UK extends Covid visa concessions as post-study work route opens

The UK is to extend visa flexibility for international students into the next academic year, as pandemic-related restrictions on travel continue.

The changes mean that overseas learners who started courses via online learning last autumn or later will be able to travel to the UK to study in person beyond the usual deadline and will still qualify for post-study work visas.

The Home Office said that the deadline for students who started courses in autumn 2020 or spring 2021 to enter the UK with permission as a student had been pushed back to 27 September this year. The date had already been pushed back on several occasions.

Students beginning their course this autumn or early next year will need to be in the UK by 6 April 2022.

Stephanie Smith, head of policy at the Russell Group, said that research-intensive universities would be liaising with the Home Office “to ensure this flexible approach continues, and disruption to international travel or social distancing rules do not inadvertently impact on international students’ visa eligibility”.

“The pandemic has left many new and returning international students worried about what travel disruption may mean for their ability to access their course,” she said.

“The extension of the changes on remote learning rules for visas introduced last year is welcome, and will ensure universities can continue to provide high-quality online education while working with government to help students travel to the UK safely. Ultimately, this is a sensible move that will help protect student and community health.”

The announcement came as the UK’s new post-study work visa opened, allowing graduates to stay in the country to work or seek a job for at least two years.

Priti Patel, the home secretary, said: “As we build back better, it is vital that the UK continues to be a beacon for talented young people across the globe who want to make a difference.

“The new Graduate route does just that, giving the best and brightest graduates the opportunity to continue contributing to the UK’s prosperity and the freedom to kickstart their careers in the UK.”

The announcement coincided with the annual conference of the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

“We welcome the Graduate route as a unique opportunity for eligible international graduates to further enhance employability skills and gain experience of the UK labour market for a period after completing their studies,” said UKCISA chief executive Anne Marie Graham.

“International students who are able to access this route will have the flexibility to apply for work in any sector or role that fits their skills profile, including self-employment, without the need for employer sponsorship.”

chris.havergal@timeshighereducation.com