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

Students from all over the world migrate to the UK to study at some of the best universities in the world. Over 600,000 international students flock to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland yearly to pursue their undergraduate degrees, postgraduate degrees, and PhDs. If you are thinking about “When should I apply for PSW UK?” then you should know that after completing their education, students often want to work in the UK for a couple of years. The PSW visa UK offers you that chance and has a point-based immigration system to streamline the visa process for international students. The UK's PSW visa is officially known as the Graduate Route. 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?

The UK Graduate Route is a visa that can be opted for by students to be allowed in the country for 2-3 years after completing their studies. 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. This is an unsponsored visa, meaning that you do not need a job offer to be eligible to apply. It 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. 

How Does A Post Study Work Visa UK Work?

The PSW visa UK 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. 

1. Duration

The PSW visa UK is valid for up to 2 years or up to 3 years for Ph.D. graduates.

2. Work

During the validity of the PSW visa UK, you can work in any job or profession, including self-employment. You do not need a job offer to apply for a visa.

3. 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 PSW visa UK if you meet the eligibility criteria.

4. 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.

5. Dependents

 You can bring your dependents, such as your spouse or children on a PSW visa UK.

The Difference Between a Graduate And a PSW Visa UK

The Graduate visa and PSW visa UK may be similar but do hold a few differences against each other. Mainly, as one might know, the graduate visa will only grant a levy of 15-18 months after your studies to find a job but the PSW offers more than that. The following are the key differences between a graduate and a PSW visa UK:

Eligibility Criteria for the Post-Study Work Visa in UK

When applying for a Graduate Route Visa UK, it's important to be physically in the UK at the time of your application. The good news is that you don't need to show proof of funds if your course lasted more than 12 months and you studied and lived in the UK during that time. You also won't need to prove your English language ability, as your UK degree will count as sufficient evidence. Additionally, you must have earned the qualification listed on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that was tied to your Student or Tier 4 visa.

The 2 year post study work visa UK requirements are as follows:

1. You must be in the UK. If you leave the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands before receiving a decision on your application, it will be withdrawn and canceled.

2. You need to have completed a bachelor’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree in the UK while on a student visa or Tier 4 visa.

3. Your student visa or Tier 4 (General) visa must still be valid.

4. Your education provider should have informed the UK Home Office that you’ve completed your course.

5. You can also apply if you are a Student Union Sabbatical Officer on a Student Visa.

6. The minimum time you should have spent studying (and living) in the UK is:

• At least 12 months if your course was longer than 12 months.
• The full duration of your course if it was shorter than 12 months. For example, if your course was 10 months long, you must have studied in the UK for at least 10 months.

UK Graduate Route Eligibility Requirements

If you are confused about how to get PSW in UK or what you should do to be eligible for the UK graduate route, then you must know that one must comply with a certain set of qualification criteria. Some of the basic post study work visa requirements are:

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1. Qualification:

You must have completed a UK bachelor's degree, master's degree, or a PhD from a recognised university or higher education institution.

2. Study location:

Your degree must have been awarded by a UK higher education institution with a track record of compliance with immigration requirements.

3. 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.

4. Course completion:

You must have completed your degree course and obtained your degree from a recognised UK university or higher education institution.

5. Validity:

You must apply for the PSW visa UK within two years of completing your degree or within two years of being granted your Tier 4 or Student visa.

6. 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.

7. 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.‍

8. Good character:

You must not have a criminal record and must not have breached UK immigration laws.

Graduate Route Visa UK Application Process 

To apply for a Graduate route visa UK, you'll need to complete the process online and submit the necessary documents with your application. If you have dependents— such as a partner or children— they'll need to apply separately and pay their application fees. As part of the process, you'll also need to verify your identity. This can be done by scanning your biometric residence permit (BRP) using the "UK Immigration: ID Check" app. You can log into your existing UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, or create a new one if needed. If you're unable to use the app, you'll need to provide a photo and fingerprints at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre.

‍Required Degrees For Applying For A PSW Visa

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

1. A Bachelor's Degree.

2. A Master's Degree.

3. PhD or higher doctoral degree in any field.

4. A law conversion course approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

5. Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland.

6. Legal Practice Course in England or Wales.

7. Bar Practice Course in England and Wales, or Bar Course in Northern Ireland.

8. A professional legal practice diploma in Scotland.

9. Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

10. Foundation program in medicine or dentistry.

11. Postgraduate Diploma in Education.

12. Any course regulated by UK law or a UK public body.

What are the Documents Required To Apply For The Graduate Route Visa UK?

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If you are thinking what are the documents required for PSW visa UK then below are the requirements for PSW in UK, that you must keep in mind while applying:

1. A valid passport

2. Your most recent CAS letter (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)

3. A biometric residence permit or BRP

4. Documents from your education loan provider (if any)

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

How Can You Apply For The Graduate Route Visa UK?

The process of applying for a graduate route visa UK 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:

1. Visit GOV.UK and click on "Start Now"

2. Go through the guidelines carefully and create your account

3. Verify your identity with your BRP or biometric passport

4. Fill out the application form

5. Upload your documents 

6. Pay an application fee

7. Pay a healthcare surcharge

Which courses are eligible under the PSW visa?

The PSW Visa is available to students who have completed specific types of degrees at a UK higher education institution. Eligible courses include:

1. Bachelor’s degree (UK)

2. Master’s degree (UK)

3. PhD or Doctorate (UK)

4. Law conversion course approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

5. Legal Practice Course in England and Wales

6. Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland

7. Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland

8. Bar Practice Course in England and Wales, or the Bar Course in Northern Ireland

9. Foundation programme in medicine/ dentistry

10. Postgraduate Certificate in Education

11. Postgraduate Diploma in Education

When To Apply For PSW?

If you are contemplating, “When can I apply for PSW UK?” then you should know that before your student visa expires, it’s essential to apply for the Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa (Graduate Route Visa) to legally stay in the UK and work after completing your studies. You can only apply once your university or college has officially notified the Home Office that you’ve completed the course for which you were granted your student visa. This typically happens shortly after your final results are confirmed.

As part of the application process, you’ll need to verify your identity and submit the required documentation, including your passport, proof of course completion, and any other relevant documents requested by the Home Office. It’s crucial to gather all necessary paperwork and submit your application before your current visa expires to avoid complications.

Post Study Work Visa Fees

When applying for the UK Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route), you must consider the associated costs, which include both the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The application fee is a one-time charge for processing your visa, while the IHS is a mandatory fee that grants you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. The total cost of the IHS depends on the duration of your visa (typically two or three years). Understanding these costs is crucial to ensuring you’re financially prepared for the application process. You have to pay the following fee:

Tip: If you're a doctor or nurse or work in health or adult social care, check to see if you're qualified for the Health and Care Worker Visa instead. It is less expensive to apply for and does not have an annual immigration health surcharge.

Processing Time

After you’ve successfully submitted your Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa application, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will assess it. It’s decisions typically being made within 4 to 8 weeks following the completion of your biometric processing. During times of lower application volumes, responses may come a week earlier than expected, so you could receive a decision sooner. Keep an eye on your email and application portal for updates and be ready to promptly provide any additional information if requested by UKVI to ensure a smooth PSW process in UK.