Extended Stay for Foreign Students in UK

The UK’s immigration minister, Liam Byrne, has announced changes to foreign student visas which will allow them to stay and work in the UK for an additional year after graduating.  At present foreign students are granted a one year working permit after graduation but this is to be extended to two from 2009.

At the same time as handing out longer stays the minister also announced strict rules that will apply to foreign students while they are living in the UK.  These include giving their fingerprints to border security and proving that they can provide financially for themselves and their families during the course of their study.  “All those who come to Britain must play by the rules. It is right that foreign students wanting to take advantage of our world-class universities and colleges must meet strict criteria”, Mr Byrne explained.

The extensions are aimed at encouraging bona fide graduates and skilled workers to stay in the UK to fill labour shortages.  The UK needs skilled migrants and experienced people to work in many industry sectors.  For helpful information on visas and much more, visit www.workingin-uk.com.