Hopes of many Nigerians aspiring to study and work in the United Kingdom have been dealt a significant blow following a major immigration policy overhaul announced by the British government. The changes, outlined in a White Paper released yesterday, include a reduction in the post-study visa period for international graduates from two years to just 18 months. This new rule shortens the window for international students, including Nigerians, to remain in the UK after completing their studies.
In a more stringent move, the UK government has also doubled the standard qualifying period for foreign nationals to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)—a critical step toward permanent residency—from five years to ten years. This adjustment represents a major shift in the country’s immigration pathway, making it significantly harder for migrants to settle in the UK long-term.
These changes are part of a broader immigration reform aimed at curbing what the UK Home Office describes as the systemic abuse of student and work visa routes. The graduate visa route, according to the Home Office, has deviated from its original purpose and is now perceived as a “backdoor” route for unsponsored employment.
To strengthen compliance, universities that enroll international students will now be required to meet stricter standards. Institutions with poor records—such as low progression-to-work rates or those found guilty of misleading recruitment practices—risk penalties, including the suspension of their sponsorship licenses.
The reforms also target employers. The immigration skills charge paid by companies that sponsor migrant workers will see a 32% increase. Moreover, to obtain a skilled worker visa, applicants must now hold a university degree. For lower-skilled roles, access to the UK job market will be temporary and allowed only where there’s evidence of genuine labor shortages.
The UK government emphasized that the broader objective of these changes is to reduce dependency on international recruitment and refocus efforts on domestic skill development and training. It also announced plans to boost its “very high talent routes,” which aim to attract individuals with exceptional skills, particularly in sectors critical to the UK’s economic growth.
In response to the policy announcement, the British High Commission in Nigeria issued a statement acknowledging the reforms and reaffirming the importance of the UK-Nigeria relationship. The commission expressed its commitment to work closely with the Nigerian government once details of the implementation timeline are made available.
“The UK enjoys strong, long-standing people-to-people links with Nigeria. We are proud that the UK is still considered a top destination for Nigerians to work, study, visit and settle – and value the contribution this brings to the UK,” a spokesperson said.
They added that the reforms are part of efforts to restore order and fairness to the immigration system, reduce net migration, and foster sustainable economic growth.
