From 1 July 2021, international students can get a UK post-study work visa after graduating from an approved UK Higher Education Provider.

Apart from the UK’s world-class education, academic excellence and cities bursting with culture and history, the latest work visa update will influence international students’ destination choice.

If you’re looking to fulfil your career goals in the UK, you would consider this measure, also known as the Graduate Immigration Route, as an opportunity.

What Is the UK Graduate Route?

The Graduate Route is available to international students who have completed a degree at undergraduate level or above at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance and who have a valid Tier 4 visa at the time of application.

According to the UK government, if international students graduate in the summer of 2021 or after, they can apply for the route. This applies to students who have already started their courses before then, whether they have been studying in the UK or online in their home country due to Covid-19, provided they meet the other requirements of the route.

Successful applicants on this route at bachelor’s or master’s level will be able to stay in the UK and work, or look for work in the UK, at any skill level for 2 years. Doctoral students will be able to stay for 3 years.

Who is eligible for a UK post-study work visa?

You can apply for a Graduate visa if:

  • 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 of time with your student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa

  • your education provider (such as your university or college) has told the Home Office you’ve successfully completed your course

  • You have studied in the UK for either at least 12 months (if your course’s total length is more than 12 months) or the total length of your course (if its total length is shorter than 12 months)

How to apply for PSW visa in the UK?

You must apply online for a Graduate visa on Gov.UK once your documents are ready.
When you apply, you’ll need to provide:

  • 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.

When to apply for your UK post-study work visa?

  • You must apply before your student visa or Tier 4 (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 or Tier 4 (General) student visa.

  • You do not have to wait until you’ve graduated or have been given a certificate.

What are the UK post-study work visa fees?

The UK PSW visa (or the Graduate Route) requires a new visa application, which is only possible from inside the UK, which includes the payment of:

  • £700 per applicant for the application (2 years £1,948 and 3 years £2,572).

  • £624 a year per applicant for the Health Charge (£1,248 for 2 years and £1,875 for 3 years).

The Graduate route allows the UK to retain the brightest and the best international students to contribute to society and the economy post-study under the points-based immigration system.

Want to fulfil your dream of living and working in the UK? Take the first step towards reaching your career aspirations and get our support for the application steps to success after finishing your degree in the UK.