to international students through increased tuition fees.
Alongside these changes, the UK is set to enforce more stringent English language proficiency standards for individuals applying for skilled worker visas. This measure aims to ensure a higher level of communication ability among the foreign workforce.
In an effort to maintain the integrity of the international student recruitment process, there will be enhanced scrutiny of educational institutions. This increased oversight will ensure that universities and colleges are responsibly admitting genuine students and are fully compliant with the regulations for sponsoring international learners. These combined measures signal a move towards a more controlled approach to international student immigration and post-study work opportunities in the UK.
Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/
Dated: May 14, 2025 10:55 IST