Return Of Two-Year Post Study Work Visa Announced

As background to the post-study visa, the earliest incarnation of the post-study work visa was the Science & Engineering Graduates Scheme in 2004, when the student post-study visa was limited to graduates in certain subjects and a 12 month post-graduation period of work was permitted. A similar student post-study visa scheme was trialled across all subject areas in Scotland from 2005 as the Fresh Talent visa: Working in Scotland Scheme, back in the days when regional immigration policy was allowed. The period of work permitted after graduation was extended to two years. This visa scheme was judged a success and was rolled out across the UK in 2007 as the International Graduates Scheme visa, but offering only a 12 month post-graduation period in which work was allowed. It was then absorbed into the Points Based Visa System from 2008 as the Tier 1 Post Study Work visa. A more limited six-month form of the post-study work visa was recently reintroduced.

The date of implementation two-year post-study work visa is not entirely clear yet, but the announcement suggests it will be available to students starting in the next academic year, September 2020. It is unknown whether students currently on courses in the UK will also benefit from the rule change. It is a shame that space was not be found for the post-study visa measure in the formal Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules was dropped just two days ago, which would have provided more clarity and certainty to all affected.

Manchester, Oldham and Rochdale Solicitors

For advice on the two-year post-study work visa or any other issues about immigration from local experts, call Scarsdale Solicitors Manchester, Scarsdale Solicitors Oldham & Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale. We are proud to serve clients in the Manchester, Oldham and Rochdale areas. We combine our expertise in legal matters with customer service that is second to none. If you need help from Rochdale immigration solicitors, Manchester Immigration solicitors or Oldham immigration solicitors, call Scarsdale Solicitors today on 0161 660 6050.