Earlier on, the coalition government outlined several immigration policy changes with Tiers 1 and 2 points-based system, imposing annual limits to the number of work permits being issued in order to “get immigration down to sustainable levels”, effective from April 2011.
Overseas students contribute both intellectually and financially to the industry development of this country. Many arrive with talents in the numerical or technological skill sets that are highly sought after by employers in the UK. Without the purchasing power of students, workers and visitors from emerging economies, the recovery period of the UK economy during the global economic downturn could have been way longer.
“People imagine students to be those who come here for a few years to study at university and then go home”, which is not always the case. Students are attracted to the further education in the UK from all over the world for its world renowned education excellence, length of programmes (often 1-2 years shorter), and the English teaching environment. Overseas students pay premium tuition fees-often 2-3 times of that of a home or EU student. Exposure to the UK market can increase the competitiveness and attractiveness of the workforce when they go back to their home countries.
As more overseas students have the opportunity and capability of obtaining a UK degree, when they return to their home countries without any UK work experience, they have little competitive advantage over peers. If this continues to be the case and if work permit is restricted further, Britain would no longer be an attractive destination for education as the added value of studying in this country is undermined.
Commented Bethan Ovens, the Student Support Officer: “Our experience is that the Home Office is not very good at communicating with universities about announcing these changes and although there have been rumours for some time about the restriction of the Post Study Work visa route, no firm plans have been announced.”
Post Study Work visa can be applied for after students graduate. In its current structure, it is valid for 2 years and can be obtained without a job offer. “The update does not make any reference to post-study work in Tier 1. The addition of new routes through Tier 2, which relate to company sponsored visas, seems to indicate that this will replace post-study work visa.”
Bethan reassures that the University will make every effort to keep students informed of developments as further guidance is released from the Home Office.
Post Study Work visa can be applied for after students graduate. In its current structure, it is valid for 2 years and can be obtained without a job offer. “The update does not make any reference to post-study work in Tier 1. The addition of new routes through Tier 2, which relate to company sponsored visas, seems to indicate that this will replace post-study work visa.”
Bethan reassures that the University will make every effort to keep students informed of developments as further guidance is released from the Home Office.
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