UK Cracks Down on International Student Visas: 18-Month Post-Study Work Limit Announced

The UK government announced significant changes to its immigration policy for international students. These changes, effective immediately, reduce the post-study work visa from 2-3 years to 18 months. The government's stated aim is to reduce legal immigration and ensure that universities are recruiting genuine students. A new Red-Amber-Green banding system will monitor university compliance with stricter regulations. According to the government, a new levy on universities' income from international students will be reinvested in the higher education system. The changes have sparked debate, with concerns raised about their impact on the UK's higher education sector and international students. "After graduating in the UK, foreign students would only have 18 months to look for a job," stated a BBC News report. This reduction is a significant shift from the previous policy.