psw after phd in uk

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PSW Visa: Post Study for Graduates

Anne morris.

• 13 March 2024

IN THIS SECTION

PSW visa stands for ‘Post-Study Work’ visa. The UK’s PSW visa is officially known as the Graduate Route.

Under the graduate route, international graduates are able to apply for a PSW visa to stay on in the UK for a fixed period of either two or three years after the completion of their degree studies, depending on their level of study.

For graduates, the PSW visa provides a more straightforward way – compared to other visa routes – to stay in the UK lawfully after graduating. For employers, the visa offers opportunities to recruit recent graduates  without the investment and compliance demands of the employment sponsorship process .

In this guide to the UK’s PSW visa, we explain what this route allows and how to make an application.

What is the UK PSW visa?

The PSW visa, or ‘Graduate Immigration Route’, allows:

• International students completing an undergraduate degree or a Master’s degree at a qualifying institution to stay on in the UK to work or look for work for a fixed period of two years after they have completed their studies.
• International students completing a PhD at a qualifying institution to stay on in the UK to work or look for work for a fixed period of three years after they have completed their studies.

Graduates staying on in the UK under a PSW visa do not need to be sponsored, either by an education institution or an employer, nor will they need a Certificate of Sponsorship . Once a graduate switches onto a PSW visa, they are no longer sponsored as a student by their education institution.

Graduates on the PSW visa will not be able to work as a professional sportsperson, and while they are allowed to undertake supplementary study while in the UK on a PSW visa, the supplementary study cannot be at any institution that sponsors students for the purposes of their Tier 4 General student visa.

Family members already living in the UK lawfully as dependants of a student visa holder will be allowed to stay on as dependants when the main visa holder switches to the PSW visa. However, apart from children born in the UK, new dependants will not be able to join the PSW visa holder in the UK from overseas.

The visa is non-extendable and the time spent in the UK under the Graduate Immigration Route will not count towards settlement in the UK . We explore options to remain in the UK after the PSW visa later in this article.

The Doctorate Extension Scheme that allows students who have completed their PhD to stay on in the UK for 12 months has closed following the introduction of the Graduate Route.

Rapid Review into PSW visa

In March 2024, the UK Government commissioned a ‘rapid review’ of the Graduate route to be conducted by the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).

The MAC has been directed to consider five key areas:

• Whether there is any proof of abuse of the route
• Insight into who is using the route and which universities they attended
• Insight into the demographics and trends of students switching from the student to graduate route
• Insight into the activities of student visa holders who switch into the Graduate route, and whether they are contributing to the economy
• Consideration whether the Graduate route is undermining the integrity and quality of the UK higher education system.

We will update this article when the MAC publishes its findings.

PSW visa eligibility requirements

In order to be eligible for a PSW visa, the student will have to attain 70 points under the points-based immigration system. Points are awarded in respect of successful completion of a qualifying course of study in the UK.

This means applicants must:

• Hold a valid student visa at the time of their application for a PSW visa from a UK higher education provider on the list of registered sponsors “with a track record of compliance”.
• Have successfully completed their degree at undergraduate level or above.
• Have stayed in the UK for the duration of their study. The only exemptions to this are if the student studied abroad as part of a ‘study abroad’ programme, or was forced to study from home for reasons relating to Covid-19.
• Not have previously been granted the PSW visa.
• Pass security, identity and criminality checks.
• Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge .

Those studying in the UK on a scholarship from the government of their home country have to meet an additional requirement, namely, that their government must have given its permission for them to remain in the UK under a PSW visa.

There is no English language or financial requirement for the PSW visa applicant to meet.

EU nationals

EEA or Swiss students in the UK with valid EU settled or pre settled status will not need to apply for the PSW visa to remain in the UK. Those without permission under the EU settlement scheme may apply for the PSW visa to retain lawful status in the UK.

Which course are eligible under the PSW visa?

To be eligible, applicants must have completed a course awarding either:

• A UK bachelor’s degree.
• UK postgraduate degree, including PhD and Masters’ degree.
• A Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) conversion course, as validated by the Joint Academic Stage Board in England and Wales.
• The Legal Practice Course (LPC) in England and Wales, the Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland, or a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland.
• The Bar Practice Course (BPTC) in England and Wales, or the Bar Course in Northern Ireland.
• A foundation programme in Medicine or Dentistry.
• A postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).
• A professional course required to study at the UK bachelor’s degree level or above in a profession with reserved activities that is regulated by UK law or UK public authority.

The degree course has to be the same as that on the applicant’s Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). In addition, their sponsoring higher education provider must confirm that they meet this requirement.

Applying for the post study work visa

The PSW visa application should be made online from within the UK.

Students can apply for a Graduate visa as soon as their sponsoring institution or college notifies the Home Office that they have finished and passed their programme. Students do not have to wait until they have graduated or received a certificate of completion to apply; they should apply while their student visa is still valid.

How much is the graduate visa?

The PSW visa application costs £715. Applicants will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is currently £624 per year of leave in the UK.

Visa options after PSW visa?

To stay in the UK with lawful status after your period of leave under the Graduate route, you will need to make an application for a new type of visa or leave to remain.

Visa options to remain in the UK could, for example, include a work visa or family-based visa, and will depend on the specific circumstances.

If the graduate visa holder is employed in a skilled role, they may be eligible to apply to remain by switching to the Skilled Worker visa route , provided all of the requirements are met to switch into this category.

To qualify as a Skilled Worker, they must be in an eligible job, working for an employer that is licensed by the UK Home Office to sponsor skilled migrant workers. The Home Office publishes a list of registered sponsors on the .gov website.

In addition, they must meet the minimum salary requirements . They must be paid at least £26,200, or the ‘ going-rate ’ for the job if it is higher. In some situations, such as if the job is in a shortage occupation , the graduate may still qualify if paid less than £26,200.

The Skilled Worker route also provides a path to settlement in the UK, i.e. indefinite leave to remain . Applicants must have five years of continuous lawful residence in the UK under a Skilled Worker visa to be eligible to apply for settlement.

If your ambitions are to start a business in the UK, you could look at the Innovator Founder route .

Another option could be to make an application based on a relationship with a UK settled person, such as a partner visa.

Taking advice is the best way to determine options to remain in the UK based on specific circumstances.

Need assistance?

DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists , and can advise both employers and graduates on Home Office applications such as the new post study work visa. For advice, please contact us .

PSW visa for graduates FAQs

What is psw visa.

A PSW visa is a ‘Post-Study Work’ visa, that is officially called the Graduate Route. It allows overseas graduates completing their studies in the UK to stay on for two or three years after completion of their studies. The two year period is granted if you have completed an undergraduate degree or a Master’s degree, and the three year period if you have completed a PhD.

How much does PSW visa cost in UK?

The PSW visa application fee is £715. You will also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for each year of your leave.

Who is eligible for PSW in UK?

You are eligible to apply for a PSW visa in the UK if you are completing an undergraduate degree or a Master’s degree or a PhD from summer 2021 onwards. The degree must have been awarded by a qualifying institution, that is a higher education provider approved by the UK Home Office.

How long does the PSW visa last?

If you have complete an undergraduate degree or a Master’s degree and you are successful in obtaining the PSW visa then it will last for two years. If you have completed a PhD and are successful in obtaining a PSW visa then it will last for three years. In both cases the PSW visa is non-extendable, meaning to retain lawful status beyond your period of leave under the Graduate Route, you will need to make an application for leave to remain under a different visa category.

Last updated: 14 March 22024

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.

Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator , and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals

• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Guide to Travelling to the UK
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Explore Commonwealth Visa Options
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ How to Live Permanently in the UK
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ UK Immigration Appeal & Status Guide 2024

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Legal Disclaimer

The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of writing, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.

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Stay in the UK after you graduate

Many options are available for international graduates looking to stay in the UK after graduation. Below, we detail the UK government's Graduate Route visa and the Skilled Worker route specifically.

However, we recommend you do your research on the GOV.UK website to work out which visa best suits your current situation. There are lots of other options available, including short-term and long-term visas, and visas for specific types of employment, such as for healthcare workers.

What is the Graduate Route?

The UK’s Graduate Route welcomes international students to apply to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, upon graduation. International students who have successfully completed an undergraduate or master’s degree can apply to stay in the UK for up to two years after their studies. PhD graduates can apply to stay for up to three years.

This is a fantastic opportunity for international students who want to take their next steps into employment in the UK.

What are the benefits of the Graduate Route?

The Graduate Route is unsponsored, meaning you can use the time after you graduate to work, or look for work, at any skill level. You will have the flexibility to gain work experience, undertake an internship or work as a freelancer in the UK.

There is no minimum salary requirement, and there is no limit on how many international students can have the opportunity to stay in the UK through the Graduate Route. Additionally, you are not tied to a specific job or employer and you can have multiple jobs at any skill level and can switch jobs during the course of the visa.

Once you have found suitable employment in the UK, you’ll have the chance to switch to a skilled work route and remain in the UK after your two or three years have come to an end.

'I decided to apply for the Graduate Route because I didn't need to have an employer sponsor my visa. This meant that although I was offered a job, which was part-time, I was still able to stay and work in the UK without any issues. The Graduate Route enabled me to build up experience in the UK and has acted as a stepping stone for my future success in the actuarial field.'

Lan, from China, studied Applied Actuarial Science at the University of Kent and graduated in 2022. Thanks to the Graduate Route, she lives and works in the UK.

How much does the Graduate Route cost?

Before applying for the Graduate Route visa, you should know the costs up-front. There is a one-off application fee of £822 , and you must also pay the full amount for the Immigration Health Surcharge . As of 6 February 2024, this will cost you £1035 annually.

Learn more about the Graduate Route

Learn more about the Graduate Route on GOV.UK and visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website for additional guidance on the Graduate Route, including where, when and how to apply, requirements and conditions, FAQs and more. Additionally, you can view the UK government's Graduate Route guide for further information.

It is worth being aware that if you impress your employer while working on the Graduate Route visa, your employer can switch you onto the Skilled Worker route if the requirements are met. But note: you cannot switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a Graduate Route visa.

What is the Skilled Worker route?

A Skilled Worker visa allows you to stay in the UK with an approved employer and eligible job. You must fulfil specific requirements to apply for this type of visa - including having a job offer with a minimum salary of at least £20,960, at least £10.75 per hour, or the 'going rate' for the type of work you'll be doing, whatever is higher. Additionally, your job needs to meet the minimum levels of skill requirements. The UK government provides a list of eligible jobs* on their website that meets this requirement.

Visit the UKCISA website for additional guidance on the Skilled Worker route, including where, when and how to apply, requirements and conditions, FAQs and more.

*The list of eligible jobs is in the Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations. Table 1 includes most eligible jobs, with separate tables for some jobs in health and education.

How much does the Skilled Worker route cost?

In short, it depends, but employers will always incur costs when hiring a graduate on the Skilled Worker route. The standard fee ranges from £719 to £1,500, depending on your circumstances, for example, where the graduate is applying, the type of visa they are switching from, the employer's size, and whether the employer already has a sponsor license.

It is common for employers, especially larger organisations, to pay the cost of the fee. However, it is not a given, so if you are offered a job and want to go down this route, make sure to discuss this up-front with your employer.

Get more advice on working in the UK after you complete your studies

For advice on working in the UK after you complete your studies, read our 'international students guide to working in the UK after you graduate' and visit the UKCISA website .

Stay and work in the UK on a Graduate Route visa

The Graduate Route means that you can stay in the UK and explore your employment options without needing an employer to sponsor your visa.

Explore other UK visa options

Many options are available for international graduates looking to stay in the UK after they finish their studies. Do your research and work out which visa best suits your current situation.

Hear individual Graduate Route stories

'the graduate route was a fast and simple way for me to stay in the uk after my studies'.

Guy shares how the Graduate Route helped him stay in the UK after completing his postgraduate studies without being sure about what he was going to do next.

'Working in the UK has enabled me to grow my network and skills and gain international work experience'

The Graduate Route allowed Progress to apply what she learned during her studies, grow her network and gain relevant international work experience in the UK.

'The Graduate Route gave me time to explore my employment options without time pressure'

The Graduate Route made it possible for Rodney to explore his employment options and make the decision that was right for him without needing a sponsored visa.

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Guide: the UK Post-Study Work Visa for graduates

Author: Patrick Atack

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• Post-study support
• Immigration
• After you’ve completed your studies

Skilled worker visa

How to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa to allow you to work in the UK after study.

The Skilled Worker visa is the main work visa route for employers to recruit international workers in the UK. It was introduced in January 2021 as part of the new Points Based Immigration System, replacing Tier 2.

• you must be sponsored by an employer who holds a UKVI sponsor licence;
• the job must be an ‘eligible skilled’ occupation;
• the job must be paid at an appropriate salary (which is dependent on the role and person applying).
• Switch to the Skilled Worker visa from a Student visa or Graduate Route visa; or
• Apply from outside of the UK.
• Have dependents - they can apply at the same time or join you later.
• Extend the visa and it can lead to settlement after 5 years.

You can’t switch into this route if you’re in the UK studying as a visitor or on a Short Term Student visa.

For some specialised areas of skilled work there are separate categories of skilled workers. For the following roles, see the Home Office guides:

• Health and care worker visa
• Minister of Religion visa
• Sportsperson visa

Always check the latest relevant government visa guidance before applying, as immigration rules are subject to frequent changes.

Summary of key changes to Skilled Worker visa from 4th April 2024

Based on GOV.UK: Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules 14th March 2024

Increase in the minimum salary requirements for applications where a Certificate of Sponsorship is issued after 4 April 2024

• Option A (experienced workers/most applications ) from £26,200 to £38,700
• Option B PHD £23,800 to £34,830 (10% salary discount)
• Option C STEM PHD £20,960 to £30,960 (20% salary discount)
• Option D- Shortage occupation/Immigration Salary list £20,960 to £30,960 (20% salary discount will be removed)
• Option E (New entrants) £20,960 to £30,960
• Option F (Health and Social care visas) £26,200 to £29,000

Increase in the going rates for individual job SOC codes in line with median (50th percentile) salary rate for a specific role from the current 25th percentile

This means a significant uplift for all jobs which do not rely on national pay scales (NHS, Teachers). These rates will be set out in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupation from 4 April 2024 . 

Some roles have been removed from the SOC code list as they are no longer deemed to meet RQF level 3 which is the minimum skill level for skilled workers. The coding tool will be SOC 2020 instead of SOC 2010 .

Applicants in the Health and Social Care route NHS workers will have some protection from the salary increases and increases will be in line with 25th percentile not the median rate for a role . These rates will be set out  in Table 2 of Appendix Skilled Occupation from 4 April 2024

There are transitional arrangements for those who are currently on a Skilled Worker visa which will apply until 3 April 2030. 

Existing skilled worker visa holders who are extending their visa or changing employer will be partially protected from the higher salary increases. They will need to meet the SOC 2020 going rate in line with the 25th percentile uplift not the median rate. These rates will be set out in  Table 2 of Appendix Skilled Occupation  from 4 April 2024. 

Additional options F-J in the tradeable points table will be created for these applicants.

• Option F: (experienced workers/most applications)from £26,200 to £29,000. 
• Option G (relevant PhD): from £23,800 to £26,100. 
• Option H (relevant STEM PhD): from £20,960 to £23,200. 
• Option I (shortage occupation/Immigration Salary List): from £20,960 to £23,200. 
• Option J (new entrants): from £20,960 to £23,200.

Removal of the Shortage Occupation List and replacing it with an Immigration Salary List

The number of occupations deemed to be in shortage has been significantly reduced and there will no longer be a 20% salary discount applied.

Relaxing the supplementary work permission rules

Skilled workers assigned sponsorship after 4 April 2024 will be able to undertake 20 hours supplementary work in any role that would meet the skill level for visa sponsorship and not just in the same profession or shortage occupation, which is the current rule.

Obtaining points

The Skilled Worker Visa is a points-based visa. To apply, you must have a minimum of 70 points, 50 are mandatory and the remaining 20 are ‘tradeable’.

Mandatory points

• You must have an offer of a job from a licensed sponsor.
• The job must be at or above the minimum skill level: RQF3 level or equivalent (A-Level or equivalent qualification). You don’t need to hold a formal qualification, it’s the skill level of the job which is important.
• You must speak English to an acceptable standard.

Tradeable points

You must obtain a further 20 ‘tradeable’ points through a combination of points for meeting the appropriate salary or ‘going rate’.

You can also earn points if:

• the role is on the Immigration Salary list
• you hold a relevant PhD qualification; or
• you’re a new entrant to the job market (students and recent graduates will usually qualify as ‘new entrants)

Non-tradeable points (mandatory) - 50 points required 

• Offer of a job by an approved sponsor: 20 points
• Job at an appropriate skill level: 20 points
• English language skills at level B1 (intermediate): 10 points

Tradeable points: new salary thresholds from 4 April 2024

20 points are required from any of following options:

A (20 points)    

Salary equals or exceeds both:

• £38,700 per year ; and
• The going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code (50th percentile) 
• Min £15.88 per hour

B (20 points)    

PhD in a subject relevant to the job and salary equals or exceeds both:

• £34,830 per year and
• 90% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code (50th percentile) 

C (20 points)    

PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job and salary equals or exceeds both:

• £30,960 per year and
• 80% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code ( 50th percentile)

D (20 points)    

Job is on the Immigration Salary List and salary equals or exceeds both:

• £30,960 per year; 
• and the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code (50th percentile)

(A going rate /salary discount is not applicable for this option)

E (20 points)    

Applicant is new entrant at the start of their career and their salary equals or exceeds both:

• £30,960 per year; and
• 70% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code (50th percentile) 

The following options are for skilled worker visa holders who had CoS issued before 4 April 2024 when they are extending or changing employer:

F (20 points)

• £29,000 per year ; and
• The going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code (25th percentile)
• Min £11.90 per hours 

G (20 points)

• £26,100 per year and 
• 90% of the going rate for the  SOC 2020 occupation code (25th percentile)
• Min £11.90 per hour

H (20 points)

PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job and their salary equals or exceeds both:

• £23,200 per year ; and
• 80% of the going rate for SOC 2020 occupation code (25th percentile)

I (20 points)

• Min £11.90 per hour 

J (20 points)

Applicant is a new entrant at the start of their career and their salary equals or exceeds both:

• £23,200 per year and
• 70% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code (25th percentile)

(This option is for someone applying for a role in Health and Education Sector)

K (20 points)

Job is in a listed health or education occupation and salary equals or exceeds both of:         

• The going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code (25th percentile) 
• If a national pay scale applies to the role, it needs to meet the appropriate rate eg NHS, teachers

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must satisfy the following criteria. (Click on the links for further information on what each requirement means and how to meet them)

• You are 18 or over
• You have a valid passport with at least 1 blank page
• You have provided a valid TB certificate (if required)
• You have a valid ATAS certificate if required 
• You meet the general security and suitability requirements and not be in breach of immigration laws
• Your job offer is a genuine vacancy
• Your job is eligible and meets the appropriate skill level (RQF level 3)
• You’ll be paid a salary which equals or exceeds both a general salary threshold and the ‘going rate'  for the occupation
• You have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the job
• You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1
• You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds
• You have provided a criminal record certificate (if required) 
• You have consent from your financial sponsor to remain in the UK (if financially sponsored in the last 12 months by an official sponsor e.g. government or an International Scholarship agency).
• Your sponsor has paid any required Immigration Skills Charge (not applicable for most students switching in UK)

When to apply

From 17 July 2023 if you want to switch from a student visa to skilled worker visa. new validity requirements apply.

You can apply up to 3 months before the start date of the job as stated on the certificate of sponsorship. However, the job must not start before your course completion date. UKVI will generally refer to the course end date as stated on your CAS.

If you complete your studies earlier than expected, you will need to show evidence that you have received your degree award.

It is no longer possible to start work before you have completed your degree with a skilled worker visa.

PhD students can now switch to skilled worker after 24 months of study.

The deadline for applying inside the UK is the expiry date on your current visa.

If you make a valid application by this date, your current permission is automatically extended until the outcome of your application is decided, even if your current visa expires before you get the new visa.

This is a general principle of UK immigration law known as Section  3C leave , which prevents you from becoming an overstayer whilst your application is pending.

Visa processing time is up to eight weeks unless you pay additional fees for a priority application.

Application process

How you access the application is different depending on whether you’re:

• Applying from overseas
• Extending your visa
• Switching from another visa route inside the UK

All applicants must:

Provide biometrics and complete the application form

When you apply you’ll be told whether you can register your biometrics using an ID App or if you must attend a visa application centre.

Pay the visa application fee

The application costs vary depending on where you’re applying from, the length of sponsorship and whether the job is in the shortage occupation list.

There are also reductions if you’re a national of certain EEA countries and if you’re applying for a Health and Care visa .

It’s quite common for employers to cover the visa application costs, so check if your employer offers this.

Check how much your visa will cost

Pay Immigration Healthcare Surcharge

You and any dependants will need to pay an upfront healthcare surcharge as part of your immigration application to allow you to access NHS healthcare.

From 6 February 2024 the rate is:

• £1035 per year for workers and adult dependants
• £776 per year for children

For more information, visit:

Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application

You do not need to pay the surcharge if you apply for the Health and Care Worker visa.

Visa conditions

You cannot:

• Access public funds
• Be self-employed
• Work as professional sportsperson
• Undertake voluntary work
• Have dependants who can apply at the same time or join you later
• Carry out supplementary employment up to 20 hours, providing you continue to work in the job for which you’re being sponsored for and the work is same job code or in a shortage occupation

The following family members can join you or stay with you in the UK:

• Spouse or civil partner
• Unmarried partner or same sex partner who is not a civil partner, if the relationship has been ongoing for at least 2 years
• Children under 18 if they have not yet applied to join you.
• Children already in the UK as your Dependant who have turned 18 will also be able to apply as long as they are not leading an independent life.

If your dependant currently holds a student visa, they cannot switch from student to Skilled Worker Dependant visa in the UK, unless they have completed their course or they are a PhD student and have completed at least 24 months study. If this is not the case, they would need to leave and apply from outside the UK to join you as your dependant. 

Your partner and children must have the following amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK:

• £285 for your partner
• £315 for one child
• £200 for each additional child

They do not need to show evidence of funds if they’ve been resident in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months.

Adult dependants will have the right to work (apart from as a professional sportsperson) or study in the UK.

For more information, visit the full worker dependant guidance .

Frequently asked questions

Can i extend the skilled worker visa.

You can extend this visa without limit.

If you found a new job with a different employer you would be able to update your visa, although this would require you to make a new application to extend your visa.

If your job code changes and you’re not in a graduate training programme, you would have to apply again.

In all cases you would need to meet the eligibility requirements and have a new certificate of sponsorship from your employer.

• GOV.UK Extending the Skilled Worker visa

Does the Skilled Worker Visa lead to settlement in the UK?

Skilled Worker permission can lead to settlement in the UK after five years of continuous lawful residence under this route. This is referred to as indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

• still be required for your Skilled Worker job; and
• earn at least the going rate for the job; and
• meet other requirements

This is an advantage of the Skilled Worker over the Graduate Route, which is not a direct route to settlement in the UK.

Time spent on the Skilled Worker visa (or Graduate Route) can also count towards settlement under the 10 year long residence indefinite leave to remain application. We do not provide detailed advice or support with this type of leave to remain application.

For more details, see the ‘Settlement as a skilled worker’ section on:

GOV.UK: Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Worker

When can I start working full time if I switch to the Skilled Worker visa?

From 3pm on 17 July 2023 there are changes to the rules for students switching into the skilled worker route. These changes are not yet reflected in the Student immigration rules around work conditions at time of updating, but check the  latest guidance before you start working full time for your sponsor.

It is still possible to apply for the Skilled Worker visa up to 3 months before the role will start. However, the start date should be no earlier than your course completion date.

You can no longer start work under Skilled worker visa before your course has finished.

You may be able to start work for the sponsor as soon as you have made the Skilled Worker application if you have completed your degree.

If you’re a PhD student switching after 24 months of study, you can only start full-time work for the sponsor when you receive your Skilled Worker visa.

Further support and guidance

For individual advice on your post-study work options and eligibility, contact ISSAC:

Contact ISSAC

We don’t check visa applications and we can’t advise employers.

For help and advice with your job search, CV and interview preparations, contact the Careers Service . Look out for events and talks on post-study visas advertised via career connect.

Related information

GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa overview and application

GOV.UK: Skilled Worker guidance and eligibility requirements (PDF)

GOV.UK: Sponsor guidance for employers

GOV.UK: List of companies that hold a sponsor licence

GOV.UK: List of the eligible occupation codes with salary ‘going rates’

Information for students

The Student Services Information Desk (SSiD) answers a range of general student related enquiries

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How to apply for a post-study work visa in the UK

Find out how to apply for a post-study work visa in the UK. We take you through the eligibility criteria, and explain what the route involves and the factors you should consider.

For many prospective students, part of the attraction of studying abroad is the potential to live and work in that country after graduation. In a cultural mixing pot like the UK, where the contribution of international students is highly valued, it’s understandable that the option to stay longer is a top priority for many. In this article, we explore post-study visa options in the UK and the application process.

The UK graduate visa

The recent introduction of the UK’s graduate visa has made the process easier for many international students looking to work in the UK after graduation. The scheme was introduced as a direct result of the country’s desire to keep talented graduates.

Who can apply?

You can apply for a UK graduate visa if you’ve recently graduated from a UK  bachelor’s degree , postgraduate degree, or another eligible  course  if:

• you are still in the UK
• your current visa is a UK student visa
• you studied your course for at least  12 months  (or the full duration of the course if it was less than 12 months long)
• your education provider has told the Home Office that you have completed your course.

How long can I stay?

A graduate visa will allow you to stay in the UK for two years . If you have a  PhD  (or other doctoral qualification) you will be allowed to stay for three years.

You  cannot  extend a graduate visa, but you may be allowed to apply for a different visa to remain in the UK. We have more information about this at the end of this article.

What rules are there?

As a UK graduate visa holder, you will be able to:

• work in most jobs, including voluntary positions
• be self-employed
• look for work
• continue living in the UK with your family (if they are  eligible /allowed)
• travel to and from the UK.

A UK graduate visa does  not  allow you to:

• apply for any welfare (government) payments or a state pension
• work as a professional sportsperson.

In specific circumstances, you may be able to study on a graduate visa, but only if your course is not eligible for a student visa.

Be aware that every visa is unique. Visas are awarded on a case-by-case basis. Yours may include other conditions depending on your circumstances.

When to apply

You must apply for your UK graduate visa:

• before your student visa expires (ends)
• after your university/college has informed the Home Office that you have completed your course.

You do  not  need to wait until you have graduated to apply for a UK graduate visa.

How much does it cost?

A UK graduate visa costs  GBP 715 . You will also need to pay a Healthcare Surcharge of  GBP 624 per year  for every year you will be in the UK.  If you choose to work in the public sector, you may be eligible/allowed to have your Healthcare Surcharge  refunded (returned to you).

Remember, you will need to be able to afford to support yourself while you are in the UK. Don’t forget to include things like rent, bills, and travel costs into your budget.

You may find our article about the  cost of living in the UK  cost of living helpful when budgeting. 

What documents do I need?

When you apply for your UK graduate visa, you will need:

• your passport (or another valid travel document)
• your biometric residence permit, if you have one 
• your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from when you applied for your student visa.

If you cannot find your CAS number, speak to your education provider. They will have a record of it. You might also be asked to provide:

• proof of your relationship to your family member(s) if they are applying with you.
• a letter of approval from your scholarship/sponsorship provider if they have paid your course or living fees in the last 12 months.

Proving your identity

As part of your UK graduate visa application, you must prove your identity. To do this, you will need an account with UKVI on their “UK Immigration: ID Check” app. You must scan your biometric residence permit onto the app. If you are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, you will need to scan your passport instead.

If you cannot scan your documents into the app, you will need your fingerprints and photograph taken at an approved centre. You must take your biometric residence permit and/or passport with you to your appointment.

Completing your application

You will need to complete your application form online. Make sure you have your credit or debit card ready to pay the fees associated with your application. Remember that you can make your application for a UK graduate  visa  online.

After you apply

You will normally hear back from UKVI with a decision about your graduate visa application within (no later than) eight weeks. You  must not  travel outside the British Isles or Ireland while you wait for the decision. When your application is approved, you will be able to prove your right to live and work in the UK online. 

What other work visa options are there?

Do you want to know more about some of the other UK work visas available? Our table below details two of the most popular choices.

You might decide one of these is better for you than a graduate visa. Or you might choose to switch to one of these after your graduate visa expires. Whatever the case, it’s always a good idea to fully understand your options.

The UK government has also introduced the High Potential Individual Visa (HPI) route for recently qualified students. It gives university graduates the opportunity to stay in the UK for at least two years. If you’re a PhD graduate you will be able to stay for three.  

To qualify for an HPI visa you must have graduated from an eligible university in the last five years. Eligible universities are listed by the UK government and are made up of highly ranked global institutions, from the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World University Rankings . Further, you will need to demonstrate your English language ability and enough savings to support yourself when living in the country.

Find out more about the range of work visas available in the UK.

Don’t forget!

Check your visa dates and conditions when you receive it – these will tell you what you can and cannot do when you are in the UK. If you think there has been a mistake on your visa, you must contact UKVI within (no later than) three months for it to be amended.

Don’t forget that you can explore universities in the UK and use our site search tool to find a suitable qualification.

'Study in the UK' eBook

Enjoy what you’ve read? We’ve condensed the above popular topics about studying in the UK into one handy digital book.

How to apply for a student visa in the UK

Well known worldwide for its academic institutions and extensive choice of course options, the UK is a popular destination for many international students. The British higher education system is one of the oldest in the world, and with it comes an excellent study experience. International students in the UK do well in the diverse, vibrant cities full of culture and history.   Although the UK student visa application procedure may seem long, don’t be

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Graduate Visa (Post Study Work)

• YOU SHOULD NOT APPLY UNTIL YOUR AWARD IS LOCKED. 
• STUDENTS WHO APPLY BEFORE THEIR AWARD IS LOCKED ARE AT RISK OF HAVING THEIR APPLICATION REFUSED. 

PLEASE REFER TO "WHEN CAN I APPLY?" AND "WHAT IF I HAVE RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT I HAVE BEEN REPORTED AS AN EARLY COMPLETER?" (BELOW ) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AS TO WHEN YOU SHOULD SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION. 

The Graduate Visa route is now open. The Government has published Appendix Graduate in the Immigration Rules and the Graduate Caseworker Guidance

Who can apply?

Not all students will be eligible for the Graduate Visa (GV), especially if they have used their 'wrap-up' leave to repeat referred/deferred modules. If a student is not eligible, there are other post study work visa route options available.

The GV is open to students who have a valid Student/Tier 4 visa at the point of application. If your Student/Tier 4 visa has expired, you will not be able to apply.

Those on a part-time Student/Tier 4 visa will be able to apply.

Student Union Sabbatical Officer 's with Student/Tier 4 leave will also be able to apply.

Students in receipt of a Chevening Scholarship are not eligible to apply for the GV.

Students who have previously had  a Doctorate Extension Scheme or Graduate Visa are not eligible to apply.

No other visa types will be eligible to apply.

Can current students apply?

Eligibility will be based on when you complete your studies and not when you started your studies.

Any eligible student who graduates on or after 1st July 2021 will be able to apply if they still have a valid Student/Tier 4 visa at the point of application.

Can dependants apply?

Students whose dependants are already with them in the UK on a student dependant visa are allowed to apply as a dependant under the GV. 

No new dependants can come to the UK to join you under this route.

Which courses are eligible?

Only Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Doctorate level degrees are eligible. 

If you are awarded a lower award classification, e.g. a postgraduate diploma or certificate you will not be eligible to apply unless your programme falls under one of the relevant eligible qualifications listed below.

The following relevant qualifications are also eligible:

• a law conversion course validated by the Joint Academic Stage Board in England and Wales; or
• the Legal Practice Course in England and Wales, the Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland, or a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland; or
• the Bar Practice Course in England and Wales, or the Bar Course in Northern Ireland; or
• a foundation programme in Medicine or Dentistry; or
• a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE); or
• a professional course requiring study at UK bachelor’s degree level or above in a profession with reserved activities that is regulated by UK law or UK public authority ( please note that UKVI has confirmed to the University that OSPAP falls under this definition ).  

A student must have studied in the UK for a minimum period with a Student/Tier 4 visa to be eligible.  If the course is 12 months or less, the student must have studied in the UK for the full length of the course. If the course is longer than 12 months, the student must have studied in the UK for at least 12 months.

Will I still be able to apply if I studied overseas?

As mentioned above students must have studied in the UK for a minimum period with a Student/Tier 4 visa to be eligible:

(a) A course of 12 months or less:  students must have spent the entire time studying in the UK on a Student/Tier 4 visa.

(b) A course which was longer than 12 months:  students must have spent at least 12 months of study in the UK on a Student/Tier 4 visa.

COVID Concession

The Home Office announced a special Covid concession   which allowed those students who were studying  overseas due to Covid to still be eligible as long as that period of study took place within the certain times and the student returned to the UK by a set date (see below) to continue with their studies:

Courses more than 12 months

This information is for anyone completing a course of more than 12 months, which started anytime.

Any time spent outside the UK distance learning between 24 January 2020 and 27 September 2021 is not counted, and will not prevent the student from meeting the above requirement.

There is no specific deadline to return to the UK. The student will need to return to the UK while their Tier 4/Student visa is still valid, in order to enter the UK under that permission, and apply to switch to the Graduate route on or before its expiry date. 

Course started in 2020 or 2021 and was 12 months or less

If the student has been distance learning in their home country for the whole course so far, they will need to come to the UK under the Student route by 27 September 2021 . If their Student visa ends before that date, they must come to the UK by the end date of their visa, and apply to switch to the Graduate route on or before its expiry date. 

If the student already came to the UK under their current Student visa but then switched to distance learning from their home country, they just need to return to the UK on or before the end date of their Student visa, and apply to switch to the Graduate route on or before its expiry date. 

Students who take authorised absence during term-time must be mindful if their absence will affect their eligibility for the GV.

What if I change my course ?

Your final award must be the one that was listed on the CAS you used to obtain your current Student/Tier 4 visa.

However, if an integral and assessed work placement or permitted study abroad programme was added, this should not prevent you from being able to meet the qualification requirement.

If you switched course, you are still eligible to apply but only if you were allowed to transfer courses without applying for further permission on the Student/Tier 4 route. 

The University will not confirm eligibility. 

If I switch to the Advanced Research Route will I still be eligible?

If you are a placement student who must switch to the Advanced Research Route this will not affect your eligibility to apply for the Graduate Visa if you were able to transfer without the need to apply for further immigration permission.

If I switch to the one-year programme will I still be eligible?

If you are a placement student who switches to the one-year programme this will not affect your eligibility to apply for the Graduate Visa if you were able to transfer without the need to apply for further immigration permission.

If you choose to be transferred to the one-year route the University is required to notify UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI).   Once you have completed and you have been awarded, your visa will be curtailed (shortened) as you will no longer need the additional year on your visa.   You should make plans to leave the UK or switch to another immigration category (e.g. the GV) if eligible to do so.

When can I apply?

You must apply before your current student visa expires but don’t rush to apply as soon as you have completed.

  It takes time for the University to do the necessary checks before we can report completion to the Home Office.

Just because you have finished your studies it doesn’t mean you can apply straight away.   You should not apply until:

• You have completed and successfully passed your eligible course. You must have been notified that you have successfully passed all elements of the course; and
• Your final award has been ‘locked’ on your student record; and
• The University has confirmed to the Home Office via their secure portal that you have successfully passed.

The University will not confirm you have successfully completed your course of study until your award is locked.  If you apply before the University has confirmed your award, your application could be rejected.

Can I apply before my award is locked?

The University will not confirm you have successfully completed your course of study until your award is locked.  The locking of the award takes place once the Exam Board has sat.  For students who have used their wrap-up leave for repeats or deferrals, this can mean that their visas are due to expire before the Exam Board sits.  

If your School is able to confirm that you have successfully completed before the Board sits then we can report on that basis.  This is a decision for the School and not the Student Immigration Team.  If you are reported on this basis (ie before your award is ratified by the Board)  then you do so at your own risk and the University will not accept liability for loss incurred by yourself because of any application submitted.   If at the Exam Board, you are awarded a lower qualification which is ineligible for the GV then we must inform the Home Office.  This may affect any pending GV pending application/GV visa if it has been granted.    

If your School is unable to confirm successful completion before your visa expires there is nothing to stop you from applying.  However, we advise against this course of action as at the point of application you haven't met the GV eligibility criteria. 

If you decide to apply before we have had the opportunity to confirm successful completion with the Home Office, then you do so at your own risk.  The Home Office may refuse your application, or they may contact us asking for confirmation of completion.    If they do contact us and your award still hasn’t been locked, then we can ask them to hold your application but there is no guarantee that they will agree to this. 

If your application is refused, then you will lose the application fee you paid and will have a visa refusal on your immigration record.

If you submit a GV application before the University has reported successful completion you do so at your own risk. The University will not accept liability for loss incurred by yourself because of any application submitted. 

Remember if you are not eligible to apply for GV you can always look at other types of visas that allow you to work in the UK .

Can I apply for a visa extension so I can get my results?

You cannot get a new CAS just to wait for your results so please do not submit a CAS request as it will be refused.

You can only apply for a visa extension if you need more time to complete your studies.   

You cannot apply for a new visa simply to wait for your exam results. 

What if I have received a notice that I have been reported as an early completer?

If you complete studies more than 2 weeks before the end date on your CAS your visa sponsorship will be stopped and your visa will be subject to cancellation. The Home Office will contact you, normally by emailing you a letter, to let you know that they are going to cancel your visa. Your new visa end date should still include your 'wrap up' period. For example for courses of 12 months of more you should receive 4 additional months after your early completion has been reported. Their letter should also give you 60 days notice before your new visa end date. 

Once we have notified you that we have reported you as completing for the Graduate route you are able to apply. This application will need to be submitted before your visa is cancelled by UKVI, we would therefore advise you apply as soon as you are able. Do not wait for your orignal visa end date as this will change. 

If you leave the UK after your early completion has been reported Border Force can refuse you re-entry, or can serve notice of cancellation when you request re-entry to the UK. We would therefore advise that you remain in the UK if you have completed early and are planning to apply for the Graduate Route.

Can I travel home for a vacation after I have completed and return to the UK to apply?

It depends if you have completed your course earlier than expected. If you have completed by the course end date on your CAS, you may travel whilst your Student visa is still valid.

If you have shortened your course and will complete your studies before the original course end date on your CAS, the University must report this to the Home Office. Your Student visa will then be subject to cancellation therefore you will not be able to leave the UK and re-enter on your cancelled Student visa. This is because:

• cancelled permission is regarded as a variation of permission [ Immigration Rules Part 1 paragraph 31 ], and
• the period of permission remaining will be six months or less, and
• permission varied to a period of six months or less lapses on departure from the Common Travel Area.

The Border Force can check whether your permission has been cancelled during your absence and refuse re-entry, or can serve notice of cancellation when you request re-entry to the UK.

We would strongly advise you to apply for GV as soon as you are eligible and travel to your home country once you have received your new visa.

If I cannot apply for GV is there another visa I can apply for?

There are other types of visas that allow you to work in the UK. Please visit the UKCISA website for further details.

You may also wish to consider the option of further study in the UK.  You could then apply for GV following the successful completion of a different eligible course. 

You should not submit any visa application for which you do not meet the eligibility criteria just so you can have more time to get your results and apply for GV.  These types of applications are regarded as spurious by the Home Office and could end up costing you hundreds of pounds, a visa refusal and a mark on your immigration record. 

Can I apply if I have a University debt? 

The University will not confirm you have successfully completed to the Home Office if you have a debt to the University.

What if my award changes after I apply?

If subsequent to reporting your award changes we are required to report this change to the Home Office. 

If this change affects your eligibility your application will be refused.   If permission has been granted, then your new visa will be cancelled. 

Can I stop studying and apply based on my previous study in the UK?

No.  The eligible qualification must have been gained during your last grant of Student/Tier 4 leave.    You should not stop your studies to apply based on a previous degree as you will not be eligible to apply.  

How do I apply?

Applications must be made on-line . 

Applications can only be made from the UK.

You must still have valid Student/Tier 4 leave at the point of application.

The application fee will be £822.   

You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which will be £1,035 per year.   Degree students will therefore need to pay £2,070 for the IHS.  PhD students will need to pay £3,105 for the IHS.

You will be required to submit your biometrics as part of the application process.  The fee will vary depending on when and where you submit these.

You will also be required to include the CAS number you used to apply for the eligible course on the application form.  Make sure you keep a copy of your CAS number as we are unable to provide copies.

There is no financial requirement that must be met.  However, you need to make sure you have adequate funds to support yourself whilst you are looking for work.  There will be no access to public funds. 

If you were financially sponsored (all your tuition fees and maintenance) for your studies by a government or an international scholarship agency, you will need your financial sponsor's consent to stay in the UK under this route.

All applicants will be subject to identity, criminality and security checks.

What sorts of questions will I be asked?

They have designed the application process to be as simple as possible. 

Make sure you have the following information to hand when you apply:

• CAS number 
• Address details of where you have been living for the last 2 years (including dates)
• Name, address and contact number of your landlord (if you are renting)
• Details of any periods of 2 weeks or more spent outside of the UK 
• Details of periods spent in any other country in the last 10 years
• Details of any medical treatment in the UK (including visits to the doctor)
• NI Number (if applicable)
• Driving licence number (if applicable)

How long will it take to process the application?

You should get a decision within 8 weeks, but as with all visa applications, you should not to make any plans to leave the UK until a decision has been made and you have received your BRP/Digital status.

How long is this visa granted for?

If the application is successful, undergraduate and postgraduate students will be given 2 years.

PhD graduates will be given 3 years.

The period of leave should be granted from the date of the decision.

Can I apply for an extension or for another GV?

No.  This is a once in a lifetime visa. 

Graduates will only be eligible for one GV visa.    Once a student has been given a GV they cannot apply for an extension or apply for another one even if they do more eligible study.

If you are granted a GV but are subsequently unable to work or you decide to leave the UK for any period you will not able be able to request an extension. 

What type of work will I be able to do? 

Most types of employment, self-employment and voluntary work are allowed.  Working as a professional sportsperson is prohibited.

Full-time or part-time work and does not need to be linked to your degree and  there is no minimum wage requirement.

The GV is an unsponsored route – i.e. you don’t need to have an employer to sponsor you.  You do not need a new CAS or a COS to apply.

Although the Home Office has stated that work at any skill level will be allowed they have also implied that this route could be closed if evidence suggests that it is being used to obtain jobs it regards as 'low skilled', which is what happened with Tier 1 (Post-study Work).  For an idea of the type of jobs the Home Office thinks of as 'skilled', see Appendix Skilled Occupations of the Immigration Rules, which sets out job titles, descriptions and wages required for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.

Can I work full-time whilst my application is being decided?

If you are a Student/Tier 4 visa holder you will initially be able to work in the UK full-time once you have completed your studies, your completion date is defined as the completion date of your course stated on your CAS statement. You will be able to work for a maximum of 4 months after the completion date of your course or up until the expiry of your visa, whichever is soonest.

You will still be under the same Tier 4/Student restrictions on the type of work you can undertake during this period e.g. not being able to fill a full-time permanent vacancy.

Can I stay in the UK after my GV ends?

You will be able to apply to switch from this route into skilled work if you find a job that meets the requirements of the Skilled Worker route.

As previously mentioned you cannot apply to extend this visa or apply for a new GV if you undertake further study.

The GV does not count towards permanent residency requirements (settlement) for ILTR applications.

Can I study on the GV?

This visa is given to enable you to work in the UK.   The ability to study will be limited.  You should be permitted to undertake 'supplementary' study.

If the study is with an education provider who is also a student route sponsor and the study you want to do meets the approved qualification and level of study requirements of the Student route then you will not be allowed to study with a GV – in those instances, you would need to apply for a Student visa.

Will I be able to switch back to the Student Route from the UK at the end of my GV visa?

GV visa holders may switch to a Student Visa from the UK as long as there are no more than 28 days between your GV expiry date and your new course start date. Certain visa holders cannot switch onto a Student visa from the UK. 

Will other visa routes be affected?

The Home Office has closed the Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES) now the Graduate route has opened.  

GV visa holder may switch to the Innovator Founder route in the UK if you intend to start a business. You will need to be endorsed by an approved endorsing body.

*** REMINDER ***

The information on this page should not be relied on to establish eligibility.  

You are always advised to check Home Office guidance prior to making any application as the rules are subject to change.  Please refer to the Home Office guidance: Appendix Graduate in the Immigration Rules and the Graduate Caseworker Guidance

 The UK Council for International Student Affairs ( UKCISA ) also has information on their website which you may find useful.  For a short time, students can access their webinar recording on eligibility, how to apply and what the Graduate Route allows applicants to do.

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Post Study Work (PSW) Visa UK: The Graduate Route

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Cruise into the graduate route

Students from all over the world migrate to the UK for the chance to study at some of the best universities in the world. Over 600,000 international students flock to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland every year to pursue their undergraduate degrees, postgraduate degrees, and PhDs. After completing their education, students often want the chance to work in the UK for a couple of years. The UK post study work visa offers you that chance and has a point-based immigration system to streamline the visa process for international students. Applying can seem daunting at first, but we’ve broken down every step of the process so you can start your journey with ease. 

What is the UK graduate route?

Before the UK’s new immigration system was introduced, it was incredibly difficult for international students to find work in the country after their courses. However, with the new visa, students can apply for a post study work permit that allows them to stay in the country for up to 2 or 3 years after completing their studies. 

This is an unsponsored visa, meaning that you do not need to have a job offer in hand to be eligible to apply. This visa cannot be extended and does not lead to permanent settlement in the UK. You do not need to show any English language proficiency, nor must you provide any proof of funds. 

What is the difference between a graduate and PSW Visa?

The United Kingdom has established the “Graduate Visa” (PSW Visa) or the “UK Graduate Visa” (Graduate Route). This visa  allows international students who have successfully completed their graduation at a UK higher education institution to stay and work in the UK for a set amount of time after theyv have completed their studies. The following  are the key differences between a graduate and a PSW visa:

1. Name and purpose

Graduate Visa : This is a catch-all name for visas issued by several nations that allow international graduates to stay and work after finishing their education.

UK Graduate Visa : This is a special visa category created by the UK government to keep talented international graduates and allow them to obtain work experience in the UK once they complete their education.

2. Eligibility Criteria

Graduate Visa : The requirements for a graduate visa may differ from one country to the next. In general, a degree or higher qualification from an accredited educational institution in the host nation is required.

UK Graduate Visa : Student smust have an approved or finished degree at a higher education institution with a track record of complying with UK immigration regulations may be one of the specified requirements.

3. Duration of Stay and Work Rights

Graduate Visa : The duration of stay and employment rights connected with a graduate visa are determined by the host country's immigration regulations.

UK Graduate Visa : As of my latest update, the UK Graduate Route enabled international students to stay and work in the UK for a maximum of two years (for undergraduate and master's degree holders) or three years (for Ph.D. graduates). During this time, visa holders were permitted to work or seek employment without the need for a sponsor.

UK Graduate Route Eligibility Requirements

Most international students will be eligible to apply. Some of the basic eligibility requirements are: 

• Qualification: You must have completed a UK bachelor's degree, master's degree, or a Ph.D. from a recognised university or higher education institution.
• Study location: Your degree must have been awarded by a UK higher education institution with a track record of compliance with immigration requirements.
• Visa type: You must have a valid Tier 4 or Student visa at the time of application or have completed your course within the last two years.
• Course completion: You must have successfully completed your degree course and obtained your degree from a recognised UK university or higher education institution.
• Validity: You must apply for the UK post study work visa within two years of the date you completed your degree, or within two years of the date you were granted your Tier 4 or Student visa.
• English language proficiency : You must meet the English language requirements. You can do this by either passing an approved English language test or by having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree or higher.
• Financial requirements: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds. The amount of money you need will depend on your circumstances.
• Good character: You must not have a criminal record and must not have breached UK immigration laws.

Required degrees for applying for a PSW Visa

To apply for a PSW Visa you must have finished the following courses or degrees:

• A Bachelor’s Degree.
• A Master’s Degree.
• PhD or higher doctoral degree in any field.
• A law conversion course approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
• Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland.
• Legal Practice Course in England or Wales.
• Bar Practice Course in England and Wales, or Bar Course in Northern Ireland.
• A professional legal practice diploma in Scotland.
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
• Foundation program in medicine or dentistry.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Education.
• Any course regulated by UK law or a UK public body.

Documents required to apply for the graduate route visa

The most important documents needed for your application are:

• A valid passport
• Your most recent CAS letter (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) 
• A biometric residence permit or BRP
• Documents from your education loan provider (if any)

If you want to travel in London like a localite, you can check out our ultimate guide to UK transportation blog.

What is a BRP?

BRP is a Biometrics Residence Permit used to confirm the identity of someone residing in the UK. It is also used to authenticate your right to study and ability to use any public services or benefits. Your BRP will include the following details:

• Date of Birth
• Place of Birth
• Fingerprints
• Photo of your face
• Immigration status
• Any additional benefits you have access to

Who can apply?

You’ll be eligible to apply for the PSW visa if you meet the following requirements:

• If you have been staying in the UK with a student visa.
• If you’ve studied a UK course(bachelor degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible courses) for a minimum of 12 months with your student visa.
• If your college or university can offer proof to the Home Office that you’ve successfully graduated.

How can you apply for the graduate route visa

The process has been made entirely digital and can be completed online. If your application goes smoothly and is approved, you will be issued an eVisa. 

Steps to apply:

• Visit GOV.UK  and click on “Start Now”
• Go through the guidelines carefully and create your account
• Verify your identity with your BRP or biometric passport
• Fill out the application form
• Upload your documents 
• Pay an application fee
• Pay a healthcare surcharge

When to apply?

Before your student visa expires, you must apply for the PSW Visa. You can apply once your university or college has informed the Home Office that you have completed the course you were enrolled in with your student visa. You must prove your identity and give your documentation as part of your application. 

Associated Costs

When you apply for the Post study work visa, you have to pay the following fee:

Check to see if you’re qualified for the Health and Care Worker Visa instead if you’re a doctor or nurse, or if you work in health or adult social care. It is less expensive to apply for, and there is no annual immigration health surcharge.

Processing Time

After you’ve successfully submitted your application, it will be assessed by the UKVI and they’ll get back to you within 4-8 weeks of biometrics processing. Many students are being contacted a week early during the lean processing times, so you can surely expect to get an answer soon. If you’re

Switching to a Different Visa

If you find a job, you’ll have to meet the eligibility criteria of the specific work visa if you’re planning to switch visas. Then you simply need to apply for another visa through the UK Government Website and UKVACS.

Terms and conditions for the PSW Visa

Once you’ve graduated and received your UK graduate work visa, you’re bound to follow these listed conditions:

• You are permitted to pursue additional education, but you’re not allowed to study with a student sponsor on a degree that would meet the requirements of the UK student visa, nor are you permitted to attend a public school
• You cannot bring new dependents 
• You’re not allowed to apply for the state pension or public funds
• Permission under the graduate route can only be granted once
• You’re not allowed to work as a sportsperson

How does Post Study Work Visa UK work?

The UK post study work visa is a type of visa that allows international students to stay in the UK for up to 2 years after completing their degree. It was introduced in 2020, and it is aimed at attracting the brightest and the best international students to study and work in the UK. 

• Duration: The UK post study Work Visa is valid for up to 2 years or up to 3 years for Ph.D. graduates.
• Work: During the validity of the UK post study work visa, you can work in any job or profession, including self-employment. You do not need a job offer to apply for a visa.
• Switching: If you are in the UK on a different visa, such as a Tier 2 Visa or a Student Visa, you can switch to the UK post study work visa if you meet the eligibility criteria.
• Settlement: The PSW visa UK does not lead to a settlement or permanent residency in the UK. However, it can provide you with valuable work experience and enhance your career prospects.
• Dependents: You can bring your dependents, such as your spouse or children, to the UK on a UK post study work visa.

What are the benefits of the UK post study work visa?

• Opportunity to gain work experience: The PSW  visa UK allows international students to work in the UK after they have completed their studies. This provides them with an opportunity to gain valuable work experience in their field of study, which can be beneficial for their future career prospects.
• Time to find a suitable job: The PSW visa allows international students to stay in the UK for two years after completing their studies, giving them ample time to find a suitable job. This is particularly beneficial for students who may not have secured a job offer before completing their studies.
• Chance to earn money : The PSW visa UK allows international students to work in the UK, which gives them an opportunity to earn money to support themselves financially. This can be especially beneficial for students who may have taken out loans to finance their studies.
• Opportunity to explore other career options: The PSW visa UK allows international students to explore other career options in the UK. They may discover new fields of interest or find a job that allows them to use their existing skills in a different way.
• Pathway to settlement: The PSW visa UK is a pathway to settlement in the UK. If international students are able to find a suitable job and meet the requirements for a work visa, they may be able to apply for permanent residency in the UK.

Kickstart your journey post-study with the UK PSW Visa!

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 What to do after the UK Post Study Work Visa Ends?

• Switch to a different visa category: You could switch to a different visa category if you are eligible. For example, if you have a job offer from a UK employer, you could apply for a Tier 2 visa. Alternatively, if you are married to a UK citizen or have a partner who is settled in the UK, you could apply for a Spouse or Partner visa.
• Extend your current visa: If you are eligible, you may be able to extend your current visa. For example, if you are on a Tier 4 (General) student visa, you may be able to extend it if you have an offer from a licensed Tier 2 sponsor or a start-up endorsed by an authorized endorsing body.
• Apply for a graduate job: If you are interested in staying in the UK, you could apply for a graduate job. If you find a job with a licensed Tier 2 sponsor, you could apply for a Tier 2 visa.

There’s everything you need to know about the graduate visa UK! We hope you’ve found this helpful and can now confidently begin your application. This visa offers up a world of possibilities for any international student currently in the UK. You can check out our blog to know more about student discounts in the UK . Grab this opportunity while you can! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you work on a post study visa uk, is uk removing psw in 2024, who is eligible for 2 year post study work visa uk, what happens after 2 years post study work visa in uk, what is the new rule for psw in uk.

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• Immigration & settlement

12 September, 2022

Graduate visa route: information for international students, about brighton.

Post Study Work (PSW) permission to stay under the Graduate immigration route will enable international students to work or look for work after their studies for 2 years for bachelors and masters, or 3 years for PhD students. The work can be in any sector and at any level without any minimum salary requirements or the need for visa sponsorship. This route will facilitate some amazing benefits to international students .

Here in this article, we have compiled some frequently asked questions and provided answers for those as a guide to the graduate visa route for international students.

Q: What are the eligible courses for UK Graduate Visa?

To be eligible for Graduate Visa, you must study one of the following courses

• a UK bachelor’s degree
• a UK master’s degree
• a UK PhD or doctorate

You can also apply if you completed any of the following

• a law conversion course i.e. PGDL approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
• the Legal Practice Course (LPC) in England and Wales, the Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland, or a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland
• the Bar Practice Course (BTC) in England and Wales, or the Bar Course in Northern Ireland
• a foundation programme in Medicine or Dentistry
• a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
• a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)

You may also be able to apply if passing your course made you eligible for a job that’s regulated by UK law or a UK public authority . Your education provider can tell you if your course is eligible.

Q: What are the eligible education/course providers (college/universities) for Graduate Visa?

For you to be eligible to apply for Graduate Visa, your education provider for your course must be a licensed sponsor with a ‘track record of compliance’. Check your provider’s standing if it is showing “Student Sponsor - Track Record” status on the UKVI Register of student sponsors .

Q: Will I still be eligible to apply for Graduate Visa if I changed/switched my course?

If you changed or switched course, you are still eligible to apply but only if you were authorised to change or switch course by your education providerand you did not need to apply for extra or new permission of your current student visa for this change/switch.

Q: Which graduate students are not eligible to apply for Graduate visa?

The following students will not be eligible to apply for the Graduate Visa

• Students in receipt of a Chevening Scholarship
• Students who have previously had a Doctorate Extension Scheme
• Students who have previously had a Graduate Visa

Q: How much does it cost to apply for the Graduate Visa?

There are 2 types of costs that you will need to pay when you apply for your Graduate Visa (you will need to pay the same amount for each eligible dependent).

• £715 application fee
• £1,248 (£624 X 2) IHS fee for 2 years / £1,872 (£624 X 3) IHS fee for 3 years

Q: When can I apply for the Graduate Visa?

You must apply for the Graduate Visa before your current student visa expires. Once your education provider confirms you that you have completed and successfully passed your course and you are eligible to apply for your Graduate Visa, you can apply any time before your current student visa expiry date. You need to be inside the UK to apply.

If your student visa expires and you submit other type of extension application for which you have received or yet to receive a decision from Home Office, you will not qualify for Graduate Visa application.

You will not be eligible to apply for the Graduate Visa, if you did not get your result for your degree and you left the UK before your visa expiry and wish to apply for Graduate Visa from outside the UK when your result comes out with successful completion of your degree.

Q: Do I need a job offer to apply for the Graduate Visa?

No, You do not need any job offer to apply for the graduate visa. The permission will be for you to work, or look for work, in any area and at any skill level withoutneeding to have an offer of work before you apply under the route. An employer will not need tosponsor you for the Graduate route.

Q: Do I need to provide any evidence of maintenance funds to apply for graduate visa?

No, you do not need to provide any evidence of maintenance funds i.e. bank statement to apply for graduate visa.

Q: Will I need permission from my official financial sponsor to apply?

You will need permission from your official financial sponsor (i.e. Government, employer, International Scholarship Organisation etc.) if you have:

• in the 12 months before the date of your application for the Graduate route been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship and
• the award is from a Government or international scholarship agency and
• The award covers both fees and living costs

Then you will need to provide their written consent for you to apply for the Graduate route when youapply. Unless all the points above apply you don’t need permission from your funder to apply.

Q: How long does it take to get a decision for Graduate Visa application?

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 8 weeks.You can stay in the UK while you wait for a decision even after your current student/T4 student visa expired.

Q: Can I study a course when I am on the Graduate Visa?

Graduate visa is given to enable you to work in the UK. The ability to study will be limited. You can only study with a Graduate visa if your chosen course is not eligible for a Student visa. If you are eager to study a course that is eligible for a Student visa, you can extend your Student visa instead.

Q: Can I work in more than one job whilst on the Graduate Visa?

Yes, unlike a sponsored work route such as Skilled Worker, the Graduate route is not tied to a specific job or employer. Whilst you hold Graduate route leave you are able to have multiple jobs at any skill level. The only restriction is that you are not able to work as a professional sportsperson or coach.

Q: Can my dependents apply as Graduate Visa dependents?

Students whose dependants are already with them in the UK on a student dependant visa are allowed to apply as Graduate Visa dependents. A child born during the validity period of your most recent student visa is also eligible to apply.

Your dependents (if they are not in the UK as your student dependents) are not eligible to apply for entry clearance for Graduate Visa dependents from overseas.

Q: Will I be able to switch back to the Student Visa at the end of my Graduate Visa?

Yes, you will be able to switch back to the Student Visa at the end of your Graduate Visa. If your new course start date is within 28 days of your Graduate Visa expiry date, then you will be able to switch to the Student Visa from inside the UK. If the time gap between the new course start date and your graduate visa expiry date is more than 28 days, then you will have to go outside the UK and apply for a new student visa.

Q: What UK visa options I will have if I want to stay longer in the UK at the end of my Graduate Visa?

If you want to stay longer in the UK at the end of your Graduate Visa, you can

• switch back to student visa
• switch to Skilled Worker Visa
• switch to dependent visa of another migrant in the UK

Q: How many times I can apply for graduate visa?

You will be granted a UK Graduate visa only once. For clarification, if you switch to Student Visa at the end of the Graduate Visa granted and study another eligible course, complete the degree successfully and intend to apply for a Graduate Visa again, you will not qualify for it.

Q: Will time on the Graduate Visa be counted towards indefinite leave to remain (settlement)?

Yes, if you remain in the UK continuously for a long time under different visa types including (Student visa and Graduate Visa) then time on the Graduate Route will be counted towards the 10-year residence route and you will be eligible to apply for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain), UK settlement visa.

Time on the graduate route does not count towards a five year settlement route.

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Graduate visa

If you want to stay in the UK after finishing your studies then you could be eligible for the Graduate Visa, find out more about your post-study visa options.

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Benefits of Choosing IAS For Your Work Visa

Our team of immigration lawyers can provide the right support to ensure you secure a work visa for yourself or your employees.

Your immigration lawyer will consider your case and offer bespoke advice, and they will advise you on the optimum route to take to achieve your desired result.

By working with IAS for your or your employee’s work visa, you make sure that you have an expert eye and hands on your case to boost your chances of success.

We ensure you are applying for the most suitable work visa to boost your chances of success.

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What is the Graduate Visa?

The Graduate Visa, also known as the ‘Graduate Route’ is a new post-study immigration route that opened on 1 July 2021 to international students who have finished their studies in the UK.

The Graduate visa allows student visa holders to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after they have successfully completed their course of study. The Graduate route has replaced the Doctorate Extension Scheme and international students who have a PhD or other doctoral qualification will be able to stay for at least 3 years.

This visa is a post-study work visa that gives you the right to both live and work in the UK. The Graduate Visa cannot be extended but if you wish to remain in the UK after your visa expires you could be eligible to switch to the  Skilled Worker Visa  instead.

Eligibility requirements for the Graduate Route

To be eligible for the Graduate Visa you must be able to meet a number of certain requirements, you could be eligible if you:

• Are currently in the UK
• Hold a valid  Student Visa  (Including the old Tier 4 Student Visa)
• Have studied on an eligible course
• Have successfully completed your course of study in the UK

You will need to have studied at an educational institution that is a licensed sponsor and you will need to have studied for 12 months or the full length of your course, whichever is shorter.

Eligible courses include:

• Bachelor’s degrees
• Master’s degrees
• PhD or doctorates
• Law conversion courses that have been approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
• The Legal Practice Course in England and Wales, the Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland, or a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland
• The Bar Practice Course in England and Wales, or the Bar Course in Northern Ireland
• Foundation programmes in medicine or dentistry
• Postgraduate Certificates in Education (PGCE)
• Postgraduate Diplomas in Education (PGDE)

How to apply for a post-study work visa

You must apply for the Graduate Visa before your student visa expires. You can apply as soon as your course provider has informed you that you have successfully completed your course of study, you do not need to wait until you have officially graduated.

You must apply online whilst you are in the UK, you can do this by using the online application form available on the  gov.uk website . As well as filling in the application form, you will also need to prove your identity as part of your Graduate Visa application. If you are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can usually do this by scanning your passport or national identity card on the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app. If you are from a country outside the EU or EEA you can prove your identity by scanning your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) in the app. If you cannot scan your BRP then you will need to attend an appointment to have your biometric information taken (your photograph and fingerprints).

Once you have completed the application form and proven your identity you can expect to receive a decision about your visa application within 8 weeks.

Required documents

When making your Graduate Visa application, there are a number of documents that you will need to provide, these include:

• A valid passport or another travel document that shows your identity and nationality
• Your biometric residence permit (BRP), if you were given one when you applied for your Student or Tier 4 student visa
• Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from when you applied for your Student visa

If in the last 12 months a Government, international scholarship agency or other sponsor has paid for your course fees or living costs then you will also be required to submit a letter from your scholarship or sponsorship provider alongside your application.

What can you do on a Graduate Visa?

The Graduate route allows you to stay in the UK for 2 years (3 years if you have a PhD or other doctoral qualifications). Whilst in the UK, graduate visa holders can work in most jobs, be self-employed, look for work, travel freely in and out of the UK, volunteer and can continue to live with eligible family members.

The Graduate route does however come with some limitations. Graduate Visa holders will not be able to apply for most benefits or the state pension and cannot work as a professional sportsperson.

Switching from a Graduate Visa

The Graduate Visa cannot be extended, however, if you would like to continue living in the UK after your Graduate Visa expires, you could be eligible to switch to other types of UK visas such as the Skilled Worker Visa.

To be eligible for the Skilled Worker route you must have a job offer from a registered UK sponsor company, you will also need to meet other eligibility criteria like the minimum salary requirements. As a Skilled Worker, you will be able to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years, after which your visa can be extended or you could be eligible to apply for  Indefinite Leave to Remain .

Other visas that you could be eligible for include:

• The  Health and Care Visa  – if you’re a medical professional who has been offered a job with the NHS
• The  Start-up Visa  – If you plan to start an innovative business in the UK
• A  partner visa  – if you are married to, in a civil partnership with, or in a long-term relationship with a British citizen or settled person

Get in touch with our expert immigration lawyers to receive assistance with your Graduate Visa application.

Graduate Visa refusal

As one of the newer UK visas, the process for dealing with a Graduate Visa refusal is similar to the other routes. Some of the most common reasons for a Graduate Visa refusal include the following:

• Applying from outside the UK (you must apply for this visa inside the UK)
• Failing to provide proof of your identity
• Not holding the correct immigration status
• Failing to submit the correct supporting documents
• The applicant doesn’t respond to Home Office requests for further information
• You do not have a job offer from an eligible Home Office-approved sponsor at the required skill level
• You cannot provide evidence that your job will meet the minimum salary threshold (typically at least £29,000 or the going rate for the job)
• You do not have the required level of English language skills (B1 on the CEFR Scale)

If your visa is refused, you may be eligible to apply for an administrative review. You must submit your request for administrative review within the given timelines in your refusal letter (usually 14 days).

The potential outcomes of an administrative review include:

• The review is successful and the Home Office withdraws their decision
• The decision is maintained for the original reasons given
• The decision is maintained but for different reasons

The best course of action could be to work with an experienced immigration lawyer to discuss your case and develop a course of action based on your circumstances. If you need support or advice with your case, contact our expert immigration lawyers today for further advice and support.

How can IAS help?

The graduate route is very new to the UK immigration system which means it can be difficult to work out exactly how to make a successful application. Here at IAS, our lawyers are trained in all the latest changes to the UK’s immigration system, including the new graduate route.

We can assist you with every step of the graduate route application process, from assessing whether you are eligible to apply, to helping you complete the application form accurately and gather all of your supporting documents. Our lawyers have a track record of success when it comes to UK visa applications, they will ensure that your application is completed to the highest standard.

For more information about the immigration services that our lawyers provide, get in touch with our team today on  0330 828 4126  .

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone.

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the graduate immigration route.

To be eligible to apply for the Graduate Visa you must have successfully completed an eligible course of study in the UK. As well as the successful completion of a course you must also currently be in the UK on a valid student route visa, which can include both the new Student Visa and the old Tier 4 Student visa.

How much is the graduate visa?

The application fee for the Graduate Visa is £715. As well as the application fee you will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which usually costs £624 per year. The Health Surcharge is a mandatory fee that will allow you to access the UK’s health service, the NHS.

Can you work while waiting for a graduate visa?

You should apply for your graduate visa before your student visa expires, whilst waiting for a decision on your graduate visa application you will remain subject to the immigration rules of your student visa, this means that you can work but are limited to the hours you can work and jobs you can do. Your graduate visa will be valid from the day that it is approved, from then you can work in most jobs and switch between jobs.

How long does the graduate visa take?

Once you apply for the Graduate Visa you can expect to receive a decision about your application within 8 weeks. Once your visa application has been approved your Graduate Visa will be valid for 2 years, or 3 years for PhD students or those with other doctoral qualifications.

Can my family members join me in the UK?

Yes, family members in the UK who already have immigration status as a student dependent can apply to stay as dependents on your Graduate Visa. Family members that can qualify as dependents include partners and children.

Each family member will need to complete a separate online application and will also need to pay the application fee and health surcharge.

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Post Study Work (PSW) Visa

Earlier this year, the UK government has announced the Graduate Immigration Route which is also known as Post Study Work (PSW) visa. The route is presented as a flagship policy of the UK government and is aimed at making the UK more attractive to international students. The new Post Study Work (PSW) visa is a rebirth of Tier 1 (Post Study Worker) route, which was discontinued back in 2012.

What is the new Graduate Route visa?

The Graduate Route is a new UK post-study work visa to be introduced for international students graduating in summer 2021 or later. It will allow you to live and work in the UK for up to  two years  after a Masters, or  three years  after a PhD.

Who will be eligible for a Graduate Route / Post Study Work (PSW) visa?

The Graduate Route is intended to be available to anyone graduating from a UK degree who holds a Tier 4 visa when the system is introduced in 2021. The new Graduate Route will be available to postgraduate students who hold a valid Tier 4 visa at the end of one of the following courses:

• A  one-year Masters  beginning in the 2020-21 academic year or later
• A  two-year Masters  beginning in the 2019-20 academic year or later
• A  three-year Masters  (or longer)  or  a  PhD  beginning in the 2018-19 academic year or later

Key points of Post Study Work (PSW) visa

• The Graduate Immigration Route will be available to international students who have completed a degree at undergraduate level or above at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance and who have a valid Tier 4 visa at the time of application.
• Successful applicants on this route will be able to stay and work or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for a maximum period of two years. Graduates will be able to switch into skilled work once they have found a suitable job.
• The new route will be launched in the summer of 2021, meaning that any eligible student who graduates in the summer of 2021 or after will be able to apply for the route. This includes students who have already started their courses. Universities will also be able to attract students starting in the 2020/21 academic year on the basis that they will benefit.
• The launch of the route demonstrates the government’s support for our education sector, and commitment to the International Education Strategy, which sets out our ambition to increase education exports to £35 billion and the number of international higher education students to 600,000 by 2030.
• The graduate immigration route will require a new application.
• It will include the payment of a visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. The exact fee will be set out in due course.
• Those who graduate and whose Tier 4 leave expires before the route is introduced will not be eligible, however, most of these students will have had no expectation of benefitting from such a route when they applied to study in the UK.

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Graduate immigration route • skilled worker route • other routes, graduate immigration route.

This Graduate route visa (also referred to as Post Study Work visa) allows graduates of eligible courses to stay and work in the UK after completing studies. You can find the application and guidance on the UK Government website . 

Your application does not need sponsorship or any endorsement by an employer or by Sheffield Hallam. The key requirement when you apply is that you have a UK degree that you received during your current period of Tier 4 visa or Student visa. You can only apply in the UK, and the visa is granted for two years (for undergraduate or postgraduates) or three years (for PhD graduates). Please note that Masters fall back awards of PgD and PgC are not eligible for Graduate route applications .

Once you have received your final results from the awarding board (and can see the final transcript on My Student Record ), the University will inform the UKVI of your successful completion. You will receive an email confirming this within 10 working days of the ratification board. The notification email will be sent to both your Sheffield Hallam and personal email addresses. Once you have received this you can apply for the Graduate route visa. Please be aware that provisional results (feedback on Blackboard) do not meet the eligibility criteria for the Graduate route visa.

You must not submit your application until you have received confirmation from the University that your course completion has been reported to the Home Office. 

The Graduate route allows any work with any employer and self-employment, except work as a professional sportsperson or coach. This route does not count towards the 5-year settlement route, however it does allow switching to other work routes - including access to tradeable points for new entrant in Skilled Worker route. Read further information about the conditions of stay .

Only dependants that are already in the UK as your Tier 4 or Student dependant (partner and/or child under 18) can apply as a dependant under the Graduate route . This means that if your dependants are outside the UK, and you wish for them to receive the Graduate route leave alongside you, they must join you under the Student route first.

Book a place on one of our Graduate Work Visa sessions to learn more and ask any questions you might have. Please make sure you read the Graduate Route guidance on the UKCISA website   before attending a workshop with the International Experience Team.

Skilled Worker

In order to apply under the Skilled Worker route, you need sponsorship by a licensed employer to do a specific job that meets minimum levels of skill and salary.

UKCISA has guidance for the Skilled Worker route specifically tailored to those who have studied in the UK with a Tier 4 or Student route visa, and who now wish to apply under the Skilled Worker route either in the UK or in their home country. You can only switch to Skilled Worker visa after the date of course completion as per your last CAS.

There are specialist routes within the Skilled Worker route, including  Health and Care Worker visa , that have reduced application costs and fast track processing if you have a sponsorship for one of the eligible jobs .

If you apply in the UK under the Skilled Worker route, you can typically start work as soon as you have applied.

The Skilled Worker visa is specific to the job role and employer, therefore if you change either you will need to make a new application. The route allows dependants to join you from home or switch your visa in the UK.

Skilled worker route counts towards the 5-year settlement route.

The International Experience Advisers, who specialise in student immigration applications, are unable to offer one-to-one advice on applications but we can help explain the rules. If you are instructing a solicitor for one-to-one support, make sure they are a member of ILPA (Immigration Law Practitioners Association ) .

Please note that it is against the law in the UK to pay someone to find them a job . Genuine agencies get paid by the employer, not the employee/potential employee. Job agencies and websites should not ask you to pay for help in applying for or getting work. The UK Government has guidance on what you can expect from an employer when you look for a job. Take note of  your rights and safety when looking for a job. Do not take a job if you have doubts about the employer and how they will treat you.

Other Routes

There are several routes into working in the UK. Graduate route, Skilled Worker route and Health and Social Care Worker routes are most popular with students.

You can find all the options listed on the UK Government website under Work Visas , and the UKCISA website under Working After Studies . These include some routes that do not require a sponsorship or those for working for an overseas employer. There are some Temporary Work options that may be of interest to you. Also, you can look out for information on British National Overseas, UK Ancestry and Family routes if you are eligible.

The International Experience Team offers guidance on the choices available to international graduates wishing to work in the UK after studies, and support with visa applications. However, we are unable to offer case advice for non-study related routes. If you are instructing a solicitor for help, make sure they are a member of ILPA (Immigration Law Practitioners Association ) .

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PSW Visa UK: Graduate Visa

The Graduate Visa allows eligible international students to stay in the UK for at least 2 years following their graduation. This is a new post-study work (PSW) visa route which, unlike existing PSW visas, does not require applicants to have already secured a job.

What is a Graduate Visa?

The Graduate Immigration Route was introduced as a new PSW Visa in the UK. It provides international students already in the UK on a Student Visa with the opportunity to stay in the UK for up to 2 years following their graduation . Unlike other PSW Visas, the Graduate Immigration Route is unsponsored, meaning that applicants do not need a job offer to be able to apply to the Graduate Immigration Route. 

This new PSW Visa addresses the skills shortages which have been caused by the UK’s departure from the EU as the Graduate Immigration Route encourages talented graduates to remain in the UK. For employers, the Graduate visa is particularly valuable as unlike other UK work visas, there is not a minimum salary or sponsorship requirement which must be adhered to (except from the National Minimum Wage).

Besides the financial benefits for the Graduate Immigration Route, companies are to benefit from training new talent and are able to recruit strategically, particularly targeting those overseas markets where your business has or is gearing up to explore. 

Who is eligible for a UK Graduate Visa?

To be eligible for the Graduate Visa, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You are applying to the Graduate Route from inside of the UK .
• You are currently in the UK on either a Student Visa or a Tier 4 (General) Visa .
• You have a UK bachelor’s or postgraduate degree (or you have completed another eligible course).
• The place in which you obtained the qualification has informed the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course .

The course you studied

In order to be eligible for the Graduate visa, you must have   successfully completed the course you were doing whilst in the UK on your Student Visa or Tier 4 Student Visa .

The course you successfully completed in the UK must fall in one of the following categories:

• A UK bachelor’s degree .
• A UK master’s degree .
• A UK PhD or doctorate .
• A law conversion course approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
• The LPC (Legal Practice Course) in England or Wales. Alternatively, you can have completed the Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland or a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland.
• A foundation programme in either dentistry or medicine .
• A PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education).
• A PGDE (Postgraduate Diploma in Education).

Speak to an immigration lawyer

If you would like to know more about Graduate Visa options, then please get in touch with us to speak to an expert immigration lawyer.

The Graduate Visa Application Process

Do you need a job to apply for the graduate visa uk.

No, you do not need a job to apply for the Graduate Visa UK.

To apply for the Graduate Visa you are required to meet the eligibility requirements laid out which includes successfully completing an eligible course in the UK whilst on a Student Visa or Tier 4 Student Visa.

How to apply to the Graduate Immigration Route

An application for a Graduate Visa must be made online whilst you are in the UK.

As part of the application process, you will be required to create an account with UKVI and confirm your identity using the UK Immigration ID Check app . To be able to do this, you will be required to use either your Biometric Residence Permit or Card (BRP/BRC) or your biometric passport if you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen). You can read more about using the UK Immigration ID Check app to confirm your identity here . If you are unable to confirm your identity using the UK Immigration ID Check app, then you will be required to attend an in-person biometrics appointment at a UKVCAS centre.

When applying for a Graduate Visa, you will also be required to provide the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number which is on your current Student Visa or Tier 4 Visa. If you cannot find your CAS number, then contact your university. 

How long does it take for a Graduate Visa to be approved?

The majority of applicants receive a decision on their Graduate Immigration Route application within 8 weeks of verifying their identity (either through the app or by attending a UKVCAS centre). However, the processing times can be shorter or longer due to a range of factors. 

What happens after you apply for a Graduate Visa

If your application for a Graduate Visa is approved you will receive an email which contains information of your digital status (eVisa) and a PDF copy of your decision letter.

You are able to view your immigration status here by using the details from the UKVI account you created as part of the application process.

How long can I stay in the UK under the Graduate Immigration Route?

With a Graduate Visa, PhD graduates are able to stay in the UK for 3 years and all other graduates are able to stay in the UK for 2 years .

Graduate Visa Fees

It costs £822 to apply to the Graduate Immigration Route . However, in addition to the application fee, you are also required to pay the immigration health surcharge which costs £1035 per year.

The immigration health surcharge is a compulsory payment and it grants you access to a range of NHS services whilst in the UK.

Correct at time of writing - 6th February 2024

How can Paragon Law help?

At Paragon Law, our team of expert business immigration solicitors have a vast amount of experience helping international graduates and global talent to come to the UK to work and live. For over 20 years, our team of immigration solicitors have been providing knowledgeable and reliable immigration advice to graduates to enable them to seamlessly settle in the UK. 

Employment and the Graduate Visa

Under the Graduate Immigration Route, you are able to undertake any type of work in the UK (except as a professional sportsperson)  and it does not have to be related to the qualification you gained with your Student or Tier 4 visa.

Students are not required to wait for a decision on their Graduate visa application to be made before their start work. Instead, under the Graduate Immigration Route individuals are able to begin working full time as soon as they have completed their course. During the time of finishing their course and awaiting a decision, the student’s Student visa will automatically be extended . However, employers will be required to carry out an Employer Checking Service (ECS) check and obtain a positive verification (PVN) from the Home Office. By doing so they are ensuring that the student has made an in-time Graduate visa application and that they have the right to work in the UK.

As part of the right to work check , you will be required to provide your employer with a share code as this will prove your status. Employers will then use the share code and your date of birth to check your right to work . 

A note for employers: the right to work check must be done in the presence of the graduate (in-person or virtually) in order to check that the online photo is that of the graduate. You will then need to save the online profile page as a hard copy or electronically as a PDF.

How does the Graduate Immigration Route benefit employers?

There are numerous ways in which employers can benefit from employing a Graduate Visa holder:

• Unlike other PSW visas, the Graduate Immigration Route   requires the student to apply and pay for the application , as opposed to the employer. 
• There are   no minimum salary requirements   in employing Graduate Visa holders other than national minimum wage.
• It allows companies to be strategic in their recruitment , enabling businesses to target those overseas markets in which they are wishing to explore.

As an employer, can I refuse someone who has a Graduate Visa?

An employer cannot refuse an application from someone on a time-limited visa and right to work . To avoid discrimination claims, all applicants should be considered on merit and refusals can only be made on the basis that other candidates were stronger. If this has not been followed then be prepared to justify your decision.

Switching from a Graduate Visa to the Skilled Worker Visa

The   Graduate Visa cannot be extended , therefore, if you wish to remain in the UK you must switch to another appropriate immigration route. The   Skilled Worker Visa  is one immigration route which you may be eligible to switch to. 

In order to be eligible to switch from the Graduate Immigration Route to the Skilled Worker Visa, you must have a job offer from an approved UK sponsor   amongst other requirements . 

Graduate Visa holders who are making the switch to a Skilled Worker Visa will be regarded as a new entrant. Therefore, businesses will benefit from being able to pay them a minimum salary of £20,960 or 70% of the going rate salary (which is higher) for the job they will be carrying out.

A business which possesses a sponsor licence is able to benefit from having access to a broader recruitment pool, therefore, having an opportunity to employ the brightest and best talent regardless of where they are based in the world.

Our fees reflect the service required and the complexities of the case. For a tailored quote please consult one of our immigration lawyers or solicitors. As an immigration law firm, we offer our clients an initial consultation with an immigration lawyer in order to get more detail about your case.

Enquire now about the Graduate Visa

Complete the contact form and one of our immigration advisors will get back to you as soon as they can. Our immigration advisors will be in touch to arrange an initial telephone appointment with one of our immigration lawyers.

Graduate Visa: FAQs

Can i bring dependents with me under the uk graduate route.

If your partner and children were dependants on your UK Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) UK Student Visa, then they can apply to be dependants on your UK Graduate Visa too. Additionally, if you had a child whilst you were in the UK on your Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) Student Visa, they can also apply.

How long can I stay in the UK under the Graduate Route Visa?

With a Graduate Visa, PhD graduates are able to stay in the UK for 3 years and all other graduates are able to stay in the UK for 2 years.

Can I extend the UK Graduate Visa?

No, you cannot extend the UK Graduate Visa. If you wish to remain in the UK you must apply to another appropriate immigration route before your current visa expires.

Individuals who are applying to stay in the UK and have been in the UK for 12 months or more at the time of application won’t have to prove that they meet the financial requirements.

How long does it take to get a UK Graduate Visa?

The majority of applicants will receive a decision within 8 weeks of verifying their identity and providing the relevant documents. However, the UK Graduate Visa processing times can be shorter or longer depending on a range of factors including the complexity of the case and the capacity of the processing centre at the current state of time when applying.

How much does a UK Graduate Visa application cost?

It costs £822 to apply for the UK  Graduate Route. However, all applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which gives them access to select NHS services whilst they are in the UK - the IHS costs £624 per year.

High Potential Individual Visa

If you are the alumni of one of the top global universities (as classified by the UK Government) you may be eligible to apply for the High Potential Individual visa which will enable you to work and live in the UK for at least 2 years.

Visitor Visa

If you are only looking to come to the UK for a short visit and you meet the eligibility requirements then the Visitor visa may be a more appropriate visa for you.

Working in the UK

If you don't meet the eligibility criteria for the Graduate Route visa but still wish to work in the UK, there are other work-related visas available that may better suit your requirements.

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What is the UK Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa?

Everything you should know.

The UK government has recently announced a new post-study work (PSW) visa policy that will allow international students to continue living in the UK for minimum of two after their graduation from universities approved in the UK. This comes as great news, particularly since it gives current and prospective students the opportunity to start off their careers and set long-term goals for themselves in the UK.

Since the UK looks to welcome 600,000 international students per year by 2030, this graduate route contributes greatly to this plan as it is designed to attract international students to study in the UK.

However, there are still many questions regarding the UK post-study work (PSW) visa. Many international students might still have doubts as to how the PSW visa works, who is eligible for it, which students can apply, what happens when the visa expires, if sponsors are required and so on. In this article, we take a quick but comprehensive look at everything graduates and prospective students need to know about the new PSW work visa.

How does the PSW visa work?

International students who have completed an undergraduate degree (or above) are eligible to apply. With this route, Bachelor’s and Master’s students can stay in the UK to work for up to two years after graduation while Doctorate students can stay for three years.

Thanks to the flexibility of this system, students do not need a job offer in order to apply. Neither is there a salary limit and students are free to switch jobs when they need to.

Having said that, the PSW visa does not count for settlement so if you wish to stay in the UK permanently, then you may have to apply for a work visa which doesn’t count towards settlements sooner.

What are the benefits of the UK Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa?

There is no doubt that a UK degree is valuable. But getting UK work experience is priceless. The UK is an amazing place to kick-start a career and securing a job with a recognised organization makes the experience immensely valuable. Here are some quick benefits:

• Rights to work full time and earn a good return on investment
• Opportunity to apply academic learning at the workplace
• Gain transferable skills
• Better networking with professionals
• A greater chance for the Tier 2 work visa by employers
• Flexibility to switch to other visa types

Which category of students can obtain this visa?

Students can apply for the UK Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa when studying for an undergraduate degree, a Master’s degree or a PhD. At the same time, these students can also work while studying if they choose to.

Are there any eligibility requirements?

All international students can apply for the PSW visa, provided that they hold a Tier 4 student visa and have enrolled at a UK institution.

Does the choice of university affect the qualification for the UK PSW visa?

As long as you are a graduate of any one of the licensed sponsors, you are eligible. A licensed sponsor is a school that the government of Britain identifies as a trusted institution. Since the government regularly checks institutions to ensure that they uphold the immigration and visa check policies, the list of licensed sponsors may change from time to time.

What type of sponsor is needed for a UK PSW visa?

For other visa types, the sponsor can be parents or an employer. However, for the PSW visa category, a sponsor is not required. In this case, the ‘sponsor’ will be the institution you graduated from. If the selected institution is on the list of recognised universities, then the student is good to go.

Does an online course due to COVID-19 change things?

With the COVID-19 global pandemic forcing universities to transition to online or distance learning, the questions arises – ‘Am I still eligible if my courses are online?’

With regards to the PSW visa policy, universtiies in the UK take the stance that students who study part of their course online and spend less than 11 months in the UK because of that should not miss out on the Graduate Route. They also confirmed that those studying by distance or blended learning wil be eligible to apply for the PSW visa provided that they can complete the final semester in the UK.

What happens when the 2 years PSW visa expires?

Once you have secured a job after graduating, you may want to stay beyond the two year validity period. In this case, start the process of securing a Tier 2 visa before your PSW visa expires. The Tier 2 visa is the general work visa or the skilled work visa. A requirement for this visa is having a job that pays £30,000 or more annually, that is contingent on the type of job or the industry you work in.

Some important points about the UK PSW visa

• Students should to make a separate application and pay the application and Immigration Health Surchage fees
• Can not extend the PSW visa
• You can only apply for the PSW visa once
• This visa allows students to work full time and undertake self-employment professions
• There is no need to secure any sort of sponsorship for this visa
• This visa is applicable for students who graduate in the Summer of 2021 or later.

Thanks to the PSW visa in the UK, the future does indeed look promising to a Sri Lankan student. If you are looking to pursue further studies in the UK and also gain the advantage of working there.

Now is a great time to apply to study in the UK. If you have a UK degree under your belt already, the doors to the international job market is wide open for you.

However the two year PSW visa offers students the additional incentive of allowing you stay in order to get into a career with the help of your university.

We hope that we have helped you to find answers to your questions regarding the PSW visa in the UK. You may feel free to contact our expert UK visa consultants if you require any more clarifications.

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Post Study Work Visa In UK: Check Details, Eligibility & Process

• Updated On April 29, 2024
• Published In Visa ✈️

A large number of Indian students graduate from UK universities every year. They all seek opportunities to scale up their careers and reach new heights. To make this possible, the post study work visa in UK becomes their preferred option.

Table of Contents

This visa allows all graduate students to take up job opportunities in the UK. This blog will discuss this visa, the application process, and the criteria for getting it. 

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Post Study Work Visa in UK: Highlights 

The post study work visa in UK is officially known as the ‘Graduate route visa’. This visa allows fresh graduates to stay in the country for 2-3 years and seek work opportunities. 

Here’s a quick overview of the PSW in UK: 

Note: The charges mentioned are from the UK government’s 2024 data and might be updated in the coming time. 

The above is an essential insight into the post study work visa in UK. We will now cover each of the above aspects in detail. 

Also Read: How To Get Jobs In The UK IN 2024

Post Study Work Visa in UK: Key Benefits 

The one fascinating thing about the UK post study work visa is that it allows you to stay in the country, look for jobs, and freelance after you have completed your education. 

So, even if you plan to continue your stay in the UK, this is a great opportunity. You can use this time to explore new skills and successfully land a job. 

Besides this, there are many other benefits of the post study work visa, as mentioned below:

• Usually, on a work visa, employer and job restrictions prevent you from exploring other opportunities during the term. But with this visa, you are free to explore career opportunities without any such restrictions. 
• It will help you seek a long-term settlement in the UK, as the time spent on the graduate route is also counted as the required period for settlement. 
• It enables you to make the best use of your skills and gain more experience in the UK by seeking relevant job opportunities.
• You will be able to grow your professional networks and connections that can help you bag a good job and seek long-term employment. 
• You can also apply for a work visa hassle-free once you have a job opportunity. 

Besides the benefits mentioned above, you can also travel outside the UK and return as long as your visa remains valid. This will help you seek job opportunities in other countries or spend some time in your home country. 

Also Read: Highest Paying Jobs In the UK 2024

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Post Study Work Visa UK Eligibility

Seeking an education in the UK is more than just seeking knowledge. It’s about making the right career choices to build a promising future for yourself. A post study work visa in UK will help you take steps towards a bright future. 

However, you need to meet the post study work visa uk eligibility criteria to continue your stay in UK:

• You should be staying in the UK while applying for the visa.
• Your current visa should be a Student or Tier 4 (General) student visa. 
• You should have pursued your studies, either a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD, in UK universities for at least 12 months or the total course duration (if the course is less than 12 months). 
• You should have completed your course, and the education provider (such as a university or college) should have notified your Home Office. 
• You must provide a letter of consent from the sponsor if a Government or international scholarship agency has financially sponsored you for the course. 

Knowing all the above criteria beforehand will help you apply for the post study work visa in UK smoothly. However, please apply before your visa expires because you must hold an active student visa. So please initiate the process at least 1-2 months before your visa expires. 

Suggested Read: Apply for Visa of UK: Types, Application Process, Fees & Time

2 Year Post Study Work Visa UK: Application Process

The UK Visa and Immigration has made the students’ PSW visa application process smoother. You must fulfil the minimum eligibility requirements before applying for the jobs. After meeting the criteria, you can apply for the visa using their process, as explained below. 

Here is the process that you need to follow for applying to the post study work visa in UK: 

• Step 1: Create a UK visa and immigration account on the official website. 
• Step 2: Complete the application form accurately, enter all the required information, and pay the fee. 
• Step 3: It will ask you to download the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app, which will be used to scan your biometric residence permit (BRP) information. You can also follow this process offline by visiting the designated visa application centre.
• Step 4: Depending on the authority, you might be required to attend a visa interview. Sometimes, they call some candidates to appear for the interview when they find the information is insufficient or more clarification is needed. 
• Step 5: On average, the visa application process will take around 8 weeks.

You will receive the application approval decision and can continue your stay in the UK without any issues. You may begin your search for work opportunities in the country. 

However, please note that there is a specific restriction when applying for a post study work visa in UK. It restricts you from traveling outside the country while your visa is being processed. Once the decision is made, you can freely travel outside the country. 

Also Read: How to Get Job in UK from India in 2024

Post Study Work Visa in UK: Documents Required 

You need to have certain documents ready to apply for a post study work visa in UK. These documents will help you get verified quickly and obtain the visa without any difficulties. 

These required documents are as below: 

• Biometric residence permit (BRP): This is the document you had been given when you applied for the student visa or Tier 4 (general) student visa.
• Confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS): This is a reference number given when you applied for the student visa or Tier 4 (general) student visa.
• Valid Passport: You must have an active passport that is valid for your stay in the UK. For example, if you have a passport that expires in a few months, that won’t help you get a visa. It should have a minimum of 2 years available before it expires. 

Besides the documents mentioned above, you also need to produce some extra documents like the proof of relationship in case your partner and children apply together. You will also be required to produce a letter from your scholarship provider approving your application in case your course fee and living costs were sponsored. 

Suggested Read: Career Opportunities In The UK For Indian Students In 2024

A post study work visa in UK is an excellent chance for Indian graduates to start their careers in the UK. It gives you flexibility and time to find the perfect job and even helps you get a permanent residency in UK. 

Therefore, starting planning and applying for approval is crucial well before your student visa term ends. This step will open doors to numerous opportunities in the UK job market. So don’t miss the chance to grow professionally in the innovative and dynamic environment of the UK.

Check out the cost of living in the UK for Students

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. what is psw in uk.

A. The PSW in the UK, also known as the Graduate Route visa, is a game-changer for international graduates. It allows you to stay and work in the UK for 2-3 years after graduation. Unlike other visas, it offers the freedom to explore any job or sector, empowering graduates to pursue their passions and maximise their potential.

Q. Can I get post study work visa in UK?

A. Yes, you can get a post study work visa in UK. You just need to meet the minimum eligibility criteria, such as completing your studies at UK universities/colleges, having an active passport, a student visa, and a minimum of 12 months’ stay in the country.

Q. What happens after 2 years of PSW in UK?

A. After two years on the post study work visa in UK, you have several options. You can apply for different visas, such as the skilled worker visa for a job or the entrepreneur visa to start a business. You may qualify for settlement if you meet specific criteria (indefinite leave to remain).

Q. Can I work in the UK after studying?

A. Getting a job after studying in the UK is possible! With the Graduate Route visa, international graduates who completed a UK degree program (at least one year long) can work in the UK for two to three years after completing their education. The best part is that you’re not tied to a specific job type, so you can explore different career paths.

Q. Is post study work visa in UK closing?

A. As of April, 2024, the post study work visa in the UK, known as the Graduate Route visa, is still available. It was introduced in 2021 and allows international graduates to work in the UK after completing their studies. This visa remains open for graduates seeking job opportunities in the UK, providing them a valuable chance to start their careers and contribute to the workforce.

Q. What is PSW fee in UK?

A. In April 2024, the application fee for the PSW visa in UK (Graduate Route) is £822 (roughly ₹85,200). Moreover, you’ll also need to budget for a healthcare surcharge of £1,035 per year of your stay (equivalent to around ₹1.7 lakh). These costs are essential when planning your post-graduation journey in the UK.

Q. Who is eligible for PSW in UK?

A. If you finished a 1 year or longer degree at a UK university and still have a valid student visa, you might be eligible for the visa. This post study work visa in UK lets you stay and work in the UK for 2-3 years after graduation, giving you a chance to build your career after studying there. Remember to check the official UK government website for all the details and how to apply.

Q. Can post study work visa in UK get rejected?

A. Yes, post study work visa in UK can be rejected if applicants fail to meet the eligibility criteria or provide insufficient documentation. 

Common reasons for rejection include: -The passport expires before the visa’s mentioned term.  -Lack of supporting documents for education/sponsorship -The student visa term expired.  -Errors in application details or academic scores. 

It’s crucial to carefully follow the guidelines and ensure all requirements are met to avoid rejections and easily get approvals.

Q. Is getting PR in UK easy?

A. Permanent residency in the UK is possible if you meet the requirements. You’ll need to live there legally for a while, have enough money, and pass a test about life in the UK. You can get permanent residency in the UK if all these aspects are met. But yes, make sure you have the required documents available so you don’t face trouble during the process.

Q. What is the difference between graduate visa and post study work visa?

A. The Graduate Route visa has replaced the Post Study Work visa in UK. Both visas allow international graduates to work in the UK after their studies, but the graduate route offers a longer duration:

-Graduate Route: Up to 2 or 3 years (depending on your degree level) -Former PSW visa: Up to 2 years

The Graduate Route is the current option for graduates seeking post-study work opportunities in the UK.

Q. How long can I stay in UK after Masters?

A. After completing your Master’s in the UK, you can stay for a while to look for work or continue studying. The length of your stay depends on your visa type and situation. You may be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa (Graduate Route visa), which allows you to stay and work in the UK for 2-3 years after graduating.

Anjandeep Singh

Anjandeep is a study-abroad advisor, with years of experience in the international education industry. He specializes in guiding students towards opportunities in Canada and the UK.

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UK announces 2-year post-study work visa for international students

In a major boost for Chinese students, the UK Government has today announced a new two-year post-study work visa, transforming how talented international students are able build successful careers in the UK.

The new ‘Graduate’ immigration route will be open to all international students – including those from China – who have valid UK immigration status as a student and have successfully completed a course of study at undergraduate level or above, at an approved UK Higher Education Provider. The visa will allow eligible students to work, or look for work, at any skill level or subject, giving them valuable work experience at the start of their careers.

This will build on government action to help recruit and retain the best and brightest global talent, but also open up opportunities for future breakthroughs in science, technology and research and other world-leading work that international talent brings to the UK.

It follows recent announcements, such as the creation of a new fast-track visa route for scientists and the removal of the limit on PHD students moving into the skilled work visa route, which collectively aim to cement the UK as a science superpower and a world-leader in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) sector.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said:

The new Graduate Route will mean talented international students, whether in science and maths or technology and engineering, can study in the UK and then gain valuable work experience as they go on to build successful careers. It demonstrates our global outlook and will ensure that we continue to attract the best and brightest.

Dame Barbara Woodward, the British Ambassador to China said:

This is great news for Chinese students! The new Graduate visa will give students a 2 year opportunity to find work that builds on their degree qualification and gives them valuable international work experience. The UK is a popular choice for Chinese students because it is home to three of the top ten universities in the world. Last year alone over 100,000 Chinese students came to the UK to study and this number grows each year. The UK remains open and welcoming for Chinese students, visitors and business people, with over 100 direct flights per week between the UK and China.

• This follows a shake-up of immigration rules announced by the Prime Minister in August to encourage the world’s top scientists to move to the UK.
• The new route will launch for the 2020/21 intake of students to university. After the two years, they will be able to switch onto the skilled work visa if they find a job which meets the skill requirement of the route.
• The UK has seen a strong increase in Chinese student numbers in recent years. The latest available statistics are on the Home Office website .
• The status of each institution will be shown in the register of licensed sponsors, which is publicly available on the GOV.UK website .

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