The decision was revealed by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on October 14 and detailed in a government statement released on Wednesday. The changes, part of the UK’s immigration white paper and Plan for Change, aim to tighten migration controls while still attracting “top global talent,” according to the statement.
Under the new rules, international students will have 18 months after completing their studies to secure a graduate-level job, instead of the current two-year window. The government said the adjustment follows data showing that many graduates on the existing visa route had not transitioned into skilled employment as intended.
The UK will also increase the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) — a fee paid by employers who sponsor skilled foreign workers — by 32%, marking its first rise since 2017. The additional revenue, the government said, will be used to “boost investment in British workers and reduce reliance on overseas recruitment.”
Beyond visa changes, stricter English language requirements are being introduced for migrants seeking to study, work, or settle in the UK, with new applicants expected to meet an A-level standard of English.
The policy shift comes amid a broader recalibration of the UK’s migration and education framework. Earlier this year, the government barred most foreign students from bringing dependants, except those in postgraduate research programmes or government-sponsored studies.
Meanwhile, the cost of studying in the UK continues to rise. Undergraduate tuition fees are set to increase by 3.1% in the 2025/26 academic year, from £9,250 to £9,535, alongside the introduction of additional charges for overseas students.
Analysts note that these policy adjustments may further dampen international enrolments, which have already shown a decline in 2024, as tighter visa conditions and higher living costs reshape the UK’s appeal as a top global study destination.