The UK education sector is elated that post-study work rights are set to be offered to international students for two years post-graduation, with students graduating in the 2020/21 academic year set to benefit from this new immigration rule. It was a rule that the education sector had been campaigning hard for, particularly in the last few years, since the same two-year work rights were rescinded in 2012.
According to a government statement, the new post-study work visa will be available to students who have successfully completed a degree at undergraduate level or above at a UK higher education institution which has a “proven track record” in upholding immigration checks.
There will be no cap on the number of applications.
The new immigration route will enable eligible students to work or job hunt at any skill level, and they will be able to switch to the Skilled Work route if they find a job which meets its requirements.
The UK government has posted a fact sheet on the details around the post-study work visa here
The British government is considering further restrictions on student visas in line with its often-stated goal to reduce net migration to the UK. In a 4 October speech at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, Home Secretary Amber Rudd said that the government will shortly open consultations on student immigration policy.
