I write with regard to the Immigration: Tier 1 Post Study Work Review and why successful students of the LPC and Bar Vocational Course should be granted Tier 1 Post Study Work (PSW) visas. See Immigration lawyers boost for top firms.

The purpose of the Tier 1 PSW visas is to keep quality graduates in the UK and give them the opportunity to undertake employment. If they are successful, they can proceed further to obtain Tier 1 (General) Work Permit, formerly known as Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). However, the current Tier 1 PSW policy does not allow successful legal practice or bar vocational candidates to apply for the PSW visa to undertake a mandatory training contract or pupillage.

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) should reform Tier 1 PSW policy to allow successful LPC and BVC graduates to apply for Tier 1 PSW visas. It is further suggested that, since the masters degree is not typical in the legal sector, the need for post-study immigrants to hold a full masters degree risks excluding many intelligent students who could generate large revenue for UK firms, as well as the economy.

There is no doubt that the current system of post study work visas needs to be less restrictive to ensure Britain remains the number one choice for law students.

Usman Arshed, subject leader, immigration law, Manchester Metropolitan University