How could potential changes to the post-study visa route affect employers in 2024?

What is changing?

As part of its five-point plan for immigration and following concerns that the route is being “abused”, the government has now commissioned its review of the Graduate Visa route. The government have assessed that international students are increasingly applying for easier courses (the number attending institutions with the lowest UCAS entry requirements increased by over 250% between 2018 and 2022) and that the ability to work in the UK is the main attraction for international students. The number of graduates working in lower-paid sectors such as care, rather than higher-paid graduate roles, suggests the route does not necessarily meet its purpose to attract “the brightest and best”.

What are the current rules on graduate working?

International students are currently able to work 20 hours a week during term time and full time during holidays and once their course has ended. Once an international student successfully completes a course in the UK, the Graduate Visa is available, which allows two years’ post-study access to the UK job market. International students must pay for the Graduate Visa themselves and, if granted, can work in any UK role and for any UK employer.  

What is the timeframe for any changes?

Any changes to the Graduate Visa or offer of a new post-study route are not expected to be confirmed until autumn 2024. 

What do potential changes mean for employers?

Students often fill temporary vacancies within the UK. Additionally, the graduate route offers UK employers a pool of educated candidates, without the need for sponsorship, for an initial two-year period. During this time, graduates can gain in-house experience and establish their suitability for any longer term sponsorship, or chose to return overseas or transition into an alternative visa route if available.

This review and proposed changes show the level of scrutiny on international students, graduates and employers responsible for checking right to work in the UK. Employers need to ensure they are aware of Student and Graduate Visa conditions to avoid civil penalties for illegal working. They should also consider whether to transition graduate candidates to skilled worker sponsorship where possible.

What does this mean for students and student sponsors?

Higher and, increasingly, further education providers run international student programmes and compete on a global market for international student revenue. They are well aware of the value of a post-study route for attracting international students to the UK, and that securing pathways into employment is a key measure of success for any courses they offer. They should prepare as much evidence as possible of outcomes for international students in the UK labour market to support the ongoing availability of the route.

How can Stone King help?

Our Immigration Team provides advise on all immigration routes – including post-study and skilled worker routes – to both private individuals, student sponsors, and to employers in the education, charity and business sectors. If you would like support on any aspects of right to work in the UK, please contact us for a consultation.