Switch From A Student To A Work Visa

Changes being thought over by the British government offer a bright light to international students looking at moving to the UK. The plans are laid out in budget documents that were published on the 22nd of November 2017. These new plans involved the ability to change from a Tier 4 visa to a Tier 2 visa at the end of the students study.

These changes will help the immigration system to be a little more flexible than it is currently. Under the present system, students need to wait until they have their exam results before they can apply for a Tier 2 visa. They will still need a Certificate of Sponsorship from a Tier 2 sponsor licence holder. But this cuts down on the time needed to change visas quite significantly. The move will be welcomed by employers and educational institutions who see the current visa system as being inflexible and unfit for purpose going forward. They will welcome more changes like this in the future to streamline the industry and promote flexibility.

The UK needs Immigrants

This new change is an early change in what many believe will be a wider overhaul of the UK's immigration system. As Brexit rapidly approaches, the UK needs to take a radical approach to immigration and its future role in the UK. A low native birth rate, coupled with high levels of employment means that the UK needs immigrants. While not necessarily popular with the domestic population, immigration is necessary for an economic powerhouse like the UK. It simply cannot sustain itself economically without a constant supply of workers from other countries.

Work whilst awaiting results

The new rules will make it much easier for students in the UK to transfer over to employment at the end of their studies and lets the UK benefit from newly qualified and skilled people to move directly into the workforce. These changes are a sensible approach to the changes that are coming to the UK. Brexit is the massive unknown that is hurtling towards the UK and will have a dramatic effect on immigration to the country from the European Union.

Universities are meant to be the biggest driver behind the changes. The wait time for results on a Masters degree can be several months and students are left in limbo as they cannot work and are no longer studying. The changes are measured and sensible. It also means that these students, who are among the brightest talents available, will be kept in the UK and their skills utilised in the British workforce.

How we can help

Our immigration solicitors can help with any visa related query that you may have. With years of industry experience, our experts can help in even the most extreme circumstances. So talk to us today about your immigration query and see the solutions that we offer.