British universities are again being asked to do the Home Office’s risk-management for it. Over the past few weeks, a growing number of institutions have paused or curtailed recruitment from Pakistan and Bangladesh two of the UK’s largest student markets citing concern that high visa refusal rates could put their sponsorship licences at risk.
As international students near the completion of their studies in the UK, thoughts often turn towards the next step in their professional journey. For many, remaining in the UK to begin a career is an attractive option. However, doing so requires careful planning, particularly when it comes to switching immigration routes before the expiry of your current visa. Applying in good time not only ensures compliance with immigration rules but also helps avoid potential complications such as overstaying or application refusals.
How to Switch from Student Visa to Skilled Worker Visa in the UK? Read More »
The Labour government has confirmed that a new levy on UK universities income from international students will be used to fund the reintroduction of targeted maintenance grants for disadvantaged domestic students. The announcement, made by education secretary Bridget Phillipson at the Labour Party Conference 2025, marks a major shift in how higher education funding will be distributed.
Labour Confirms International Student Levy to Fund Maintenance Grants Read More »
UK Home Office has announced a new campaign targeting international students who overstay their visas, warning tens of thousands that they risk removal from the United Kingdom. This comes against the backdrop of what the government has described as an “alarming” rise in the number of students legally entering the UK on study visas only to claim asylum when their leave to remain expires, even though we could assume they have successfully completed their degrees and are eligible to apply for a Graduate visa or seek a suitable job in the UK under the Skilled Worker route.
Why Apply for Asylum When Other Legal Routes Exist to Stay in the UK? Read More »
The UK Government will introduce tougher university compliance standards through more stringent Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) measures for universities from September 2025, marking a significant shift in oversight of international student recruitment. The move, outlined in this year’s immigration white paper, comes amid mounting political and media attention on asylum claims made by individuals holding valid study visas.
UK to Enforce Tougher University Compliance Standards from September Read More »
UK universities could soon face strict recruitment limits or even a foreign student ban if too many international graduates submit asylum claims after finishing their studies. UK Government is preparing to impose new performance thresholds for institutions that sponsor student visas, in a bid to tackle what ministers describe as “misuse” of the immigration system.
UK Universities Risk Foreign Student Ban Amid Rise in Asylum Claims Read More »
The UK government has announced significant changes to its post-study work visa, shortening the duration international graduates can remain in the country after completing their studies. Previously, graduates could stay for up to two years under the Graduate Route visa, but this will now be reduced to just 18 months.
UK Tightens Post-Study Visa Rules, Reducing Graduate Visa from 2 Years to 18 Months Read More »
UK government has unveiled a comprehensive Immigration White Paper aimed at significantly reducing net migration. The proposed reforms within the Immigration White Paper seek to tighten visa rules, prioritise skilled workers and address public concerns over rising immigration levels. Below are the key measures outlined in the policy document.
Labour’s Immigration White Paper: Key Changes to UK Migration Policy Read More »
UK tightens visa rules as the Home Office imposes stricter restrictions on nationals from countries with high rates of asylum claims, including Pakistan, Nigeria and Sri Lanka, in a broader crackdown on immigration abuse. Under the new measures, work and study visa applications will face tougher scrutiny, with officials using financial records and behavioural patterns
UK Tightens Visa Rules for Nationalities with High Asylum Claims Read More »
Every year, thousands of international students arrive in the UK, investing in world-class education, building professional networks and gaining skills that could benefit the UK economy for years to come. Yet, when graduation arrives, many find themselves facing an uphill battle to stay and build their careers here. The transition from a student visa to work visa is far from straightforward. While the UK offers several routes to move from a student visa to work visa, each comes with its own complexities.
From Student Visa to Work Visa: How to Stay in the UK After Graduation Read More »
The UK government is reportedly considering significant changes to its Graduate Visa route, sparking a heated debate between the Home Office and the Department for Education. The potential reforms could impact international students hoping to stay and work in the UK after completing their studies.
UK Set to Tighten Graduate Visa Rules Amid Government Debate Read More »
UK Government has announced significant UK immigration changes 2025, introducing new visa rules for care workers and international students. These measures aim to reduce the country’s reliance on overseas recruitment and address record levels of immigration. Here’s a detailed look at the key updates and their implications.
UK Immigration Changes 2025: New Visa Rules for Care Workers and Students Announced Read More »
The latest statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) paint a striking picture of the decline in UK Study Visas. This downturn is driven primarily by recent policy changes targeting international students and their dependants. Recent statistics released by ONS highlight a significant decline in the issuance of UK study visas, driven by policy
UK Study Visas Drop by 16% Due to Stricter Rules Read More »
The UK has witnessed a significant 14% drop in student visa applications in October 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This marks a worrying trend for the higher education sector, with only 8,900 applications recorded last month, the lowest monthly figure since March 2024.
UK Reports 14% Decline in Student Visa Applications This October Read More »
The landscape of international student recruitment in the UK has undergone significant shifts in recent years. From a surprising recovery post-Covid to the current challenges exacerbated by political uncertainties and financial pressures, UK universities face a complex terrain.
Recruiting International Students is Becoming More Challenging for UK Universities Read More »
The Home Office requested the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to conduct a review of the Graduate Route. In light of its findings, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has suggested in its recent review that the Graduate visa route should be retained, highlighting its significant advantages for both UK education and international graduates. This visa allows international students to work in the UK for two years after completing their studies. The MAC’s findings are crucial in shaping the future of this visa category.