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From January 1, 2027, international students in the United Kingdom will have only 18 months to find employment after graduation, a reduction from the current two-year limit. The change forms part of extensive reforms to the UK’s immigration system, detailed in a white paper published in May and presented to Parliament last week.
According to the Home Office, the policy is intended to ensure that overseas graduates contribute meaningfully to the British economy.
“This decision follows clear evidence that many visa holders had not progressed into graduate-level roles as intended,” the Home Office stated on 14 October.
As part of the reforms, financial requirements for student visa applications will rise for the 2025–2026 academic year. Applicants must demonstrate they possess “sufficient funds” to cover their living expenses, though the precise figure has not yet been confirmed.
At present, students in London are required to show access to £1,483 per month for up to nine months, while those studying elsewhere in the UK must prove they have £1,136 per month for the same duration.
The Home Office also announced a 32 per cent increase in the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), a levy paid by employers when sponsoring skilled foreign workers. The department explained that the extra revenue will be invested in the domestic workforce to reduce reliance on overseas labour.
“The parliamentary process to raise the charge will commence later this week,” the statement noted.
English Language Standards and Skilled Worker Expansion
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasised that all migrants settling in Britain must demonstrate proficiency in English.
“If you come to this country, you must learn our language and contribute to our society,” Mahmood said.
Under the new rules, migrants will be required to achieve an A-level equivalent in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The assessment will be conducted by a Home Office-approved provider, and the results verified during the visa application process.
Additionally, the Home Office revealed plans to double the intake of highly skilled migrants entering through specialist visa routes. The expansion aims to attract “top researchers, designers, and creatives in film and television to maintain the UK’s competitive edge in key growth sectors.”
The department added that further adjustments, including revisions to the global talent route, will come into force in 2026.
