13 September 2019

Following this week’s government announcement, the Tier 1 (Post Study Work) (PSW) category is due to make a re-appearance, having been previously scrapped by Theresa May in 2012 for being ‘far too generous’.

Expected changes

The immigration White Paper published in December 2018, proposed to lengthen the period allowed for students to remain in the UK and look for a job to six months for bachelor and masters’ degree graduates and twelve months for PhD graduates.

The new government has gone much further and decided to grant graduates (in any subject) a two-year permission to stay in the UK to take employment – without having to be sponsored by an employer or meet the skill or salary levels associated with Tier 2 sponsorship.  Furthermore, following the two-year period, graduates will be able to switch to Tier 2 in-country without having to return to their countries of origin.

So, what is the catch?

While the announcement is very positive news for students and employers alike, full details have yet to be published and it is expected that current graduates will not be able to apply under the new post study work category, only those graduating once the scheme comes in to force would be able to benefit.

Get in touch

For further information on recent and forthcoming changes to UK and US immigration law visit our website www.lauradevine.com or contact your assigned LDI lawyer or enquiries@lauradevine.com.