The UK government has reduced the post-study Graduate Route visa from two years to 18 months as part of a major immigration overhaul aimed at curbing what it calls “systemic abuse” in education, asylum, and family migration.
Announced Monday in a new Immigration White Paper, the reforms include stricter rules for universities, tougher asylum criteria, expanded deportation powers, and penalties for visa sponsors found violating regulations.
Graduate Route Tightened, Dependants Restricted
The Graduate Route, which previously allowed international graduates two years to work in the UK, will now last only 18 months. The government claims the route has become a “loophole for unsponsored work” and is “attracting abuse.”
Under the new rules, only universities that meet stricter compliance standards can continue recruiting international students. Institutions with low graduate employment rates or misleading recruitment practices face possible sanctions.
Stricter Asylum and Deportation Rules
The asylum system is also being reshaped. Claims can now be automatically rejected if an applicant fails to apply immediately upon arrival or if their home country conditions haven’t significantly changed.
Foreign nationals convicted of any crime — not just those sentenced to over 12 months — may face deportation, with added focus on offenders involved in violence against women and girls. The government also plans to limit appeals based on family life under Article 8 of the Human Rights Act.
Crackdown on Sponsors and Visa Abuse
The Home Office warned that visa sponsorship is a “privilege, not a right,” and sponsors could face financial penalties, licence revocation, or bans if found enabling fraud.
Home Secretary: Integrity Must Be Restored
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the measures aim to restore public trust: “The UK welcomes global talent, but not at the cost of control and credibility. These reforms close backdoors and shut down abuse across the system.”