Got the degree? Now get a job in four months - or face going back home. That's been the challenge for international students studying at UK universities, ever since Theresa May introduced the rule as home secretary in 2012. But from next year, graduates from inside and outside the EU will be allowed to stay in the UK for two years - instead of just four months - to look for work after finishing their degree.
The move has been welcomed by universities and Labour but criticised as a "retrograde" step by campaign group Migration Watch. However, for recent graduates there's frustration that they will miss out on the opportunity.
Speaking to the BBC Shreya Swamy, who moved to the UK from India last year, has just finished studying for a master's degree in illustration at the University for the Creative Arts. She considers the government's move "a great step forward" but says it does nothing to help students who are currently studying here or those starting this year. She says: "I have personally struggled so much with the four-month post-study visa rule. The jobs available are close to nil for fresh international graduates because of lack of experience - plus just four months' availability. I have been through hell and back trying to figure out my career plan these past few months because it seems practically impossible to have one in the UK."
She adds: "I feel really helpless, and almost regret coming here to study because I'm going to just end up going back home with a very expensive piece of paper. Today is a really sad day for me - there just has to be a way to help those already studying here or joining this year."
Meanwhile Allison Strang, from the US, has been in the UK for two-and-a-half years studying for a degree in fashion journalism at the University for the Creative Arts in Surrey. She's due to graduate next June so will have just four months from then to get a job.
"I feel so stressed and under pressure. It's do or die - find a job or go back home," she says.
Home is Texas where she wouldn't be able to find the type of work she's after so it would mean moving to New York. But, she says, she loves London and wants to stay so she'll start applying for jobs early next year.
"Having two years to find a fitting job in this country would be unbelievably helpful. It would give me a better opportunity to get into the career I want to get into. I'm hoping the proposal broadens to extend opportunities to me and others who have spent the past few years bringing our creativity, knowledge and culture to the UK."
