Foreigners ‘increasingly using student visas as back door’ to work in UK

The number of student visas being used to work in the UK has increased by 5 times in the UK, according to ONS data.

In 2024, half of non-EU students and their dependents transitioned to work or other visas after three years in the UK, compared to only 10% who did so less than three years earlier, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

194,300 people (47%) who arrived in 2023 switched from a study-related visa to a work-related visa, highlighting a potential loophole in gaining access to permanent residence in the UK.

For those opting for work, as many as half choose jobs in social care, which amounts to 10% of the potential workforce. An estimated 150,000 jobs are available in this industry.

The new figures contribute to explaining record net migration in the year ending June 2023, where the revised number stands at 906,000. This is four times the rate before .

Net migration is the number of people coming into the UK minus those leaving, and since the peak, it has fallen following a Conservative Party crackdown introduced by former Prime Minister . This included limitations on students bringing dependents with them to the UK, as well as a hike in the skilled worker salary threshold from £26,200 to £38,700.

Since the restrictions, overall net migration has dropped by just under 20% to 728,000. The number of students has also decreased by 19% in the year to September 2024.

Despite the crackdown, the number of students switching to work visas remains “relatively high”, according to Ben Brindle, a researcher at the University of Oxford’s Migration Observatory. Some opt for a two-year graduate visa, while others seek work.

Former health minister Neil O’Brien obtained the figures. He told : “These are very striking statistics showing a big change in migration patterns.

“While no one has a problem with people coming here for a time to study at a British university, we need to make sure this is not used as a back door way into low-wage work.”

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp echoed Mr O’Brien, expressing concern over the figures being “far too high”.

He said: “Student visas cannot become a parallel immigration system. The government needs to urgently review the quality of the courses and the institutions that give out these visas.

“The Government should urgently introduce a hard cap on the number of students and other visas being issued each year. This simply cannot continue.”

A Home Office spokesman said: “Overseas students deliver real benefits to Britain, but it’s vital the system isn’t exploited and that the rules are followed and enforced.

“Under the , net migration spiralled to almost a million. They completely lost control. Labour is getting a grip with new plans to better link the skills system with the immigration system. Our immigration white paper will look at strengthening the rules to ensure routes aren’t being used inappropriately.”