In an unexpected turn of events, the much-coveted but cancelled Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) visa has now reemerged from its ashes.

Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) visa was a route for international graduate students to have an opportunity to remain in the UK for 2 years to look for work and gain experience in the UK. Post-Study Work visa holders at the time did not need to have a job offer, but simply to have graduated after reading a bachelor's degree or above. This very popular visa, saw many talents graduates going on the Tier 1 PSW route and moving onto the Tier 2 (General) route.

The route was abruptly ended in 2012 by the then coalition Government.

However, in a concerted effort by lobbyists, a new 'graduate' route has been announced today, reviving the principles behind Tier 1 PSW. This new route (or revived route) will allow students to remain in the UK for a further 2 years after the completion of their course.

The route will be opened to those who are starting a course at undergraduate level or above in the 2020 academic year and onward.

From what we have seen so far, this 'Graduate' route appears to be the same as the former Tier 1 PSW route. As such, students who go on to the new 'Graduate' route should be allowed to switch into the Tier 2 (General) route following their two-year stint.

We are very excited to see that the Government is moving in the right direction in genuinely attracting the best and the brightest. More importantly, retaining the best and the brightest.

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