UK Work Visa Tightened: 37% of International Students Denied and Forced to Return

The UK has long been a popular destination for international students, but in recent years, tightening work visa policies have significantly increased the difficulty for graduates to stay in the UK. According to official UK data for the second quarter of 2024, despite a 10% increase in work visa issuances, 37% of international students still failed to convert their visas to work visas after graduation and were forced to leave the UK.

This article will analyze the latest UK work visa policies in depth, including the reasons why 63% of students struggle to stay in the UK and how to improve approval chances.

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1. Only 63% Success Rate for Converting PSW to Work Visa? Key Reasons Explained

By the end of 2023, among 25,469 graduates whose visas expired, only 63% successfully converted to work visas. Why do so many international students struggle to stay? The main reasons include:

• High difficulty in employer sponsorship: Only 20% of UK companies hold work visa sponsorship qualifications, leading to fierce competition.

• Sharp rise in salary thresholds: The minimum annual salary requirement for Skilled Worker visas has surged from £26,200 to £38,700 under the new policy, with sectors like finance and technology requiring £45,000 or more.

• Restrictions on transitional work: Many students take low-skilled temporary jobs unrelated to their majors during the PSW period, which negatively impacts subsequent work visa applications.

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2. How to Improve UK Work Visa Approval Rates? 3 Practical Strategies

Strategy 1: Target Shortage Occupations (SOL List)

The UK government regularly updates the "Shortage Occupation List." Eligible roles not only have higher approval chances but also qualify for lower salary standards in sectors like healthcare and engineering.

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Strategy 2: Leverage New Entrant Benefits

If you are:

• Under 26 years old, or

• A STEM PhD graduate,

• The salary threshold can be reduced to £25,000, significantly lowering application barriers.

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Strategy 3: Plan Career Direction During PSW

• Avoid temporary jobs unrelated to your major to prevent adverse effects on future work visa applications.

• Proactively connect with companies holding work visa sponsorship qualifications to increase employment opportunities.

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3. Advisor Team Recommendations: How to Avoid Forced Departure?

UK immigration visa policies are complex and ever-changing. Self-applications often face rejection due to minor oversights. The advisory team at Oceanus Strategic has over a decade of experience in immigration and business consulting, capable of comprehensively assessing your situation, providing detailed advice, and formulating the most suitable plans.

We can assist in finding jobs through UK networks, and once a job is secured, directly apply for a work visa—avoiding the risk of forced return due to unemployment.

• Contact Oceanus Strategic for a personalized assessment.

• We will reach out to our client network (UK employers).

• If an employer is interested, we will prepare documents required for the work visa.

If approved, we will provide guidance/compliance instructions throughout the 5-year work visa period.

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Conclusion

Immigrating to the UK is no easy feat, as its visa system is complex and variable, making full comprehension challenging. If you are considering applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa or exploring other immigration routes, feel free to contact Oceanus Strategic for consultation. Stay tuned for our regularly updated content.