7 ways UK’s new visa rules could affect Nigerian, other foreign students

International students are increasingly choosing to remain in the United Kingdom after completing their studies, significantly impacting the country's migration landscape. Analysis of Home Office data reveals that recent student cohorts are more likely to transition to work visas than those who arrived before Brexit.

The share of international students switching to work visas rose sharply post-Brexit, reaching 18% for the 2022 cohort within their first year. While the Graduate visa route allows for extended stays, a growing number are moving directly to the Skilled Worker route, a pathway that can lead to permanent residency. For instance, 23% of non-EU students who received study visas in 2021 had switched to Skilled Worker visas by their fourth year in the UK, a substantial increase from just 3% of students who arrived in 2010.

A notable trend is the entry of former students into the care sector. Between January 2021 and March 2026, approximately 44% of those moving directly from the Study route to the Skilled Worker route became care or senior care workers. This figure is considerably higher than the proportion of Skilled Worker visas issued to overseas care workers, which stood at 29% during the same period. However, this trend has seen a decline since 2023 due to increased scrutiny of care-sector recruitment and further restrictions on overseas hiring.

Concerns have been raised that many international students may be overqualified for care positions, which generally require qualifications equivalent to GCSE level, while most students pursue master's degrees. This suggests that some graduates might not be fully utilizing the skills acquired during their university education. Nevertheless, international students already familiar with living and working in Britain may face less vulnerability to exploitation compared to workers recruited directly from abroad.