Latest news with #RestoringControlOvertheImmigrationSystem
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
UK tightens student visa rules: Shorter stays, stricter checks, fewer perks
Live Events You Might Also Like: Oxford University opens applications for Rhodes Scholarship You Might Also Like: Rising costs and visa hurdles push international students beyond the US,UK You Might Also Like: A UK industry is still able to hire foreign workers under visa clampdown International students planning to study in the UK will soon face tighter immigration rules, as the government moves to reduce net migration while continuing to support high-skilled new proposals were published in May 2025 as part of a government white paper titled Restoring Control Over the Immigration System. The reforms will impact visa requirements, post-study work options, and the ability to bring family members to the UK, as per a report by the Times of student visa application process will become more rigorous. Universities and colleges will be subject to stricter compliance checks, including tougher benchmarks on visa-related assessments and oversight of international recruitment agents. Institutions will also be classified under a red, amber, or green rating system based on their visa sponsorship performance and student outcomes.(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)According to government data, student visa numbers rose by 49% at lower-ranked universities between 2021 and 2023, while top universities saw a 7% drop. The new rules aim to ensure that only academically credible institutions can enrol international Graduate Route, which allows international students to stay in the UK after graduation, will be shortened. The current two-year post-study work visa will be reduced to 18 months. Universities will also pay a levy on tuition income from international students. This revenue will support domestic skills development, in line with the government's aim to reduce reliance on foreign will be additional limits on international students bringing dependents, particularly at the postgraduate taught level. The government has cited concerns about English language skills and integration. Between 2019 and 2023, dependent visa numbers rose from 16,000 to 143,000. Further restrictions are language standards for visa applicants will increase. While current requirements are at level B1, main visa holders will be required to meet level B2 over time. Adult dependents will need to meet a minimum of A1 upon entry, with higher levels required for settlement the overall tightening, the UK will expand routes for applicants in high-demand sectors such as artificial intelligence and life sciences. The Global Talent visa will offer greater flexibility for researchers, PhD holders, and other skilled professionals. The government will also raise the cap on overseas business new rules reflect a shift in the UK's immigration policy. While international students remain welcome, they will need to meet stricter standards and face more limited options for staying and working after graduation.(With inputs from TOI)
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Want to study in the UK? Prepare for tougher rules, higher costs, and shorter stays
International students planning to study in the UK will soon face a significantly tougher immigration landscape, following the publication of a major government white paper titled Restoring Control Over the Immigration System. Unveiled in May 2025 by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the paper outlines a series of reforms aimed at cutting net migration while continuing to attract global talent in strategic sectors. Although the government maintains that it wants to keep the UK an attractive destination for top students and researchers, the proposed changes mark a sharp shift in tone and policy. Stricter student visa requirements The process of obtaining a student visa is set to become more rigorous. Universities and other educational sponsors will face heightened compliance standards. This includes a tougher pass rate on official assessments and stricter oversight of agents who recruit students overseas. Institutions will also be publicly rated using a red, amber, and green system to track their performance, particularly around visa sponsorship and student outcomes. These changes are designed to ensure that only credible institutions with a clear academic purpose are able to host international students. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The proposed reforms follow government data showing that between 2021 and 2023, student visa numbers rose by 49 percent at lower-ranked universities, while top-tier institutions saw a 7 percent decline. This trend has raised concerns about misuse of the study visa system and prompted a shift toward quality over quantity. Graduate route trimmed to 18 months One of the most popular pathways for international graduates—the UK's post-study work visa—is also being cut back. Launched in 2021, the Graduate Route currently allows international students to stay in the UK for up to two years after graduation to work or look for employment. Under the new proposal, this period will be reduced to just 18 months. In addition, universities that enrol international students will be required to pay a new levy on tuition income from those students. The funds raised will be reinvested in domestic skills and workforce development, reflecting the government's aim to reduce the country's dependency on foreign labour and talent. Fewer opportunities for dependents International students will find it harder to bring dependents with them to the UK. The white paper builds on previous restrictions, particularly at the postgraduate taught level. Although changes introduced in early 2024 have already reduced the number of dependent visas, the government notes that many of those still eligible are arriving without sufficient English language skills, which raises integration and employment concerns. From 2019 to 2023, dependent visa numbers surged from 16,000 to 143,000. This dramatic rise—combined with the fact that 20 percent of study visas during that time were issued to dependents—has prompted tighter controls, with further restrictions hinted at in the near future. Higher English language standards Language proficiency requirements are also increasing. Currently, most student and work visas require applicants to meet a B1 level of English. The new framework will raise that standard to B2 for main visa holders over time. Adult dependents will face a tiered requirement, starting at A1 upon entry and rising to B2 for those applying for long-term settlement. Although undergraduate and postgraduate students may not feel the immediate impact, those who intend to switch to work visas or settle in the UK after graduation should begin preparing for these new standards now. Opportunities remain for high-skilled talent Not all the news is restrictive. The UK is carving out exceptions for high-skilled sectors such as artificial intelligence, life sciences, and other innovation-driven fields. The Global Talent visa will be expanded to support growth in these areas, with more flexibility for researchers, PhD students, and top academic talent. Additionally, the cap on overseas business transfers will be doubled, signalling that while general immigration is tightening, the door remains open for those with advanced skills that align with national priorities. A new chapter for UK immigration The message from the UK government is clear: international education remains welcome—but under stricter conditions. With quality control, limited post-study opportunities, and reduced family access now central to the system, students considering the UK will need to plan more carefully and meet higher standards to succeed in their academic and career goals. As the reforms roll out, the global education community will be watching closely to see how these changes reshape the UK's role in international student mobility. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
India Today
6 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Want to study in UK? Know the new visa rules, ratings and requirements
After years of growing pressure to tighten immigration controls, the UK is now set to follow the US in introducing stricter rules for international students and foreign workers. Following the Trump administration's crackdown on overseas students and immigrant workers in the US, Britain's Labour government has responded to mounting demands across the country to limit the intake of immigrants, which are in the form of students and working a recently released white paper titled Restoring Control Over the Immigration System, the UK government outlines a broad reform agenda aimed at reducing net migration and lowering the country's dependency on international United Kingdom will fundamentally restructure its immigration system, affecting students, qualified professionals, and STUDENTS VISA SPONSORSHIP RULES Universities and colleges in the UK will now face tougher requirements to host international students. To maintain their ability to sponsor student visas, institutions must meet a higher Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) pass threshold, with a 5% increase in required performance.A new red, amber, green rating system will be introduced to publicly categorise institutions based on their compliance. Furthermore, universities will be required to participate in the Agent Quality Framework to ensure greater transparency and accountability in overseas will increase compliance expectations for sponsors, to ensure we are only admitting students to the UK who are studying at reputable institutions and whose primary purpose is to study,' the policy paper WORK VISA SHORTENEDOne of the most noticeable changes for students will be the proposed shortening of the Graduate visa route. The post-study work period will be reduced from two years to 18 months. This will leave less time for graduates to find employment or switch to a different visa route, such as the Skilled Worker the government plans to introduce a levy on higher education income earned from international students. The funds will be reinvested into the domestic skills and education ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTSNew language requirements are also part of the overhaul. For most main visa holders, the English proficiency level will rise to CEFR B2. Adult dependants must meet A1 level at entry, then progress to A2 for visa renewal and eventually B2 for the new standards may not immediately apply to undergraduates or postgraduates, they will impact those looking to switch to work visas or apply for long-term residency in the RELIEF FOR PhD STUDENTS AND RESEARCHERSadvertisementIn contrast to the tightening of other immigration routes, the UK is expanding the Global Talent will benefit PhD students and researchers, especially in sectors such as artificial intelligence, life sciences, and cap on overseas business transfers will also double, offering more flexibility for high-skilled UK remains a leading destination for international education, but the pathway is becoming more structured and the reforms are still under parliamentary review, their direction is clear: fewer loopholes, more scrutiny, and a stronger push for domestic skills students planning their future abroad, staying informed and prepared will be key in navigating the UK's evolving immigration landscape.
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
UK Immigration Reform 2025: What do the proposed rules and visa changes mean for international students?
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled a landmark white paper titled Restoring Control Over the Immigration System in May. The document, listing a number of proposed changes, is aimed at overhauling the UK's legal migration routes. The reforms that have been proposed could fundamentally reshape how international students, researchers, and recent graduates can enter and remain in the UK. While the government says it remains committed to attracting top global talent, it is also taking decisive steps to cut net migration, especially through the tightening of study and post-study visa rules. For students planning their academic future in the UK, this reform brings both new challenges and selective opportunities. Here's an overview of what might change if these changes are brought in. Short answer, yes. The government is raising the bar for universities and educational sponsors in an effort to ensure that international enrolment serves the UK's interests. Institutions will now face tougher compliance requirements, including: –A higher pass threshold on the Basic Compliance Assessment; –Mandatory participation in the Agent Quality Framework; and –Public ratings using a new red/amber/green system to track sponsor performance. 'We will increase compliance expectations for sponsors, to ensure we are only admitting students to the UK who are studying at reputable institutions and whose primary purpose is to study,' the document reads. This shift follows data in the paper that shows disproportionate growth in student visa numbers at lower-ranked institutions. Between 2021 and 2023, student visas for universities ranked 601–1,200 globally rose by 49 per cent, while visas for top 100 institutions fell by 7 per cent. Yes, the current 2-year post-study work visa term will be reduced to 18 months, tightening the window for job hunting or transitioning into other visa routes. This route, launched in 2021, was popular among students seeking career-building opportunities post-graduation. But the government now sees it as a source of unsustainable long-term migration. The document reads, 'We will shorten the Graduate visa route from two years to 18 months and introduce a levy on higher education provider income from international students, to be reinvested into the higher education and skills system.' This also marks the introduction of a financial levy on institutions, to be channelled into domestic skills training and workforce development, another clear signal of the government's intention to reduce reliance on foreign talent. In most cases, no, especially at the postgraduate taught level. The white paper builds on existing restrictions and hints at more to come. The report notes that dependent visa numbers spiked from just 16,000 in 2019 to a staggering 143,000 in 2023—before policy changes introduced in early 2024 began to reverse the trend. Whereas just 5 per cent of study visas from 2017–19 were issued to dependants, that proportion increased to 20 per cent from 2021–23. The document clarifies that although volumes have fallen, 'most remaining eligible study visa dependents are still able to come without a requirement to speak English,' raising concerns about integration and employment readiness. Yes. All main visa applicants and adult dependents will be expected to meet higher standards of English over time. Currently, B1-level English is sufficient for most work and study routes. The white paper proposes increasing this to B2 for principal applicants, particularly those on work visas, and introducing a tiered requirement for dependents, rising over time from A1 to B2 depending on the visa stage. The document reads, 'English language requirements will increase to B2 for main visa holders, with adult dependents expected to meet A1 on entry, progressing to A2 for extension and B2 for settlement.' While this may not immediately apply to undergraduate or postgraduate taught students, those seeking to switch to a skilled worker visa after graduation, or who plan to settle, should take note. PhD students and researchers may find smoother pathways under the revised global talent visa route, which the government aims to expand. While the broader reforms tighten immigration across most categories, the UK is making a clear exception for high-skilled sectors such as artificial intelligence, life sciences, and innovation, areas where it still wants to remain globally competitive. The official notice reads, 'The Global Talent visa will be expanded, particularly for high-growth sectors such as AI, life sciences, and innovation.' The cap on overseas business transfers will also be doubled. For research scholars and doctoral candidates, this could translate into more mobility, flexibility, and long-term residency options. Not punished, but warned. The government is discouraging institutions from using international student fees to compensate for financial shortfalls without ensuring quality or outcomes. There is a strong emphasis on responsible recruitment and the need to reduce dependency on foreign tuition revenue. A new levy and tougher compliance checks are mechanisms to push universities toward more sustainable models. 'UK visas for universities globally ranked between 601 and 1,200 increased by 49%… whilst visas for top 100 universities fell by 7%,' according to the document. This aligns with growing concerns that some institutions may be exploiting international admissions to prop up revenues—without adequate support structures or long-term planning. The UK's 2025 immigration reforms signal a fundamental shift: a move from broad access to a system tightly tethered to skills, strategy, and national workforce planning. However, these changes are not in effect yet. These are policy proposals presented earlier this month to Parliament and may evolve during the legislative debate. 'While migration has begun to fall in the past year, we need to go significantly further to bring order and control back into the immigration system,' says the document. But having said that, given the political urgency and strong government backing, students should expect implementation to begin as early as the 2025–26 academic year.
The National
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Visa applications plummet amid Labour's 'draconian' immigration plans
Even before announcements made by Keir Starmer this week on further immigration controls, Home Office statistics have revealed a dramatic collapse in visa applications. Monthly health and care worker visa applications plunged from 18,300 in August 2023 to just 1700 in April 2025 following rule changes implemented by the Tories which Labour have chosen not to overturn. Rules banning most international students and health and social care workers from bringing family to the UK were brought in under the last Conservative government. In a statement in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, Social Care Minister Maree Todd said that 'the UK Government has delivered blow after blow to social care.' READ MORE: Trans Westminster staff call for clarity over Supreme Court decision She went on to describe Labour's plan to end new visas for those providing social care as 'catastrophic' for care providers and those in receipt of lifeline care services. The SNP says the stats show the impact of Labour's "race to the bottom" with Reform. They say Labour's white paper introducing measures including halting the issuance of visas to overseas social care workers this week will only make matters worse. (Image: NQ) MSP Emma Harper (above), who was previously employed by NHS Scotland, said: 'These figures show the impact of Labour's race to the bottom with Reform.' "Anas Sarwar needs to answer a simple question, does he support slamming the door in the face of workers keeping our hospitals and care homes running? READ MORE: Immigration plans 'new low for Labour', says SNP minister "If not, why does he continue to roll over while Starmer pushes through policies that Farage is proud of? 'Labour's approach to immigration is cruel, cowardly, and completely out of step with the values of the people of Scotland." The white paper entitled Restoring Control Over the Immigration System also raises English language requirements and extends the settlement qualification period from five to 10 years. Todd said the Scottish Government had put forward proposals for "tailored migration routes within a single UK immigration system" to be considered as part of the white paper, but added the Home Office had not engaged with ministers at Holyrood. Scottish Care CEO Donald Macaskill told The National earlier this week Starmer's approach will create a 'hostile environment' for care workers, making it harder for the sector to hang on to international workers. In stressing how vital overseas workers are to the sector, he said that even if every pupil coming out of Scottish schools were to go into the care sector, there would still not be enough people to deliver care and support. He went on 'The rhetoric which is about at the moment, that all we need to do is train those who are economically inactive, is absolutely naïve." Starmer was also repeatedly compared to Enoch Powell following a speech on Monday where he said the UK risks becoming an "island of strangers" if tougher immigration controls are not brought in. External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson condemned Starmer's 'ugly, damaging and disgraceful' language on immigration ahead of leading a Holyrood debate on Thursday on Scotland's place in Europe.
