The UK government has announced sweeping changes to its immigration policy, including cutting the popular Graduate Route visa from two years to 18 months.
The reform, unveiled as part of a broader immigration overhaul on Monday, is aimed at curbing what officials describe as “systemic abuse” of student and work visa routes.
Key Changes to Immigration Policy:
Graduate Route Visa Shortened: International graduates will now have just 18 months to live and work in the UK after completing their degrees, down from the two-year period previously allowed. The Home Office claims the route had “strayed from its original intent” and become a backdoor for unsponsored work.
Tighter Rules for Universities: Institutions recruiting international students must now meet enhanced compliance standards. Universities with low progression-to-work rates or found to have engaged in misleading recruitment will face sanctions, including suspension of their sponsorship license.
New Student Fee Levy Proposed: The government is exploring a levy on international student tuition income, with funds redirected to boost domestic skills training and workforce development.
Citizenship Requirements Doubled: The residency requirement for settlement and naturalisation will be extended from five to ten years, except in cases where individuals demonstrate “exceptional contribution” to the UK.
Stronger Enforcement Tools: The government will tighten use of Article 8 (right to family life) in immigration appeals and expand deportation rules to apply to all foreign nationals convicted of crimes, not just those sentenced to 12 months or more.
A “Credibility Reset”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the reforms, stating: “We’re making it clear that the UK welcomes global talent—but not at the cost of public confidence or border control.” She added that the measures are part of a long-term plan to restore the credibility of the immigration system and reduce net migration.
Mixed Reactions
The changes have drawn mixed reactions. While some Conservative MPs and policy analysts praised the measures as overdue and necessary, education leaders and business groups warned they could damage the UK’s competitiveness in global higher education and discourage skilled migration.
“This risks sending the message that international students are no longer welcome,” warned a spokesperson for Universities UK.
The UK has issued over 600,000 study visas in the past year alone, a figure ministers say has placed unsustainable pressure on housing, public services, and the job market.
