UK: Easier for foreign students to get work visas
Britain is introducing new immigration rules from January 11 which would grant foreign students greater flexibility in switching to work visas. Under the new rules, international students can switch to the Tier-2 skilled worker visa immediately after their course ends. Present norms require students to apply for the Tier-2 visa only after students obtain their degrees, giving them very little time to find jobs.
Indians to benefit after UK extends student visa pilot
On December 19, the British government extended a pilot scheme introduced in 2016 allowing Indian and other non-EU students studying at four British universities to stay back and find employment after their course ends. The scheme now covers 27 universities. There's been a 50% drop in Indian students in Britain since 2010 due to tighter visa-norms and the post-study work visa's abolishment in 2012.
Harder for students to get work visas currently
Under current rules, students on a Tier-4 visa are granted a stay in the UK for the duration of their course and four additional months. They can switch to a Tier-2 work visa only after obtaining their degrees. However, by the time they receive their degrees, their four-month visa expires. This prevents them from landing jobs in the UK, forcing them to return home.
New rule makes it easier to switch to work visas
"The new rule will enable them to apply for a Tier-2 visa a few months earlier than what would otherwise have been possible," according to consultancy EY-UK.
London's mayor proposes specific post-study work visa
The new rules came after prolonged talks between the UK government and universities about the dwindling number of international students. Meanwhile, London mayor Sadiq Khan has called for a new category of post-study work visa for international students, different from the Tier-2 visa. Khan suggests that a new post-study work visa should allow students to work in Britain for 12-24 months, post-graduation.
Brexit might benefit international students in UK universities
Meanwhile, an education counselor has advised Indian students to pay close attention to how Brexit impacts work visas for foreign students. It's possible that post-Brexit, the competition with EU workers in Britain would ease. This would create opportunities for international students who studied in Britain.
