Post Study Work Visa in the UK: A Complete Guide

Are you an international student dreaming of building a career in the UK? The Post-Study Work Visa in the UK, also known as the Graduate Visa, is your golden ticket! This incredible opportunity lets you stay in the UK for up to 2 years after graduation (or 3 years if you have a PhD), giving you the chance to explore job opportunities, gain valuable experience, and kickstart your professional journey. With the Post-Study Work Visa in the UK, you can work in any field, be self-employed, and even start your own business—all without needing a job offer! Ready to learn more about how this visa can shape your future? Let’s dive in!

What is a Post-Study Work Visa in the UK?

The Post Study Work (PSW) Visa in the UK, also known as the Graduate Visa or Graduate Route Visa, allows international students to stay in the UK for up to 2 years after completing their higher studies or 3 years for those with a PhD. This visa provides graduates with the opportunity to work, seek employment, or even start their own business without needing a job offer or employer sponsorship. To apply for the Graduate Route Visa, applicants must be physically present in the UK and submit their application before their student visa expires. The PSW visa offers flexibility, enabling graduates to work in any field and switch to other visa types, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, if they secure a qualifying job. This visa is a crucial pathway for international students to garner valuable professional experience and enhance their career prospects in the UK.

Also Read: Post-Study Work Visa in the UK for International Students

Explore: UK Study Visa Types & Eligibility Requirements

Types of Post-Study Work Visa UK

There are several types of post-study work visas available in the UK for international students who wish to stay and work after completing their studies. Here’s a breakdown of the main options:

Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) Work Visa and allows international graduates to remain in the UK to work in an eligible job with an approved employer. This visa will enable you to work, study, bring dependents, engage in volunteer work, and apply for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) after 5 years.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The employer must be approved by the Home Office.
• A ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ outlining the job role must be provided.
• The job must be on the list of eligible occupations.
• The applicant must receive a minimum wage for the position.
• Proof of English language proficiency is required.

Health and Care Worker Visa

This visa is specifically for medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and social care workers. It allows them to work for the National Health Service (NHS), an NHS supplier, or an adult social care provider in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional or work in adult social care.
• A job offer in health or social care from a Home Office-approved UK employer is necessary.
• A ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ stating the job role must be provided.
• The applicant must be paid at least the minimum wage for their role.
• Proof of English language proficiency is required.

Intra-Company Transfer Visa

Previously known as the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, this visa is for individuals who are transferring to a UK branch of their current employer.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a current employee of an approved organization.
• A ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ describing the job role in the UK must be provided.
• Minimum salary requirements are £42,400 for the Intra-Company Transfer visa or £23,000 for the Intra-Company Graduate Trainee visa.

Minister of Religion Visa

This visa is for individuals offered a role by a faith-based organization in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ for the job and proof of English language proficiency.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Tuberculosis test results are required for applicants from specific countries.
• Evidence of personal savings to support oneself in the UK must be provided.
• A travel history of the last five years is required.

International Sportsperson Visa

This visa is for elite athletes or qualified coaches who have been recognized by their sport’s governing body as being at the highest level in their field.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The applicant must be certified as an elite athlete or coach by a recognized sports governing body.
• A current ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ for the position must be provided.
• Proof of English language proficiency is required.
• Tuberculosis test results are required for applicants from certain countries.
• Personal savings must be demonstrated to support living in the UK.
• A qualification that verifies expertise in the sport is required.

These visa options allow international graduates to remain in the UK after completing their studies, offering opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.

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Eligibility Criteria for the Post-Study Work Visa

To apply for a Post-Study Work visa in the UK, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Location: You must be in the UK when applying for the Graduate Route Visa. If you travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands before your visa decision is made, your application will be withdrawn.
2. Qualification: You should have completed a Bachelor’s, Postgraduate, or Doctoral Degree in the UK with a valid Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.
3. Valid Visa: You must currently hold a valid Student visa or Tier 4 student visa which hasn’t expired.
4. Course Completion: Your education provider must confirm to the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course.
5. Minimum Study Duration:
   • If your course lasted more than 12 months, you must have studied and lived in the UK for at least 12 months.
   • If your course was shorter than 12 months, you must have studied for the entire course duration in the UK.
6. No Additional Proof of Funds or English: You don’t need to provide evidence of funds or English language ability, as your UK degree already serves as proof.

Suggested Read: Eligibility for Post-Study Work Visa in the UK

Required Documents for Post-Study Work Visa Application

To apply for a Post-Study Work Visa in the UK, you must ensure that all required documents are prepared. Here is the list of documentation you need:

1. Valid Passport or Travel Document: To verify your nationality and identity.
2. Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): Issued at the time of your student visa or Tier 4 application.
3. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Reference Number: Provided by your university or college at the time of admission.
4. Proof of Relationship: Required if you are applying with your partner or children.
5. Sponsorship/Scholarship Letter: If a sponsor covered your tuition fees or living expenses in the last 12 months, you must provide a letter confirming their approval.

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Requirements for the UK Post-Study Work Visa

To apply for a post-study work visa in the UK, applicants must fulfill specific prerequisites. The key requirements include:

• Educational Qualification: You must have a degree from a recognized university or institution of higher education, including undergraduate, diploma, graduate, postgraduate, or doctoral degrees.
• Job Search: You are required to seek employment related to your field of study for up to 12 months after completing your degree.
• Financial Independence: You should not require any financial aid and must be able to demonstrate financial independence.
• Application Timeline: Your visa application must be submitted within 12 months of completing your academic program.
• English Language Proficiency: If your degree was not completed in English, you need to take the IELTS examination and achieve a minimum score of 6.5 across all four sections.
• Source of Funding: You must have a source of funding as outlined by the UK government.

Current Visa Status: You can apply for the Graduate Visa if:

• You are currently in the United States.
• You hold a valid Student visa or General Tier 4 student visa.
• You have studied an eligible course, such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s program, for the minimum required duration.
• Your university or college can provide proof of your course completion.

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Application Process for the Post-Study Work Visa UK

The UK Post-Study Work (PSW) visa allows international graduates to stay and work in the UK for two years after completing their studies. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for this visa:

1. Start Your Application Online:
   • Visit the official website: UK Government Visa Application Window
   • Begin your application as soon as your education provider notifies the Home Office of your course completion.
2. Prepare Required Documents:
   • Gather all necessary documents to support your application.
3. Complete Identity Verification:
   • Use your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) to verify your identity through the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app.
   • Sign in to your existing UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account or create a new one.
   • If you can’t use the app, visit one of the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service points to provide your photograph and fingerprints.
4. Pay Application Fees:
   • The application fee is £822 (INR 74,548).
   • Pay the healthcare surcharge, which is approximately £1,035 ( INR 93,881.75) per year for the duration of your visa (2 years total).
5. Submit Your Application:
   • Review your application and submit it along with all required documents.
6. Await Decision:
   • Typically, you will receive a decision within 8 weeks.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to securing your Post-Study Work Visa in the UK!

Benefits of the UK Post-Study Work Visa

The UK Post-Study Work (PSW) visa provides international students with a valuable opportunity to kickstart their careers after graduation. Here are some key benefits of this visa:

1. Extended Stay: The PSW visa allows international students to remain in the UK for two years after completing their studies, providing ample time to seek employment.
2. Earning Opportunities: This visa permits students to work in the UK, enabling them to earn money, support themselves financially, and pay off any loans.
3. Pathway to Permanent Residency: If students secure a suitable job and meet the requirements for a work visa, the PSW visa can pave the way for applying for permanent residency in the UK.
4. Career Exploration: The PSW visa encourages students to explore various career options, helping them discover new fields of interest or leverage their existing skills in different ways.
5. Networking Opportunities: Working in the UK allows international students to build professional networks, which can be crucial for future job opportunities and career advancement.

Overall, the Post-Study Work visa in the UK is an excellent opportunity for international students to gain valuable experience and enhance their career prospects.

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Do’s & Don’ts with a Graduate Visa

A Graduate Visa allows international students to explore job opportunities and gain valuable work experience in the UK. Here’s a quick guide on what you can and cannot do with this visa.

Do’s	Don’ts
Look for job opportunities	Apply for state pension or public benefits
Be self-employed	Work as a professional sportsperson
Engage in voluntary work	–
Travel abroad and return to the UK.	–

What to Do When Your PSW Visa in the UK Expires?

When your Post-Study Work visa in the UK expires, you have several options to continue living and working in the country. Here’s a guide on the steps you can take:

1. Switch to a Different Visa Category: If you’re eligible, consider switching to another visa type. For instance, if you have a job offer from a UK employer, you can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2 visa). Alternatively, if you have a partner who is a UK citizen or settled in the UK, you may apply for a Spouse or Partner visa.
2. Extend Your Current Visa: If you’re still on a Tier 4 (General) student visa, you might be able to extend it if you receive an offer from a licensed Tier 2 sponsor or a start-up endorsed by an authorized endorsing body.
3. Apply for a Graduate Job: To remain in the UK, actively seek graduate employment. If you secure a position with a licensed Tier 2 sponsor, you can then apply for a Skilled Worker Visa.

Key Takeaways

• The Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa, also known as the Graduate Visa, allows international students to stay in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for PhD holders) after completing their studies. This provides ample time to explore career options and gain work experience.
• The Post-Study Work visa in the UK offers flexibility, enabling graduates to work in any sector, be self-employed, or even start a business without needing employer sponsorship or a job offer. 
• Graduates who secure a job under the Skilled Worker Visa or other qualifying visas can continue their career in the UK and potentially apply for permanent residency after 5 years of employment.

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FAQs

Q1. Can I reapply after my PSW UK expires?

Ans- No, you cannot reapply for the PSW (Graduate Visa) after it expires, as it is valid for 2 years and cannot be extended. However, you may switch to a different type of visa based on your circumstances if you wish to extend your stay in the UK.

Q2. Can PSW be rejected in the UK?

Ans- Yes, a UK Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa can be rejected if you do not meet the eligibility criteria laid out by the Home Office. Approval depends on fulfilling all requirements, and failure to meet any condition may lead to refusal of the application.

Q3. Is an interview compulsory for a UK work visa?

Ans- An interview may be required for a UK work visa, but it is not always compulsory. After submitting the required documents, applicants could be asked to attend an interview at their local UKVI office, where they will discuss their reasons for visiting the UK, personal background, and travel plans.