From April 2012 Tier 1 (post-study work) visa will be closed. Migrants on Tier 4 (General)/Student Visa will be allowed to switch to Tier 2 (General) if they meet the required criteria.
Students graduating after this date with a UK degree, PGCE, PGDE from a Recognised or Listed Body will be able to apply for a job and be sponsored for the Tier 2 (General) points-based system.
You will only be able to switch to Tier 2 (General) from your Student Visa if you have valid leave. Students who wish to switch will have to meet the standard criteria for Tier 2, but the Resident Labour Market Test requirement will not be needed. You must be paid the minimum salary, i.e. £20,000 per annum or the minimum set out in the relevant code of practice. The salaries in the Codes will be under constant review to ensure they are appropriate for new graduates.
There will be no limit for students switching into Tier 2 (General).
Any Students who switch into Tier 2 as set out above will be able to sponsor any dependants who accompanied them as students but will not be able to sponsor any new dependants.