June 23rd, 2024 at 04:55 am

Crisis Alert: UK Student Visa Approvals Hit Record Low!!

For the first quarter of 2024, the Home Office reports a decline in the issuing of UK student visas. There was a decrease in the number of student visas issued for the year ending in March 2024, according to a recent data release dated June 13, 2024, from the UK Home Office. The number of primary applicants granted visas has decreased by 10% from June 2023’s peak and by more than 6% from the previous year.

Key Trends

According to the Home Office, 446,924 visas were granted in the most recent year—a little fewer than the 498,000 record. The main cause of this reduction is the rule change that took effect in January 2024 and prohibits international students from bringing dependents. Additionally, fewer students are enrolling in post-graduate research programs.

Effects of Modified Regulations

The notable 44% drop in study visa applications in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same time the previous year is indicative of the impact of this policy shift. Furthermore, the number of visas granted to dependents of students decreased significantly, falling by 25% to 11,481 for the year ending in March 2024, even though it was still almost seven times larger than in 2019.

Market-Specific Insights

Particularly noticeable is the decline in student visas in important economies like Nigeria and India. Compared to the prior year, the number of study visas granted to primary applicants from these nations decreased by 16% and 38%, respectively, through March 2024.

Reports indicate that Graduate Studies account for a sizable portion of UK study visa applications. 25% are awarded for undergraduate programs and 66% are for graduate studies. This demonstrates that, notwithstanding recent policy changes and their effects on the number of visas issued, there is still a substantial demand for higher education in the UK.

Overall, even while the drop in student visas through March 2024 is not particularly large, it could be an indication of a more significant trend brought about by changes in international student dynamics and new immigration laws.

New Changes for UK Student Visa Holders Switching to Work Visa Routes

Modifications for holders of UK student visas transferring to work visa pathways. The UK government has recently made substantial reforms that would affect holders of student visas who want to switch to work visas. This blog post explores the details of these modifications and their implications for students who intend to work their way into an extended stay in the UK.

Key Changes for Transitioning to Work Visas

Were you aware of the updated eligibility for the workgroup? Those with student visas who start classes after January 1, 2024, will have to follow a predetermined process to convert to work visas. Among the well-known work visa paths that are accessible are the Innovator Founder, Global Talent, and Skilled Worker visas.

In the past, students who got a job offer may have applied for work visas before finishing their education. They must, however, finish their degree-level coursework before applying for a work visa under the new regulations.

There are additional provisions for PhD students in line with the government’s aim to guarantee that study remains the major motivation for their stay. Recognizing the unique nature and length of PhD programs, an exception is made for PhD students, allowing them to transfer to a supported job route 24 months from the commencement of their course without finishing their studies.

Why the Tightening of Rules?

Concerns about the abuse of the student visa pathway as a backdoor to employment in the UK are the driving force behind these more stringent requirements. From a historical perspective, we can see that similar concerns led to revisions in 2012, to reduce the number of students who were staying in the UK to study while their main goal was finding work.

Impact on Current Students

Although these adjustments might appear onerous, they are a reflection of the government’s continuous attempts to strike a balance between limiting the abuse of the Visa system and drawing in legitimate students to its top-tier universities. These revisions highlight how crucial it is for students who are studying or intend to study in the UK to finish their degree before exploring career prospects.

Update on Working while Studying in the UK

Full-time student visa holders are nevertheless allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during the summer, notwithstanding these limitations. While studying in the UK, this program assists students in maintaining their financial stability and gaining work experience.

Understanding these new visa requirements is essential for overseas students studying in the UK to plan their educational and professional paths. Students can fully utilize their UK education to pursue successful employment possibilities after graduation while still complying with the government’s immigration policy by adhering to these new regulations.