Conservatives U-turn on student visas

The Home Office has today announced a change to the immigration rules with respect to Tier 4 Student Visas, affecting international students studying in higher education in the UK.

2017-2018 saw around 450,000 international students enrolled in higher education courses in the UK. Through the current policy enacted in 2012, international students hoping to remain in the UK after studying must find sponsored employment within 4 months following the completion of their degree. If students are unable to find sponsored employment in this time, they are required to leave the UK. However the changes announced today mean that all international graduates could now qualify for post-study work for a two year period, also extending the amount of time international graduates can try to find sponsored employment in the UK.

The White Paper released by the Home Office further details that there is no restriction on the kinds of jobs international graduates would have to seek and no cap on numbers. Jobs may be applied for regardless of the international graduates’ skills or the subject studied. It should be noted however that whilst international graduates would be able to take roles in low skilled employment during the two years following graduation, students must find skilled, sponsored employment if they wish to remain in the UK beyond that.

The changes will apply to international students who start courses at undergraduate level or above from next year onwards.

Should you have any questions on the recent announcement by the Home Office, or wish to enquire as to how the new policy may affect you, please contact us.

Please note that this blog is provided for general information only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content of this blog.

Edwin Coe LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership, registered in England & Wales (No.OC326366). The Firm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. A list of members of the LLP is available for inspection at our registered office address: 2 Stone Buildings, Lincoln’s Inn, London, WC2A 3TH. “Partner” denotes a member of the LLP or an employee or consultant with the equivalent standing.

Please also see a copy of our terms of use here in respect of our website which apply also to all of our blogs.