UK to reduce post-study work period for international graduates

The UK government on Monday announced a new set of immigration reforms, which include reducing the duration international graduates can stay in the country after completing their studies, according to the document reported by Sky News.

"New requirements will be imposed for educational institutions recruiting international students to ensure compliance with the law; The length of time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies will be reduced from two years to 18 months," the document stated.

The government will also raise English language requirements across all major immigration pathways. These changes apply to both applicants and their dependents. There will also be a new qualifying period for settlement, which will double from five years to ten years.


“New English language requirements for both applicants and dependents, with ‘an assessment of improvements over time’; Doubling the qualifying period for gaining settled status from five to 10 years,” the document noted.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, sharing the announcement on X, said, “If you want to live in the UK, you should speak English. That’s common sense.”

The new policy also introduces stricter conditions for educational institutions recruiting international students. These institutions will be required to follow updated compliance measures.

As part of the broader immigration reform, the UK government plans to require businesses hiring foreign workers to invest in domestic workforce development. “We will create a migration system that is controlled, selective, and fair. A clean break with the past that links access to visas directly to investment in homegrown skills,” Starmer said.

He added, “With our plan for change, we’re restoring common sense and control to our borders. We will finally honour what taking back control meant and begin to choose who comes here.”

The government said the changes aim to reduce net migration while supporting British workers and raising national skill levels. “That is what this white paper will deliver: lower net migration, higher skills backing British workers,” the Prime Minister stated.