If you're a current international student, thinking about studying in the UK, or simply exploring your options, here's what you need to know about the proposed immigration changes
In the past, international students could stay in the UK for up to two years after finishing their degree using the Graduate Route visa. This gave them time to get work experience, find a skilled job, or switch to another type of visa.
Under the new government plans, this period would be cut to 18 months. The visa still doesn't need a job offer or a minimum salary for eligibility, but the shorter time gives students less flexibility.

What this means for you:
What you can do:
The government is considering adding an extra charge on international student tuition fees for institutions. This would mean universities must give part of the money they earn from overseas students back to the government.
Universities probably won't cover this cost themselves. Most will need to pass it on to students by either:
This could make studying in the UK significantly more expensive, especially for multi-year programmes like undergraduate or PhD degrees, and could particularly affect non-Russell Group universities that rely heavily on international income.

What you can do:
Ask your university if tuition is fixed for your entire course or subject to annual increases. Explore our university profiles.
Under the proposed rules, UK universities will have to follow stricter rules and face tighter accreditation rules:
These new rules are intended to make sure schools are strict about student visas, attendance, and course quality.
They also must demonstrate awareness of the 'local impact' of hosting international students to keep their ability to enrol international students, including:
This could be harder for smaller universities that may not have the resources to keep up with these new requirements. As a result, some schools could lose their licence to accept international students in the future.

What you can do:
The government propose new rules that make English language standards more strict for international students and their dependants. Under the changes, you would need to be at least an upper intermediate, B2 level of English, and the requirement is expected to increase even more over time.

What this means for you:
What you can do:
In the past, international graduates on a work visa could apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) - which is permanent residency - after just five years.
Under the new rules, you could now have to wait ten years before you can apply. This makes it harder, and more expensive, to settle in the UK long-term.

What this means:
The rules for getting a job in the UK after your studies could become more strict under the new Skilled Worker visa system. To qualify, the job you get will now have to be at a RQF Level 6 skill level or above, which means it has to be at the level of a Bachelors degree or higher.
For more details, see our guide to qualifications.

What this means for you:
What you can do to improve your chances:

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