Savanna Hoffman
The UK has been one of the most popular destinations for international students in recent years, but new immigration laws and visa restrictions have made it harder for international students to enter the country. The UK government has released a policy document titled 'Restoring control over the immigration system', proposing measures to curb immigration and make it harder for immigrants to settle in the country. These changes include a reduction in the length of post-study work visas from two years to 18 months, stricter compliance controls on educational institutions, and a new levy on income from international student fees. There are concerns that these changes will make the UK less attractive to international students and damage the financial viability of universities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students allowed in the UK | Yes |
| Work while studying | Yes, for up to 20 hours per week during session time and full-time during holidays |
| Work after graduation | Yes, but tougher rules apply. Graduate visa length reduced from 2 years to 18 months. Students must secure a job that pays at least £20,800 per annum to stay after the 4-month window post-graduation. |
| Dependents allowed | No, international students below the PhD level cannot bring family members to the UK |
| Visa rules | Tougher compliance rules for universities to sponsor student visas. The Tier 4 visa is the official student visa in the UK. |
| Cost of studying | Expected to increase due to a proposed levy on university income from international students. |
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What You'll Learn
International students' ability to work during their studies
International students in the UK on a Student visa are usually allowed to work part-time, but there are several conditions and restrictions that must be followed. The main purpose of a Student visa is to allow individuals to study in the UK, not work. Therefore, students must ensure that their work does not affect their academic progress.
Students are only permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time, and they can work full-time during vacations. These rules apply to full-time students working towards a qualification at degree level or above. Students working towards a qualification below degree level can work up to 10 hours per week during term time.
Students are not allowed to fill a full-time permanent vacancy, nor can they be self-employed, a professional sportsperson, or an entertainer. Postgraduate students can undertake a work placement as an assessed part of their course or not exceed the 20 hours per week term-time work restriction. Undergraduate students can undertake internships during the summer vacation, but only if they are enrolled in a full-time course.
Students must also ensure that they do not exceed their weekly working hours and keep detailed records of their working hours, especially if they work irregular hours or have multiple employers. Working in breach of immigration permission is a serious offence and can impact an individual's ability to remain in the UK.
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Stricter visa rules for international students
The UK government is set to introduce tighter immigration rules for international students as part of a broader strategy to reduce net migration. The new rules will bring about significant changes to visa requirements, post-study work options, and the ability of students to bring family members to the UK.
The application process for student visas will become more stringent, with universities and colleges facing stricter compliance checks. Institutions will be categorized using a red, amber, or green rating system based on their visa sponsorship performance and student outcomes. The government will also explore a levy on English universities' income from international student fees, making it harder for universities to keep their licenses to sponsor student visas.
There will be further limitations on international students bringing dependents, particularly those pursuing postgraduate courses. The government has expressed concerns about English language proficiency and integration, and English language standards for visa applicants will be raised. While current requirements are at level B1, main visa holders will eventually need to meet level B2, and adult dependents will be required to demonstrate a minimum of A1 level English upon entry.
The UK's new visa rules will also impact post-study work options for international students. The standard length of the Graduate visa, which allows international students to stay and work in the UK after graduation, will be reduced from two years to 18 months. Additionally, the government is ending an existing exemption for social care workers, meaning employers will no longer be able to recruit them from abroad.
The stricter visa rules for international students in the UK are expected to have a significant impact on student numbers and fees. A survey by Universities UK showed a 40% decrease in postgraduate student numbers across 70 surveyed universities since the changes were introduced. The rules may also limit the choices of international students, with some opting for alternative destinations or residence programs that provide a more straightforward route to securing the necessary legal status to reside and study abroad.
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Post-graduation work visas for international students
International students in the UK are allowed to work for an average of 20 hours per week during their session time and full-time during holidays. However, there are several restrictions and regulations that they must abide by. Firstly, students must ensure that their chosen university supports international students working while studying. Secondly, students need to have the right Tier 4 visa, which is the official student visa in the UK. Students from non-EU/EEA countries face restrictions, while students from EU/EEA countries can work in the UK without limitations. All limitations and conditions are stated on the Tier 4 vignette, including the number of hours students can work.
International students can apply for a Graduate visa, which allows them to stay in the UK and work or look for work upon graduation. The Graduate visa lasts for two years, or three years for PhD students, and students can work in any sector and at any level without minimum salary requirements or visa sponsorship. To be eligible for the Graduate visa, students must have completed the degree for which their Tier 4/Student visa was granted, and they must have studied for a minimum period of time in the UK, which is typically 12 months or the full length of the course, whichever is shorter. It is important to note that students cannot extend their Graduate visa, but they may be able to switch to a different visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa.
In 2012, the UK government scrapped the post-study policy, which allowed international students to stay in the UK and work for up to two years after graduation. This was replaced with a four-month window period, where students could only stay back if they secured a job paying at least £20,800 per annum. However, in 2019, the UK government announced plans to revert to the previous policy, allowing international students to stay for up to two years after graduation. This new policy applies to students who started an undergraduate or higher program in the UK from 2020 onwards.
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International students' ability to bring family members to the UK
As of January 1, 2024, international students are no longer permitted to bring family members to the UK while they study, unless they are enrolled in specific postgraduate research courses. This restriction applies to all international students starting their courses from this date. The UK government has implemented these measures to reduce migration and curb abuse of the immigration system.
The government's decision has been met with disappointment from some sectors. Anne Marie Graham, chief executive of the UK Council for International Student Affairs, acknowledged the pressures of the rising costs of living and accommodation but also stated that the policy would disproportionately affect potential international students who are unable to travel with dependants.
Who is considered a dependant?
Dependants include children under the age of 18, spouses or civil partners, and elderly parents who need long-term care. If you are the sole caregiver to your child(ren), or there are serious and compelling reasons for you to be their only caregiver, you may be able to bring them to the UK.
Financial requirements:
If you are applying with your partner or child, you will need to prove that you have the financial means to pay for your course and support yourself and your family members. If your partner or child is applying separately, they only need to prove that they can support themselves. This proof of financial support must be provided for at least 28 consecutive days, with the end date of this period falling within 31 days of the date of their visa application.
Housing requirements:
You must also arrange suitable housing for your dependants from the day you arrive in the UK. This could be, for example, an apartment where multiple people are allowed to live.
Childcare requirements:
You should also ensure that you have someone who can reliably care for your child while you are studying, such as a partner or hired childcare provider.
Schooling for children:
If you have children between the ages of 5 and 16, they can attend primary and secondary state schools in the UK free of charge, as long as they are in the country as your dependants. However, schools may refuse places if they believe the child's stay in the UK will be too short or if there are no free places available.
Graduate Route:
It is important to note that the Graduate Route is not affected by these new immigration restrictions. Eligible students will still be allowed 2-3 years to remain in the UK under this route.
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The impact of immigration laws on international students
The United Kingdom's immigration laws have undergone significant changes in recent years, with a particular focus on addressing concerns about “out of control” immigration. These changes have had a substantial impact on international students intending to study in the UK, as well as those already in the country.
One of the most notable impacts is the increase in visa restrictions for international students. The UK has tightened its student visa system, with stricter language requirements and the introduction of interviews to assess an applicant's credibility. The post-study work visa, which previously allowed international students to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after graduation, was also eliminated. The Graduate visa, which allows international students to stay and work in the UK after completing their studies, has been shortened from two years to 18 months. Additionally, the UK has proposed a levy on international student fees, which may further deter students from choosing the UK as a study destination.
The changes in immigration laws have also made it more challenging for international students to work while studying in the UK. International students are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. However, they must navigate various restrictions and regulations set by both the government and their chosen university. The right to work is dependent on possessing a Tier 4 visa, and students under 16 are generally not qualified to work in the UK. These restrictions primarily affect students from non-EU/EEA countries, as those from EU/EEA countries can work without limitations.
Brexit has also had a significant impact on international student applications to the UK. The change in the UK's relationship with the EU has resulted in higher costs for EU students, including the loss of "home status fees," the ability to secure loans, and the need to apply for a student visa for longer stays. The uncertainty surrounding Brexit and the perception of a less welcoming environment may have contributed to a decline in EU student applications.
The immigration laws have had a mixed impact on the higher education sector in the UK. While there has been a general rise in the number of international students, there is also a concern that the proposed changes could harm the sector and the wider economy. The government's plans to increase burdens on sponsoring educational institutions and reduce the duration of graduate visas are estimated to result in a reduction of approximately 12,000 students per year. On the other hand, revisions to certain visa routes, such as the Skilled Worker visa, may make it easier for international students to transition to employment in the UK.
Overall, the impact of immigration laws on international students in the UK has been complex and multifaceted. While some changes have made it more challenging for international students to study and work in the country, other revisions aim to support their transition from university to employment. The full extent of the impact remains to be seen, and it is crucial to continuously evaluate and address the effects of these immigration laws on the higher education sector and international students.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students are allowed to work in the UK while studying. They can work for an average of 20 hours per week during their session time and full-time during holidays. However, there are many restrictions and regulations that must be followed. Students from non-EU/EEA countries need to have a Tier 4 visa to work in the UK.
No, the UK government has announced that international students below the PhD level will not be able to bring their family members to the UK. This rule will be effective from January 2024.
The cost of studying in the UK for international students is expected to increase due to a proposed levy on university income from international students. The maximum fee for a standard full-time undergraduate course in the 2025/26 academic year was increased by 3.1%, from £9,250 to £9,535.
