International students and recent graduates are also facing new rules. The White Paper announces reforms to student visas and the popular Graduate route, aiming to curb abuse while still encouraging genuine students. If you’re planning to study in the UK or have recently finished your degree, pay close attention to these changes.
Key Reforms for Students and Graduates
- Shorter Post-Study Work Period: The Graduate visa (“post-study work visa”) will be reduced from 2 years to 18 months for those finishing a UK degree. This means future graduates will have a year and a half to live and work in the UK after studies (down from the current two-year allowance). The aim is to prevent misuse of the extra time, but it also means less time to find a skilled job or gain UK work experience.
- Stricter Oversight of Universities (“Compliance Crackdown”): Schools must be more vigilant in whom they sponsor. The government will raise the compliance bar by 5% on key metrics – for instance, universities must ensure at least 95% of their foreign students actually enrol and 90% complete their courses. A new Red-Amber-Green rating system will publicly grade each institution’s compliance track record. Those nearing the thresholds might be put on special action plans and even limited in how many new international students they can enrol until they improve.
- Accountability for Recruitment Agents: Institutions that use overseas recruitment agents will be required to sign up to an “Agent Quality Framework.” They’ll need to take responsibility for the agents’ conduct. This is to stop colleges from turning a blind eye to agents who might be pushing non-genuine students, ensuring everyone coming to the UK is truly here to study.
- Considering Local Impact: Universities will need to consider the local community impact when recruiting internationally. While details are sparse, it suggests schools must be mindful of things like housing, public services, and community relations as they grow their overseas student numbers.
- Possible New Levy on International Students: The government is exploring a levy on tuition fees for international students. This would mean universities pay a certain amount (or percentage) of each foreign student’s fees into a fund, potentially to invest in UK skills training. If implemented, it could indirectly raise costs for students (if universities pass on the expense) or affect scholarships. It’s not decided yet, but it’s on the table.
What This Means for Students and Graduates
For current and future international students, the UK is still open and welcoming, but clearly expects you (and your sponsoring university) to be genuine and compliant. The vast majority of students who come to study and follow the rules should not be alarmed. You might notice your university being a bit stricter with attendance and progression monitoring (to meet those 95%/90% benchmarks). Be sure to attend your classes and complete your course to avoid any visa issues for yourself or problems for your university’s sponsor license.
If you’re planning to bring family as dependents, be aware that the environment is shifting. (In fact, separate new rules effective from January 2024 already restricted dependents for Master’s students on taught courses, as the government works to limit overall numbers.) Focus on your study purpose and ensure you follow your visa conditions closely – with the new rating system, institutions will be quick to act if there are concerns, since their own status is at stake.
For those graduating and using the Graduate Route, the reduced timeframe means you’ll need to think ahead. Eighteen months can fly by. We recommend graduates start job hunting early – even before you graduate, engage with career services and potential employers. The goal for many will be to secure a Skilled Worker visa job offer and switch to that route well before the 18 months are up. (One silver lining: employers hiring you as a recent graduate can pay a lower “new entrant” salary threshold when switching you to a work visa, which can encourage hiring fresh grads.) If you can’t find a sponsored job, you’ll now have less time to consider alternatives like further study or other visas.
Finally, keep an eye on potential cost changes. If a higher education levy is introduced, universities might increase tuition for overseas students. Plan your finances accordingly, and inquire if your university has any scholarship or support schemes to offset new fees.
Farani Taylor’s Advice for International Students
At Farani Taylor, we have helped countless students and graduates navigate UK immigration. We know these changes may create anxiety about your future. Our team is here to support you. We can assist with student visa applications, ensuring you meet all requirements in this tougher compliance climate.
Call to Action: Worried about the Graduate route UK changes or need help planning your post-study options? Contact Farani Taylor Solicitors for expert immigration support. From securing your student visa to making the most of your 18-month Graduate visa, we’re by your side so you can focus on your education and career.
This article is prepared by Sajjad Hussain, Solicitor in our Immigration Department. Feel free to contact him at +44 207 242 1666.