How the UK Visa Changes Affect South Asian Students

If you are an international student from India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh planning to study in the UK, or already living here, you need to know the proposed changes to UK visa and settlement rules.

The government introduced a series of measures aimed at reducing net migration, which could affect how long you can stay, the jobs you can move into after graduation, and the route to permanent residence.

For anyone considering studying here, understanding the new proposals are critical to making informed decisions about courses, career plans, and long-term settlement.

They are designed to prioritise highly skilled migrants and ensure the UK benefits from people who contribute economically and socially.

At the same time, they will make it harder for medium-skilled workers and graduates to extend their stay.

For Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi students, this means careful planning is more important than ever.

We explore the key areas, what they mean in practice, and how students can navigate the evolving system.

Narrower Pathways for Medium-Skilled Roles

One of the first major proposals affects the Skilled Worker Visa.

The government has reduced the list of jobs eligible for overseas sponsorship, particularly targeting medium-skilled roles at RQF levels 3-5.

Jobs previously open to international applicants, including certain roles in transport, dentistry, and prisons, may now be removed unless an exemption is granted.

An initial restriction took effect on July 22, 2025, limiting options for students who had hoped to transition from a Graduate Visa into a skilled worker role in their sector.

For many Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi graduates, this will mean fewer opportunities to continue working in the UK immediately after their studies.

Universities and employers must now navigate stricter compliance rules, so students should verify whether potential employers are eligible sponsors before committing to a career path.

The government’s reasoning is clear: it wants employers to recruit more from the domestic labour market and reduce dependency on overseas workers in medium-skilled jobs.

While this may create new opportunities for UK residents, it also increases competition for international graduates who want to stay and work.

Shorter Post-Study Work Periods

Graduate visas, which allow students to remain in the UK after finishing their studies, will also change.

From January 1, 2027, most graduates will only be able to stay for 18 months instead of the current two years. PhD graduates will continue to receive a 36-month visa.

This change directly affects students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, who often rely on the Graduate Visa to gain UK work experience and transition into sponsored employment.

Those in medium-skilled sectors may no longer be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa after graduation, reducing their ability to build a career in the UK.

The shortening of the Graduate Visa aligns with the government’s broader goal of managing net migration while still supporting highly skilled talent.

For students, the key takeaway is that securing employment quickly and focusing on sectors still open to overseas workers is essential.

Strong English language skills and early preparation for the job market will now play an even bigger role in career success.

Longer Pathways to Permanent Residency

Perhaps the most significant proposed change is the extension of the standard qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), commonly referred to as permanent residence.

Currently, most migrants qualify after five years in the UK.

Under the new proposals, the default period would increase to ten years, with an “earned settlement” system allowing some applicants to qualify sooner.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has outlined that factors such as employment, National Insurance contributions, English proficiency, a clean criminal record, and contributions to the community will be considered for early settlement.

There are clear exemptions: partners of British citizens, victims of domestic abuse, and post-Brexit EU residents will continue to qualify after five years.

For Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi students, this change may extend the time before permanent residence is attainable.

While exact details on how “earned settlement” points will be calculated are pending a consultation later in 2025, it is already clear that contributions to the UK economy and society will carry significant weight.

Students should plan with this in mind if their long-term goal is to settle in the UK.

Mixed Impacts

While medium-skilled routes are becoming more restrictive, the UK is also introducing measures to attract highly skilled migrants.

Visa pathways such as the Global Talent and High Potential Individual visas are being made easier to access.

These routes aim to bring in exceptional talent while keeping overall migration numbers under control.

At the same time, universities face tougher compliance rules for student visa sponsorship. There is also a proposed levy on income from international student fees.

As a result, international students may face closer scrutiny of visa applications and potentially higher costs for tuition.

Choosing a university that maintains a strong reputation for sponsorship compliance will be crucial to avoid visa issues.

These reforms highlight a clear government message: the UK wants to retain highly skilled and economically productive migrants, while limiting medium-skilled and temporary stays.

For international students, understanding which sectors and visa routes are prioritised is essential to long-term planning.

Practical Advice for International Students

For students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, these changes mean that careful planning is no longer optional. Before choosing a course or career path, it is important to:

• Confirm whether your chosen sector remains eligible for Skilled Worker visas.
• Prepare for shorter Graduate visa durations and plan for early employment.
• Focus on building English language proficiency and employability skills that may count towards “earned settlement”.
• Stay updated on consultation results and new rules for indefinite leave to remain.
• Consider high-skill visa routes as alternatives if your career goals align.

By taking a proactive approach, students can minimise the impact of these changes and maximise opportunities to study, work, and settle in the UK.

Universities and employers can provide guidance, but ultimately, staying informed and planning early is the best strategy.

The UK’s visa and settlement reforms are designed to control net migration while retaining high-skill talent.

For international students, the changes affect post-study work opportunities, graduate visa durations, and the path to permanent residence.

While high-skill visa routes remain more accessible, medium-skilled options are narrowing, and the standard path to indefinite leave may lengthen.

Careful planning, strong English skills, and early career preparation will be essential for students navigating this new landscape.

Staying informed, seeking guidance, and understanding the evolving rules are now critical steps for anyone aiming to study and work in the UK.