The Post Study Work (PSW) Visa, also known as ‘Graduate Route” is a new Post Study Immigration route that opened on 1 July 2021 for International Students who have completed their studies in the UK.
This visa will allow student visa (Tier 4 Visa) holders to stay in the UK for 2 years after graduation. The Graduate Route has replaced the Doctorate Extension Scheme and International students who holds a PhD or other Doctoral Qualification will be able to stay for 3 years after graduation.
Eligibility Requirements for the UK Post Study Work (PSW) Visa
In order to qualify for Post Study Work Visa, you must be able to meet number of certain requirements as follows:
- You are currently in the UK
- You hold a valid Student Visa (Tier 4 Visa)
- You have studied on an eligible course
- You have successfully completed your course in the UK
You must have studied at an education institution that have a status as a licensed sponsor and you must have studied at least for 12 months or the full length of your course, whichever is shorter.
Eligible Courses
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- PhD or Doctoral Degree
- Law conversion courses that have been approved by the bar council (Solicitors) Regulation Authority
- The Legal Practice Course in England & Wales, the solicitors course in Northern Ireland, or a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland
- The Bar Practice Course in England & Wales, or the Bar Course in Northern Ireland
- Foundation programs in Medicine or Dentistry
- Postgraduate Certificates in Education (PGCE)
- Postgraduate Diplomas in Education (PGDE)
How to Apply for Post Study Work (PSW) Visa?
You must apply for the Post Study Work Visa (Graduate Visa) before your student visa expires. You can apply as soon as your course provider (university / institute) has informed to Home Office, that you have successfully completed your course.
You must apply online whilst you are in the UK, you can do this by using the online application form available on GOV.UK website. As well as filling in the application form, you will also need to prove you identity as part of your Post Study Visa (Graduate Visa) application. If you are from 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.
Once you have completed the application form and proven your identity you can expect to receive a decision about visa application within eight weeks.
Documents Required For Applying Post Study Work (PSW) Visa
Note: If in the last 12 months you have received a scholarship or financial sponsorship from a Government or an international scholarship agency covering tuition fees and living costs for your study in the UK you will need to get your sponsors written consent giving you permission to stay on in the UK. You will need to submit this to the UKVI as part of your Graduate visa application.
What can you do on Post Study Work (PSW) Visa?
Post Study Work (PSW) Visa allows you to stay in the UK for 2 years (3 years in case you have a PhD or Doctoral Qualification). Whilst in the UK, PSW 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.
Are Dependents Eligible To Apply?
Yes, dependents are eligible to apply. However, there are certain requirements:
- Only dependents who are already in the UK with a valid permission as your Student Visa (Tier 4 Visa) are eligible to apply for this visa.
- The only exception to above requirement is for babies born in the UK during your last grant of Student Visa (Tier 4 Visa).
- Applications of dependents can be added to you main Post Study Work Visa application form.
