UK tightens work visa: 37% of international students are not approved & forced to return home

According to official UK immigration & visa statistics from the second quarter of 2024, the number of work visas issued increased by 10% compared with the first quarter.

However, despite this increase, the process for international students to stay in the UK after graduation is not as simple as imagined. By the end of 2023, among the 25,469 graduates whose visa have expired, only 63% have successfully obtained work visas & entered the job market.

---

1. Difficulty Securing Employment Post-Graduation

Many students opt to remain in the UK temporarily after graduation by utilizing the "Graduate Visa" (Post-Study Work or PSW visa) as they search for employment. Ideally, this allows them time to find an employer willing to sponsor a work visa.

However, during this process, some students may have to engage in temporary jobs unrelated to their career path, which can impact long-term career planning. Additionally, competition for UK job opportunities is intense, and not all graduates can secure a job with sponsorship, ultimately leading some to return home.

---

2. Salary Levels Post-Graduation

According to data from fiscal year 2023, the median annual income for those holding PSW visas and remaining continuously employed throughout the year was £26,460, with Chinese graduates achieving a slightly higher median income of £26,894. So, does your salary level after graduation meet your expectations?

Under the new policy, the salary threshold for work visas has increased to £38,700. Although standards vary by occupation, the salary requirements of some occupations may be higher than this standard, whichever is higher.

---

3. Suggestions from the advisory team

International students can leverage our network in the UK to find jobs. Once they successfully secure a position, they can directly apply for a work visa, thereby avoiding the distress of being forced to return home due to inability to find employment.

Our advisory team has over 10 year of experience in immigration and business advisory services. We can comprehensively consider various factors, provide detailed advice & develop the most suitable plan for you.

• Contact Oceanus Strategic for a personalized assessment

• We will connect with our network of UK employers

• If the employer is interested, we will prepare the necessary documents for a work visa

• Once approved, we provide ongoing guidance during the 5 year work visa period to ensure regulatory & visa compliance

Immigrating to the UK is not an easy process, the visa system is complex and constantly evolving. If you are considering applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa or exploring other immigration routes, please contact Oceanus Strategic. We will launch exciting content regularly in the future, so stay tuned.