UK Reinstates 2-Year-Work Visa For International Students

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The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, on Wednesday announced the reinstatement of the two-year post-study work visa for international students which was abrogated in 2012.

The policy was abolished by the then home secretary, Theresa May, saying it was too generous.

The Prime Minister said the return of the policy would enable the students to unlock their potential and begin careers in the UK.

According to BBC news, the new immigration route means that graduates in any discipline will once again be able to stay in the UK for two years to find work after they graduate.

The new immigration route will be available to international students who have successfully completed a course in any subject at undergraduate level or higher level at a Higher Education Provider which has a proven track record in upholding immigration checks and other rules on studying in the UK.

Also, students will need to have Tier 4 leave at the point the route is introduced. This includes students who start courses in 2020/21 at undergraduate level or above.

The new route enables eligible students to work or look for work, at any skill level, for two years after they graduate before needing to convert to another visa or having to leave the country.

Currently, most international students reading bachelor’s and master’s degrees can stay and work for only four months.

The move overturns May’s 2012 decision to abolished the two-year post-study work visa that had made Britain a one-stop educational enclave for international students.

The decision led to a drastic decline in students going to Britain.