UK visa restrictions for International students

Radical change in UK’s immigration policy

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans to take “radical action” to curb the nation’s skyrocketing immigration rates and address visa restrictions. In addition to outlining measures to reduce the number of international students entering the country, Sunak emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that immigration benefits the UK.

Immigration landscape in the UK

Official figures revealed that net migration to Britain reached record levels in the previous year, placing significant pressure on the government. Despite successive Conservative governments’ pledges to reduce migration numbers, the statistics showed a net migration of 606,000 people in 2022.

Of this number, 925,000 were non-EU nationals, with approximately one in 12 being asylum seekers. Notably, Indian nationals received the largest number of UK study, work, and visitor visas last year, according to UK Immigration Statistics.

Visa restrictions for international students

As part of the new measures, international students will face restrictions on bringing their families to the UK, except for those pursuing postgraduate research degrees. In addition, there will be an increase in the minimum salary requirements for skilled foreign workers who are seeking a visa to work in the country.

Sunak stated, “Immigration action includes banning overseas students from bringing their families to the UK unless they are on postgraduate research degrees, stopping immigration undercutting British workers, and scrapping the 20% going rate salary discounts offered for shortage occupations.”

What should you do?

For students considering the UK as their study destination, staying updated on visa restrictions and immigration policies is crucial. Rishi Sunak’s recent measures highlight the shifting immigration landscape in the UK and emphasise the need for prospective international students to be well-informed.