Chapter 24: Post-Study Work visa closure

“We will close the Tier 1 (Post-study work) route, which allows students 2 years to seek employment after their course ends. Only graduates who have an offer of a skilled job from a sponsoring employer under Tier 2 of the points-based system will be able to stay to work.” (taken from the UKBA website)

For all students in the UK, this is the most anticipated statement from the UK government that they have been waiting for. The rumour of Tier 1 PSW visa closure has spread around since last term and has made us a little bit worried about our future. Finally, the decision has been made by the UK government; they will close the Tier 1 PSW visa. Fortunately, students of academic year 2010/2011 still have a chance to apply, because the closure will be effectively started from April 2012.

It is common that Tier 1 Post Study Work (PSW) visa is one of the factors considered by most students, particularly master degree students, who decided to continue their study in the UK. The main reason is because this visa allows graduates to seek for jobs in the UK up to 2 years after their graduation. Moreover, the requirements to apply for this visa are not so strict. Alternatively, there is a Tier 2 visa, which requires applicants to have a sponsorship from companies. This is a difficult requirement to be fulfilled because most companies in the UK will not be able to offer sponsorship for their potential employees.

The closure of the Tier 1 Post Study Work visa will surely bring an implication to the number of potential students in the UK for the following academic year. Potential students, who plan to apply for this Tier 1 PSW visa and work in the UK after their graduation, might rethink and possibly decide to continue their study in another country. Nevertheless, the UK government must have their own good consideration with this decision. Also, who knows if they might change their mind and re-open this Tier 1 PSW visa scheme in the future?

~ by xhino on 20/04/2011.