A new proposal from the UK government could affect your future plans.
On Monday, May 12th, 2025, a new Immigration White Paper was released, outlining major changes to student immigration policies.
While these changes aren’t law yet, they highlight the UK’s direction in reshaping how international students move from studying to working. Here’s what you should know:
The 2-year post-study work visa is being reduced to 18 months.
If you want to benefit from the current 2-year Graduate Route UK, apply ASAP.UK universities and colleges must now meet tighter sponsorship rules.
If a school isn’t fully compliant, it could face caps on student numbers. Be sure to apply to UK universities that meet compliance standards.The Skilled Worker visa UK will now require higher salaries and only graduate-level jobs. Lower-skill or low-pay jobs will no longer qualify.
The pass mark for compliance metrics will rise by 5%, meaning sponsors must now have at least a 95% course enrolment rate and 90% completion rate. This affects how institutions maintain their license to sponsor international students.
A levy on income from international students is being considered,
with the funds potentially going toward domestic skills development.
This has been published in the White Paper and has not been implemented as law yet, so let’s stay focused and move strategically.
These updates are likely to roll out within this year. Policies are changing around major study destinations. This is the best time to make a decision on putting in your application as soon as possible.
Need more information on these updates? Visit the UKCISA website now!