Changes to Graduate Immigration Route: 18-Month Work Visa

International students can now take advantage of a significant update concerning the Graduate Route. As per the recent changes, international students can now remain in the UK for 18 months post-graduation for employment-seeking activities instead of the previously updated two-year period.

How will this affect you?  

International work experience can serve as a significant advantage when building your career. Therefore, the 18-month visa ensures sufficient time for you to secure work experience.
International work experience can serve as a significant advantage when building your career. Therefore, the 18-month visa ensures sufficient time for you to secure work experience.
Furthermore, during this time, you may also be able to apply for a skilled worker visa, provided that you meet the requirements, enabling you to continue working in the UK for an extended period.

The adjustment creates an advantageous opportunity for new entrants to navigate the intricacies of the UK job landscape.

The Agent Quality Framework (AQF) Has Been Implemented

The UK authorities have developed the Agent Quality Framework (AQF) to improve and control educational consultancy practices. This system is intended to ensure that the education agents who help students with their applications are credentialed and reputable. 

What’s in it for you? 
The AQF guarantees that education agents utilize fair practices while performing high-quality standards and ethical procedures to assist students in applying to the school and institution.
Having an agency such as Yes Overseas Careers which strictly complies with these standards, you are assured of fair and trustworthy assistance in your educational endeavors.
With this framework, you can be certain that the agents you engage with will deliver sincere and accurate information.

🏫 Tighter Regulations for Universities

There will now be stricter compliance requirements for UK universities in the sponsorship of international student entry. These enhanced regulations aim to ensure that only institutions meeting set benchmark criteria are allowed to sponsor international students with study visas.

How does this affect you?   

Your education will be at reputable and well-regulated universities, which operate within compliance frameworks that fortify your visa security and ensure a grant of entrance to an institution of high repute.  
These developments facilitate enhancing your educational experience alongside the parameters essential for obtaining a visa and residing in the United Kingdom after completing your studies.  
This once again reinforces the international students’ protection framework while safeguarding their attendance at institutions that are appropriately acknowledged across the globe.  

New English Language Requirements for Dependents and Skilled Workers  

As part of the changes, dependents of international students and applicants for the Skilled Worker Visa now fall under the English language requirements set by the UK. This includes obligations for language tests such as IELTS that an applicant must undertake, as well as by the dependents of the applicant or those wishing to apply for a skilled-worker visa.  

How does this affect you?  
If you are coming with dependants or intend to apply for a skilled worker visa, if awarded, these changes will impose new English language requirement eligibility criteria that you will need to satisfy.
Although this may be an extra difficulty, Yes Overseas Careers has specialized preparation for IELTS and other language requirements, ensuring you and your dependants are fully aware of the requirements.
This shift will foster deeper integration and greater opportunities for international employees within the UK.