Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the economic impact of EU citizens not on Tier 5 visas who are studying in the UK not being permitted to work, including those undertaking work placements.

The new Student route was launched in October 2020 and streamlines and simplifies the previous Tier 4 route, making it simpler for international students to apply to study in the UK and significantly improves on our offer in the global marketplace.

A full impact assessment for the Student route was published on 10 September 2020 and can be found on gov.uk at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-707-10-september-2020

Student visa holders following a full-time course, including study abroad programmes in the UK, at degree level or above at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance are entitled to work 20 hours per week during term-time and can undertake work placements as an assessed part of their course. Full-time employment is permitted outside of term-time.

The Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange visa provides individuals with the opportunity to complete training, a work experience placement, English language course or conduct research for a period of up to two years and some of these schemes provide some form of financial reimbursement. A full list of schemes can be found at: Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange visa - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)