Changes in visa policy deny International Students the right to work in the UK after finishing University

In April 2011, the UK government decided to take a big step back and amend the UK Tier 4 student visa allowance. Prior to April 2011, international students interested in pursuing a career in the UK post Uni were given a two year allowance to find and secure employment. With the current amendments, students applying for a visa will not be allowed to stay or work in the UK after their studies.

he amendments have caused a wave of controversy among students, universities, businesses and politicians. London Mayor, Boris Johnson has noted that the amendments not only discourage students from studying at UK universities but more importantly, UK businesses loose out on international work talent. Countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States become more appealing for students due to the opportunity to find work after their studies. Boris Johnson noted that the UK should be taking advantage of the talent that comes out of countries such as India, Singapore and Hong Kong, particularly in the technology world. Young talent should not be overlooked, but instead with the changes to the Tier 4 UK student visa, students must either return to their home country or seek sponsorship from the company hiring.

However, the truth is that for the majority of businesses, sponsoring such junior candidates fresh out of University is not feasible. In the eyes of the company, the cost of sponsoring a visa for an entry level or junior position is too much. Instead, companies seek UK residents or EU citizens to employ. For some, such as start-ups, online or technology companies, young international junior talent with the appropriate qualifications and language skills are appealing. But the cost of employing such a candidate is simply too much and have to resort to other candidates.

For now, sponsorship is an issue all recent graduates and international junior talent will have to deal with. Had the Tier 4 post-study policy not been amended, UK businesses would have the luxury of employing some of the UK’s finest global graduates but are instead limited to talent from within the EU.

Written by, Emily Ziolkowski