The United Kingdom government made several changes to its immigration and international student enrollment policies. The changes to Student visa requirements are effective from January 2024. These new laws are expected to impact post-graduation opportunities and visa regulations for international students in a big way. The government made two major modifications to the rules which have an impact on foreign students enrolled at UK universities.
Firstly, international students in the UK will no longer be permitted to bring dependents on their student visas from January 2024 unless they are enrolled in a postgraduate research program. Secondly, foreign students cannot change to a work route visa after July 17 unless they have finished their studies. However, international students who start their course this September are permitted to bring their dependants to the UK.
Meanwhile, the UK government has also taken several measures to keep the country as a preferred destination for international students. “In response to the evolving landscape, the UK government has implemented initiatives and amendments to enhance its appeal to international students.
Programs like the Graduate Route and Young Professionals Scheme play a significant role in making the country more attractive globally, offering valuable opportunities for international students to stay and work in the UK after graduation, enriching the overall educational experience,” adds Singh.
A Graduate visa permits you to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after completing a course in the UK. If you have a PHD or other doctoral qualification, it will last for 3 years.
Indian nationals between the ages of 18 and 30 are permitted to reside and work in the UK for a maximum of two years on an India Young Professionals Scheme visa. Before applying for this visa, you must be chosen in the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot.
In light of recent shifts in government policies, there are challenges and opportunities for international students when considering the United Kingdom as their preferred destination for higher education.
“Challenges arise from changes in visa regulations, such as restrictions on converting to job routes before completing studies and limitations on bringing relatives for overseas students. These policy shifts prompt students to reconsider the practical aspects of studying in the UK. However, amidst these challenges, there are notable opportunities.
For Indian students, the UK remains an enticing option, providing the possibility of staying for 2 to 3 years after completing their studies. UK initiatives like the Graduate Route and Young Professionals Scheme, along with the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications agreement with India, have boosted student preference by offering post-graduation pathways and recognizing academic qualifications, encouraging more Indian applications,” adds Singh.
Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder & CEO of Leverage Edu, Fly.finance & Fly Homes says, “I continue to be upbeat re the post-study work VISA’s long-term continuance, and the program’s overall success, given the kind of economic impact international students have on the UK economy, demonstrated reasonably well one more time over past 3 years.
Can there be short-term hiccups on that larger goal? Yes, bound to, as it becomes a super-sensitive topic close to the election year every time. All that said, the world today is more connected than ever before, and I hope the UK authorities will take into consideration overall economic growth, which would also mean communicating well to its citizens, to ensure the topic sees the popular vote in favour. It is important to always see these things in full light,”