There have been reports that the Government is considering changes to the Graduate Immigration Route which currently allows students to remain in the UK and work after they complete their course. Of the proposed changes to the visa, it has been suggested that the length of stay on the Graduate Immigration Route be shortened from 2 years to six months.  

Is the Home Office making changes to the Graduate Immigration Route? 

We believe that it is highly unlikely that the Graduate Immigration Visa will be shortened. In the event that the proposal is accepted, it is unlikely to impact any current students. 

Other changes have also been proposed, including restricting dependents of undergraduate and postgraduate taught students on student visas. Leeds Beckett Students’ Union is working closely with the University to monitor the situation. 

While these changes are being debated, no changes to the Graduate Immigration Route have been approved and there is widespread opposition from a range of government departments and education officials.  

Leeds Beckett Students’ Union will continue to work with both students and other students’ unions to raise the concerns of international students and lobby for policies in their best interest.   

Only consume information from trusted sources

Please don’t cause yourself unnecessary stress by consuming information that has not been confirmed or distributed by the University or from the Home Office directly.  

Who can I contact if I am impacted? 

If there is an update on the terms of the Graduate Immigration Route that may impact you, you can get in touch with the University’s International Team. You can find more information on International Student Support on the University’s webpage. 

If you’re concerned about these proposals, please get in touch with student officers Ashleigh Pinnock (a.pinnock@leedsbeckett.ac.uk) or Harsh Bhatia (h.bhatia@leedsbeckett.ac.uk).