UK's Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa

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The PSW visa stands for ‘Post-Study Work’. The Graduate Route is the official name of the UK’s PSW visa.

Under the graduate route, overseas graduates & research students can apply for a PSW visa to stay in the UK for a set duration of two or three years, respectively, after finishing their education in the UK.

In comparison to other visa pathways, the PSW visa provides a simpler means for graduates to legally reside in the UK following graduation. For companies, the visa allows them to hire young graduates without incurring the expenditure and regulatory requirements of the employment sponsorship procedure.

In this guide to the UK’s PSW visa, we explain what this path entails and how to apply.

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Introduction

The United Kingdom not only has world-class educational institutions, but it also provides students with the best professional prospects available. This country is prospering in the fields of commerce, science, technology, healthcare, and education. As the world’s sixth biggest economy, the cost of living in the United Kingdom may be expensive, but it also offers a growing employment rate and promises an excellent quality of life in a diverse international environment. Therefore, overseas students apply for a post-study work permit in the UK, or PSW UK.

Surely, you, too, should consider living in the UK after completing your study. So, how can you obtain a post-study work visa in the UK? Explore our comprehensive guide to obtaining a work visa after studying in the UK. Let us begin!

UK Post-Study Work Permit: What?

The PSW visa, often known as the ‘Graduate Immigration Route’, allows:

International students who complete an undergraduate or Master’s degree at an accredited university can stay in the UK to work or search for job for a duration of two years after finishing their studies.

International students completing a PhD at an accredited university can stay in the UK to work or search for jobs for a period of three years after finishing their studies.

Graduates residing in the UK on a PSW visa do not need to be sponsored by a college, university, or employer, nor do they require a Certificate of Sponsorship. Once a graduate transfers to a PSW visa, they are no longer supported as a student by their educational institution.

When the primary visa holder moves to the PSW visa, family members who are already legally present in the UK as dependents of a student visa holder will be permitted to remain as dependents. Aside from children born in the UK, new dependents will be unable to join the PSW visa holder in the UK from outside.

The visa cannot be extended, and time spent in the UK via the Graduate Immigration Route does not contribute towards settlement. Later in this blog, we will look at alternatives for remaining in the UK after obtaining a PSW visa.

UK Post-Study Work Permit: Why?

Let’s start by understanding why overseas students apply for a post-study work visa in the UK:

Job Prospects

The United Kingdom is home to several prominent organizations, like Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Meta, who welcome varied talent from all over the world and provide rewarding employment opportunities.

Low Unemployment Rate

The current unemployment rate in the United Kingdom is only 4.3%, and it is falling rapidly. As a result, you won’t have to worry about being unemployed while in the UK.

Flexible Working Hours

In the United Kingdom, employees work Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You will also be eligible to 28 days of paid leave each year. There are several part-time occupations available in the UK that you might pursue in your spare time.

Growth Prospects

You are likely to thrive and develop new skills in one of the world’s strongest economies. Your career will not only be financially gratifying, but it will also allow you to build skills that will undoubtedly benefit your professional and personal development.

UK Post-Study Work Permit: When to apply?

You must apply before your student or Tier 4 (general) student visa expires.
You can apply once your education provider (such as your university or college) informs the Home Office that you have satisfactorily finished the course you studied on your student or Tier 4 (general) student visa. You do not need to wait until you have graduated or received a degree.
As part of your application, you must establish your identity and present supporting papers.
If you require an appointment to fill out your application, your application may take longer. When you begin your application, you will be informed whether or not you require one.
After you’ve applied online, verified your identification, and submitted your papers, you should receive a visa decision within eight weeks.
You are welcome to stay in the United Kingdom while you await the result.

UK Post-Study Work Permit: How much It Costs?

When applying for a post-study work permit or graduate visa, you will need to:

Pay the £822 application fee.
Pay the healthcare fee, which is normally £1,035 for every year you’ll be in the UK.
If you are a doctor, nurse, or work in health or adult social care, you may be qualified to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead. It is less expensive to apply for, and you are not required to pay the yearly immigration health premium.
If you acquire a job in public healthcare after paying the healthcare fee, you may be eligible for a refund.

UK Post-Study Work Permit: Dos & Don’ts

With a Post-Study Work Permit or Graduate Visa, you can:

Work in the majority of occupations
Search for a job
Work for yourself
If eligible, carry on residing in the UK with your partner and kids.
Do volunteer work
Travel outside of the UK and back

You are unable to:

Apply for the State Pension or the majority of benefits (public money), work as a professional athlete.
You will receive a comprehensive list of what you can and cannot do with a Graduate visa if your application is approved.

Note: You can only study with a graduate visa if your intended course isn’t approved for a student visa; otherwise, you have to extend your student visa if your course qualifies for one.

UK Post-Study Work Permit: Eligible Courses

To qualify, applicants need to have finished a course that grants either:

Bachelor’s degree from the UK
Masters’ and PhD degrees
A conversion course leading to the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), approved by the Joint Academic Stage Board in Wales and England.
The Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland, the Legal Practice Course (LPC) in England and Wales, or a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland.
The Bar Course in Northern Ireland, or the Bar Practice Course (BPTC) in England and Wales.
Foundation course in dentistry or medicine
A postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)

The applicant’s Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and degree course must match. Furthermore, confirmation that they fulfill this condition must come from their sponsoring higher education provider.

Conclusion

Working in the United Kingdom will undoubtedly provide you with opportunities to attain all of your goals. The new Graduate Route might be the ideal option for you to stay in the UK for two years after finishing your studies with no trouble. Furthermore, if you want to seek permanent residency in the UK, you can apply for a UK work permit after finishing your studies, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.

The United Kingdom is renowned for its multiculturalism, attributed to its substantial immigrant population, which might facilitate your integration. Having acquired all the essential details about the UK Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for studying and working in the UK, it is time to progress and open the door to a promising future for yourself.

Contact our counsellors/destination experts if you require personalised handholding for the entire process of studying in the UK.

FAQs

Does the Graduate Immigration Route need a fresh application?

Yes, the UK Graduate Immigration Route requires a fresh application. Graduate Immigration Route applicants need a valid Tier 4 student visa as a prerequisite.

When may I apply for Graduate Immigration Route?

The Graduate Immigration Route is only available when your university notifies the Home Office of your final degree or completion of study program.

Can I settle in UK via Graduate Immigration Route?

The Graduate Immigration Route is non-extendable and will not help you settle in the UK. It is the Skilled Worker Visa that can help you settle in the UK provided you meet the requirements and find a job.

What is the Graduate visa approval time?

On an average, it takes 8 weeks.

What happens after 2 years of UK Graduate Immigration Route?

You can work in the UK for two years with a Graduate Immigration visa and then apply for a skilled worker visa after obtaining a full time role at an approved organization in the UK.

UK's Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa

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Table of Contents

Introduction

UK Post-Study Work Permit: What?