UK To Cut Graduate Visa from 2 Years to 18 Months

Charlie Student Visa 13 May 2025 | | 0

The UK government is reducing the length of the Graduate Route visa from two years to 18 months.

The UK government has unveiled a new immigration white paper, introducing stricter rules across all major visa categories, including student, work, and family routes.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged tougher enforcement and a sharp reduction in migration numbers, stating that “enforcement will be tougher than ever and migration numbers will fall.”

This move is part of a wider plan to tighten immigration rules and address what the government calls “abuse” in student, asylum, and family visa systems.

What’s Changing?

Graduate Visa Shortened

The Graduate Route visa, which allows international students to stay in the UK after their studies, will now last only 18 months instead of two years. It will also be harder to switch to a work visa and bring dependants.

The government says the visa has become a “loophole” for people to work without sponsorship and claims it no longer serves its original purpose.

Stricter Rules for Universities

Only universities that meet stricter compliance standards will be allowed to keep their licenses to recruit international students. Institutions with poor graduate employment outcomes or misleading recruitment practices could face penalties.

Tougher Asylum and Deportation Rules

Asylum Changes

People applying for asylum could be refused automatically if their home country hasn’t changed significantly or if they delay their application after arriving in the UK.

Deportation Expansion

New laws will make it easier to deport foreign nationals convicted of any crime — not just those jailed for more than 12 months. Special focus will be on those who commit violence against women and girls. The government also wants to limit how often Article 8 (right to family life) can be used to challenge deportations.

Crackdown on Visa Sponsorship Abuse

Employers, universities, and others who sponsor visas could face heavy penalties — including fines, license loss, or bans — if they are caught abusing the system.

“Sponsorship is a privilege, not a right,” the Home Office said. “Sponsors will be held accountable.”

The government says these reforms are necessary to restore trust in the immigration system and bring overall migration numbers down.

“We want to welcome skilled workers and global talent — but not at the expense of border control or public confidence,” said Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

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