Post Study Work Visa in the UK For International Students

Do you want to get a job in the UK after completing your studies? The only way to legally live and work in the UK is to switch your student visa to the Graduate Route Visa. The UK Graduate Route is also known as the Post-study Work Visa. Under the Post study Work Visa in the UK, you can stay 18 months more after completing your studies. 

In this blog, we will discuss the Post-study Work Visa in the UK, new PSW requirements, best companies to get jobs in UK after graduation. So, if you want to study in the UK or are studying in the UK at present, this blog will help you a lot. 

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

If you have been studying in the UK and have a degree from an approved UK higher education provider, you can apply for the Graduate route, which allows you to live and work after your studies. The Graduate route UK does not need sponsorship or any endorsement by an employer or by your institution.

Previously, international students were able to stay in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD students) under a Post Study Work Visa in the UK.  The purpose of the PSW is for international student graduates to work, or look for work, following the successful completion of an eligible degree.

New Requirements for Post Study Work Visa in the UK

The UK Government has introduced a strict rule for international students in a white paper stating that international students will now be able to live and work in the UK for 18 months after completing their studies. That means the PSW limit in the UK is not 2 years now. 

Eligibility Criteria for the Post Study Work Visa in UK

To be eligible for a Graduate Route Visa or a PSW in the UK, you’ll have to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You’re in the UK
• Your current visa is a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
• You studied a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for a minimum period with your student visa
• Your education provider (such as your university or college) has told the Home Office you’ve completed your course

How Long Can You Stay with a Graduate Route Visa in the UK?

A Graduate visa lasts for 2 years for undergraduate and postgraduate students. If you have a PhD degree or other doctoral qualification, it will last for 3 years. You must apply for a Post Study Work Visa in the UK before your Student visa expires. Your visa will start from the day your application is approved.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Post Study Work Visa in the UK?

To apply for a Post Study Work Visa, you’ll need to pay £880 as the application fee. Also, you’ll have to pay the healthcare surcharge – this is usually £1,035 for each year you’ll be in the UK.

How to Apply for a Post Study Work Visa in the UK?

You must apply online for a Post Study Work Visa in the UK. Your partner and children will need to apply separately.

Documents Required for the PSW in the UK

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity as a genuine student. How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of your passport or resident permit.

You’ll either:

• Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document – you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
• Have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply:

If you do need to go to a UKVCAS service point, they may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application.

When to Apply for a Post Study Work Visa in the UK?

You must apply before your general student visa expires. You can apply after your education provider has told the Home Office that you’ve successfully completed the course you took with your student visa. You do not have to wait until your graduation or have a certificate. 

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide some documents. Your application may take longer. 

What is the Processing Time for a PSW in the UK?

Once you’ve completed your application online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your PSW in the UK within 8 weeks. You can stay in the UK while you are waiting for a decision. 

What Can You Do with a Post Study Work Visa in the UK?

There are some requirements for what you can do and what you can not do with a post study work visa in the UK. With a Graduate Route Visa, you can:

• Work in most jobs
• Look for work
• Be self-employed
• Continue living in the UK with your partner and children, if they’re eligible
• Travel abroad and return to the UK
• Do voluntary work

With a Post Study Work Visa in the UK, you can not:

• apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
• work as a professional sportsperson

Can You Study with a Graduate Route Visa in the UK?

Yes, you can study with a Graduate Route Visa in the UK if your chosen course is not eligible for a UK student visa. If your course is eligible for a UK study permit, you can extend or switch to your student visa instead.

What Happens if You Leave the UK While Your PSW is on processed? 

If you leave the UK before the Home Office UK decides on your Graduate Route visa, your application will be automatically treated as withdrawn, and you will no longer have a pending visa application. You will also lose the non-refundable visa application fee.

Final Words

The UK Graduate Route Visa allows a student to live and work legally in the UK after completing their studies. This is also known as the Post Study Work visa. Time spent on the Graduate visa does not count towards the five years required for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

The time limit of PSW in the UK has been reduced. However, if you want to know more about the UK Post Study Work permit, you can always contact AIMS Education. 

FAQ