UK Post-Study Work Visa: Know Eligibility, Types, Application, Fees

The UK post-study work visa is a valuable opportunity for international students to continue to live and work in the UK after completing their degree. It’s like a golden ticket for those eager to launch their careers in the UK. The UK’s PSW visa is officially known as the Graduate Route visa.

In this blog, we will discuss the eligibility criteria, types, application process and fees of post-study work visas in the UK.

What is a UK Post-Study Work Visa?

The UK post-study work visa, also known as the Graduate Route, is a visa option designed to allow international students to work in the UK for a specified period after completing their studies. The Graduate Route visa allows international students to remain in the UK for 2 years (or 3 years for PhD) after completing their studies. Attaining this visa allows graduates to start their careers in the UK. 

This visa is open to all international students who have legal immigration status in the UK. As long as they are enrolled at a university/institution approved by the United Kingdom Higher Education Provider, they can apply for and benefit from the Graduate route visa.

UK Post-Study Work Visa Eligibility

The UK post-study work visa eligibility criteria are as follows:

• You must be in the UK at the time of application.
• You must have a valid student visa at the time of application.
• Your UK higher education provider must inform the UK Home Office that you have completed the course named in the CAS. Note you do not have to wait until you’ve graduated or have been awarded your degree certificate.
• You must apply for the UK PSW visa within the stipulated timeframe after completing your studies (usually within two years).

UK Post-Study Work Visa Application Process

International students can apply for a post-study work visa as soon as their university informs the UK Home Office that they have successfully completed their studies. They do not need to wait until they have officially graduated or received their graduation certificate. It is important to apply for a Graduate visa while their current student visa is still valid.

When applying for the Graduate visa UK, students need to verify their identity as part of the process. The typical way to do this is by scanning their biometric residence permit (BRP) using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app.

They have to sign into an existing UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, or create a new one. If they are unable to scan their BRP or passport with the app, they will be required to get their fingerprints and photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

Note that students are not allowed to travel outside of the UK during the application process. Otherwise, the application will be withdrawn.

To know the complete student visa application process, check our blog on the UK Student Visa Process

Other Types of UK Post-Study Work Visa

The other two post-study work visas are explained below:

Skilled Worker Visa

This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. International students who wish to stay and work in the UK after completing their degree often apply for this type of visa. This visa is issued to address the shortage of workers in the UK job market. To get this work permit after study in UK, the applicant must have a job offer with a minimum salary of EUR 38,700 per annum. The employer must also be a licensed Tier 2 sponsor, which means they are authorised to hire foreign workers. The UK work permit application can be applied online.

Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme Visa

After completing PhD studies, international students are allowed to stay in the UK for an additional 12 months on this visa. That’s enough time for graduates to gain work experience or start their own businesses.

UK Post-Study Work Visa Fees

Applying for a UK post-study work visa comes with several costs that applicants need to be aware of.

The application fee for UK PSW visa is EUR 822.  In addition to the application fee, applicants must also pay the healthcare surcharge. The total cost of a Graduate visa UK depends on the duration of the visa. If the applicant is eligible for a 2-year Graduate visa, the total cost will be EUR 2,070. For a 3-year Graduate visa, the total cost will be EUR 3,105.

Options after the UK Post-Study Work Visa Expires

After the Graduate visa expires, the holder will have to apply for a different type of visa to remain in the UK legally. If the Graduate visa holder has a job, they may be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa as long as they meet all the necessary requirements for that category.

Do’s & Don’ts with a UK post-study Work Visa

With a UK post-study work visa, there are certain things you are allowed to do, as well as some restrictions.

The Graduate visa UK allows you to look for work, be self-employed, do voluntary work, and travel abroad while still being able to return to the UK. This gives you the flexibility to explore different career options during the duration of your visa.

However, there are also some limitations to the Graduate visa. You cannot apply for state pension or other public benefits like public funds. Additionally, you are not permitted to work as a professional sportsperson.

Qualify for Full Post-Study Work Rights in the UK with The WorldGrad

The WorldGrad is an award-winning and trusted academic partner to 50+ reputed universities in Australia, Singapore, the UK and the US. Our Smart Programs allow students to progress to globally-ranked universities for both Bachelor’s and Master’s courses. 

We offer three Smart Programs for students interested in pursuing their higher education in the UK. The Global Year 1 Program, UniSmarter Program and UniSmarter Pre-Master’s Program allow students to start their Bachelor’s degree in India and then transition to a UK university to complete the remainder of their degree. This approach offers several advantages, including saving time, reducing the overall cost of overseas education, and enhancing the chances of visa approval by demonstrating a clear commitment to their studies. Upon successful completion of the program, students qualify for 2 years of post-study work rights in the UK.

The WorldGrad Benefits for Students:

• Multiple intakes in a year
• Save costs through fee subsidies and scholarships
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• Benefit from a 2X higher visa success rate

UK Post-Study Work Visa FAQs

Q1. What is post-study work visa in the UK?
A1. The UK post-study work visa, also known as the Graduate Route, is a visa option designed to allow international students to work in the UK for a specified period after completing their studies.

Q2. Do we get a work permit after studying in the UK?
A2. After completing studies in the UK, international students can apply for a Skilled Worker visa to get a work permit after studies in the UK.

Q3. What is PSW full form in visa?
A3. The full form of PSW in visa is a post-study work visa.

Q4. How to get a work permit in the UK after Master’s?
A4. The employer must provide a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ specifying your job role while working in the UK. The applicant must have a job offer with a minimum salary of EUR 30,000 per annum.

Q5. Who is eligible for a UK post-study work visa?
A5. International students who have completed their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a recognised UK university with a course duration of minimum 1 year are eligible for a UK post-study work visa.