The Government has announced that the two year post study visa is to return. This has been welcomed by universities as this would allow overseas students to remain in the UK and work for up to two years after finishing their degrees.
The Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) visa was scrapped in 2012 and was replaced by a restrictive four month post-graduation period. During that four month period graduates are expected to find permanent skilled work and to switch into Tier 2 sponsorship if they wish to remain in the UK.
It is not yet clear when the changes will come into effect but the announcement suggests that this might be available for those students starting their degree courses in September 2020. It is not clear whether those already studying in the UK when the Immigration Rules change will also benefit.
Comment
The Government has repeatedly stated that it wants to attract the “brightest and best” to the UK. A return to a two year post study period under a new Graduate route will be welcomed by universities, students and employers. Although the Government’s announcement was not detailed and it is unclear when this will be implemented, it does confirm that in due course in the future the Government will allow eligible students to remain in the UK for two years after completing their courses.
Kerry Garcia