Return of two-year post-study visas welcomed

The reinstatement of a two-year period in which international students can legally remain in the UK after finishing their studies has been greeted with joy in higher education circles.

The immigration route—which brings back a right previously abolished by then home secretary Theresa May in 2012—will be available to international students who have completed a course in any subject at undergraduate level or higher. Their institutions must have approval to grant Tier 4 visas and “a track record of compliance” on visa issues.

“This is terrific news. It will be a boost to the UK’s science and engineering economy, which attracts significant numbers of international students,” said Sarah Main, executive director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering. “Having had a meagre offer for the last seven years, the UK has just returned to an internationally competitive offer for undergraduate and postgraduate students.”