Changes to work visa requirements leave non-UK graduates stranded

International students are struggling with careers in the UK as the government aims to slash migration by raising the visa application threshold.

The Home Office has announced changes to the current skilled worker visa which increase the minimum salary requirement. On 4 April 2024, the minimum salary requirement for the new work visa rose from £18,600 to £38,700 annually, an increase of 108%.

The lower salary requirements only apply to applications made before 4 April 2030. These salary requirements will be updated regularly and the salary will still need to increase based on the updated prevailing rate each time it applies.

However, individuals who are under 26, currently studying, a recent graduate, or undergoing professional training, can receive at least 70% of the job’s lower market rate, provided their salary amounts to at least £23,200 per year.

Students’ future career concerns

Current students studying in the UK and graduates are less likely to be affected by the new policy but this still raises concerns about their future careers.

Louis Pancher, a graphic design postgraduate student from the EU studying at the University of Kent, thinks that the new visa requirement will affect his career objective in the UK.

He said: “I am studying graphic design and I was planning to work in the UK after my studies. I am now worried about my future career plan as I am not sure if I can get the skilled work visa after my graduate visa.”

Students studying for a UK undergraduate degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for a minimum period of time with the student visa or Tier 4 (general) student visa can now apply for a graduate visa to get permission to stay in the UK for at least two years after successfully completing a course in the UK.

Pancher said: “As I will be working in the graphic or multimedia design industry, the standard salary requirement to apply for the work visa will be £30,960 per year, that is tough for me. If I cannot reach the minimum wage requirement, I will definitely consider working in my home country, or working in other EU countries. Because the current visa policy is not friendly to fresh graduates like me.”

Bijin Chen, a third-year journalism studies student at the University of Sheffield said that the visa application is definitely one of the most challenging parts of job hunting in the UK. She said:

“The visa application makes me very stressed, under the new rules. I know there is a discount for UK students, but it is still a high amount for new graduates. I think it is quite hard to reach the standard requirement, especially media is not a highly paid industry and I would like to work in the media sector. It is stressful and I am worried about whether or not I should stay in the UK.”

Miki Chan, a film studies university graduate from Hong Kong, who is planning to work in the UK said: “This new requirement makes me reorganise my plan to work abroad. “I am greatly affected because I am not a UK graduate. If I have to find a job in the UK, it is impossible for me to get over £38,000 annually, especially if I am finding an entry level job.”

Chan said the worst option for her would be withdrawing from her plan to work in the UK: “For now, I am thinking of applying for a working holiday visa first. But if I can’t find a job that could fulfil the salary requirement before my visa expires, I might give up my plan to work in Britain, maybe working in other countries instead.”

Cut down migration and support local labour

The government claims that the new visa policy aims to reduce migration and stop employers from hiring cheap labour from abroad, protecting British workers from being undercut.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “It’s time to turn off the taps and end the flow of cheap workers from abroad. Mass migration is unsustainable and it’s simply not fair. It undercuts the wages of hard-working people who are just trying to make ends meet. We are refocusing our immigration system to prioritise the brightest and best who have the skills our economy needs, while reducing overall numbers.”

The government aims to manage overall immigration figures, by changing the UK’s immigration system toward attracting highly skilled workers, fostering economic growth. To support British people into work, the government has allocated a Back to Work plan. This programme aims to address barriers to employment for over a million citizens who are long-term unemployed, long-term sick or disabled.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said:

“For too long we have relied on labour from abroad when there is great talent right here in the UK. I’m determined to give jobseekers the support they need to get on and get ahead through our £2.5 billion Back to Work plan, while our network of Jobcentres are providing apprenticeships, bootcamps, and skills programmes to help even more people into work.

“The changes coming into force today coupled with my next generation of welfare reforms will unlock the huge potential of the great British workforce.”

yorkshirebylines.co.uk