PSW (Post Study Work)

The Post-Study Work (PSW) visa in the UK, now known as the Graduate Visa, allows international students to stay and work in the UK for up to 18 months after completing their studies. This visa do not needs to be sponsored or either by an education institution or an employer, nor they will need a sponsorship certificate graduates. Once a graduate switches onto PSW visa, they are no longer sponsored as a student by their education institution. It’s a pathway for students to build their careers in the UK or globally, potentially leading to a skilled worker visa or other routes for continued stay.

Who Can Apply?

A student in the UK who has completed Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree in the UK institution with a track record of compliance he/she will be eligible for Post study Work (PSW) in UK and your current visa should be Tier 4 or student visa

Who is not eligible?

A student in the UK who has completed his CAS duration in the UK but not completed his Undergraduate or postgraduate degree he/she will not be eligible to apply for PSW in UK. They have to find another way to stay in UK or leave the country before visa expiry. If you need any guide please click here

Requirements For PSW

You can apply for the graduate visa if the followings are true:

• You Should be in the UK
• Your current visa should be student visa or Tier 4
• you studied a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for a minimum period of time with your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
• Your education provider has told the Home Office you have successfully completed your degree

Guidance for PSW

• You can ask your education provider if you are not sure they have told the Home Office you have successfully completed your course.
• You must apply before your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa expires.
• You do not have to wait until you’ve graduated or have been given a certificate.
• As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents. Your application may take longer if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

How to Apply

• You Can Apply online on GOV.UK
• If you have spouse and children they can apply if they are eligible
• A valid passport or other travel document that shows your identity and nationality
• Your biometric residence permit (BRP), if you were given one when you applied for your student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
• Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• reference number that was sent to you by your education provider when they offered you a place on the course you completed with your student visa. If you cannot find it, ask your education provider what it is
• A letter from your scholarship or sponsorship provider (if you have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship by a government or international scholarship agency) approving your application, if they paid for your course fees or living costs in the last 12 months
• Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity, and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer.

Fee Requirement

If you are applying for a PSW, you have to pay fee;

1.You have to Pay Application fee 880 GBP

2.You have to pay also IHS for two years; each year 1035 GBP

Your visa will be start from the day your application approved. If you’re a doctor or nurse, or you work in health or adult social care, check if you’re eligible to apply for the health and care worker instead. It’s cheaper to apply for and you do not need to pay the annual immigration health surcharge.

If you get a job in public sector healthcare after you have paid the healthcare surcharge, you may be able to get refund.

Is it extendable?

You cannot extend your graduate visa. However, you may be able to switch your visa into different visa like skilled worker visa. But you have to check are you eligible for that and you can check at GOV.UK

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 8 weeks.

You can stay in the UK while you wait for a decision.

What you can and cannot do?

With a Graduate visa you can:

• work in most jobs
• 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

• If you want to do voluntary work, it must be unpaid and for one of the following types of organizations:
• A registered charity
• A voluntary organization
• A fundraising group linked to a charity or voluntary organization
• A statutory body (a government-appointed body, like Historic England)
• What you cannot do:
• Apply for most benefits, public funds, or the State Pension
• Work as a professional sportsperson
• If your Graduate visa application is approved, you’ll receive a full list of exactly what you’re allowed (and not allowed) to do. If you need any type of guidance, please click here