UK’s New Immigration Rules For Indian Students

The UK has been a popular destination for Indian students in pursuit of quality education and international exposure for many years. Recent immigration reforms issued in May 2025 are going to redefine this equation. These reforms will strengthen immigration controls at the expense of international student’s study and post-study opportunities.

New Changes in the UK Immigration Policy

• Extension of Settlement Period: The qualifying period for permanent residency (settlement) has been raised from 5 to 10 years. This applies to all migrants, including students, skilled workers, and refugees, and demands a longer stay before they receive settled status.
• Shortening of Post-Study Work Visa Period: The Graduate Route visa, previously enabling international students to work and remain in the UK for two years after graduation, has been cut to 18 months. This change might cut the period of time graduates have to find work in the UK. 
• Implementation of a 6% Levy on International Student Tuition Fees: There has been the introduction of a new 6% charge on tuition fees charged to international students. The move is to raise some £600 million every year, which may push the cost burden onto students and impact revenue for universities.
• Closure of Health and Care Worker Visa Route: The Health and Care Worker visa pathway, used extensively by Indian medical professionals, is to be closed to fresh applicants. In 2023, close to 140,000 of these visas were granted, with Indian nationals accounting for approximately 39,000 of them
• More Rigorous English Language Requirements: Applicants and their relatives will now undergo stricter English language testings. This is done to promote more effective integration but could mean more obstacles for future students and families.

Universities Under Scrutiny

The following institutions have been officially reported to be on UKVI action plans:

• University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)

UCLan was put on an action plan for violating student visa sponsorship requirements. The reasons have not been revealed, but evaluations usually include factors such as visa refusal rates, student recruitment, and course completion rates.

• De Montfort University

De Montfort University is also on an action plan as a result of student visa sponsorship compliance breaches. The university has indicated confidence in the fulfillment of UKVI requirements.

• Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University is under an action plan under a “routine cyclical audit.” The university has avoided further comment pending the completion of the audit.

• University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow has been included in the list of institutions placed on UKVI action plans. The reasons behind such placement have not been revealed.

• Study Group

Study Group, a privately owned provider of international study centres with a number of partner universities, has been put on an action plan. The organisation has welcomed the “greater rigour and scrutiny.”

• Oxford International College Brighton

Out of hundreds of UK institutions who are student visa sponsors, Oxford International College Brighton itself is under the action plan.

Impact on Indian Students

Many Indian students travel to the UK for education. These new policies have some concerns:

• Decreased Work Opportunities After Study: The reduction in the Graduate Route could restrict Indian students from availing themselves of international work experience after graduation.
• Healthcare Workers in Peril: If the Health and Care Worker visa ceases, numerous Indian healthcare professionals will find themselves in a tough spot.
• More Stringent English Requirements: If the regulations about the use of the English language become stricter, then it may be harder for family members to come to the UK with the principal person applying for the visa.

Opportunities Amidst New Immigration Policies

Despite the stricter immigration policies, analysts are of the opinion that Britain will still have good opportunities, especially in fields where there is a high need for labor. Some of these may be healthcare, technology, environmental science, culinary and food services, and retail, potentially holding opportunities for foreign students.

Recommendations:

• Check Sponsorship Status: Before submitting an application, ensure that the status of the university’s sponsorship on the UKVI Register of Licensed Sponsors is up to date.
• Contact University Advisors: Contact the international office of the university for up-to-date information regarding their visa sponsorship status and steps taken by them to rectify compliance issues.

• Consider Alternatives: If a university is subject to an action plan, consider applying to other universities with a good record of visa compliance to achieve a smoother application process.

Conclusion

The UK’s tight immigration reforms are putting serious pressure on universities, particularly those that are over-reliant on international students. With institutions working their way through these changes, there is increasing demand for a balanced strategy that addresses immigration concerns without undermining the dynamism and international reputation of the UK’s higher education sector.