The UK government’s decision to reduce post-study work visas from two years to 18 months has raised concerns among Kingston University’s international students.
Earlier this year, the government published a white paper titled “Restoring control over the immigration system”, which presented one major shift that affects international students regarding the deduction in standard length of the Graduate Visa.
A recent survey of 50 students revealed that 50% of them believe they need more time than the proposed duration.
“Of course I want to stay in the UK for my career growth, but this change makes me feel so discouraged,” said Shan Zi, an international undergraduate studying Network and Information Security.
Zishan expressed, “It’s such a shame that I really want to be in a place that doesn’t support me. I’m just trying to make the best of the time I have here, but it always feels like I’m walking on eggshells.”
The white paper highlights the substantial impact of international students on the country’s economy, contributing over £12 billion in tuition fees. Nonetheless, it is essential to ensure that opportunities for study in this country are extended to individuals who are genuinely committed to their academic pursuits.
However, with evidence and data shown, that in some cases, the integrity of the UK’s student visa system is being damaged. Statistics in 2023 showed that with 6% of surveyed graduates left the UK while 44% remained. Critics of the current system believe a student visa application is being used as a vehicle to move some immigrants and their dependents to Britain fraudulently.
In comparison to other countries, the British graduate visa is relatively short. While Canada allows students to stay up to three years. Australia allows students to stay between two to three years, depending on their qualification.
A change in the Skilled Worker visa can potentially affect students’ career planning. If that student’s occupation was removed from the Skilled Worker eligibility list in July 2025, transitioning from a graduate visa onto a sponsor Skilled Worker visa is no longer an option.
On the other side of student concerns, international graduates are primarily worried about securing suitable employment within the limited timeframe (87%) and obtaining employer sponsorship (62%).
“I think with difficulty from companies giving sponsorships, I would be ready to consider other international options,” said Yeung Ambrose, an international postgraduate studying international business.
While the awareness among students and visa holders are increasing, Kingston University emphasis that no changes to immigration law have yet been made, the route remains open for international students, they can also expect to know more when the Autumn Statement of Changes is published.