 |
| VISA. |
The United Kingdom has announced a reduction in the post-study work period for international students, including Nigerians, from two years to 18 months, starting in January 2027.
This was disclosed by the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, on October 14, while explaining why immigrants must now meet an A-level English Language requirement.
According to a statement published on the UK Government’s website on Wednesday, foreign graduates will now have only 18 months to secure a graduate-level job after completing their studies, down from the current two-year period.
The statement read, “Laid in changes before Parliament this week, the measures form part of the government’s flagship immigration white paper and Plan for Change to deliver on the priorities of working people for tighter control of who comes to this country while continuing to attract top global talent.
“The time for international students to find a graduate-level job after completing their studies will also be cut to 18 months from the current two years. The immigration skills charge (ISC), which is paid by employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers and reinvested in training the domestic workforce, is being raised by 32%.
“The ISC increase is the first since 2017 and will be used to boost investment in British workers and reduce reliance on overseas recruitment. The Parliamentary process to increase the charge will begin later this week. To ensure graduates contribute effectively to the economy, the maximum post-study stay will be reduced to 18 months from the current 2 years for most from 1 January 2027. It comes after data clearly showed that many holders had not transitioned into graduate-level employment as intended.”
The UK Government also recently revealed plans to introduce an additional fee for foreign students, which will further increase the cost of studying in the country.
Undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic session have already been raised by 3.1%, from £9,250 to £9,535.
In addition, stricter English language requirements will now apply to international students seeking to study, work, or settle in the UK.
Data has shown a drop in the number of foreign students choosing the UK as their preferred study destination in 2024.
Earlier in January 2024, the UK Government revised its immigration policy to stop students from bringing dependants, except those enrolled in postgraduate research programmes or those holding government-funded scholarships.
0 Comments
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed on this platform as comments were freely made by each person under his or her own volition or responsibility and were neither suggested nor dictated by the owners of News PLATFORM or any of their contracted staff. So we take no liability whatsoever for such comments.
Please take note!