Embarking on a course of study in the UK is not merely about attaining a degree of renown; it is about accessing professional opportunities on a global scale. One of the biggest advantages for international students is the UK Post-Study Work Visa, officially called the Graduate Route Visa.
If you’re wondering:
- What can I do after finishing PSW?
- What is the Graduate Route Visa?
- How do I apply?
This exhaustive compendium addresses these inquiries and elucidates the subsequent actions to be taken following the expiration of your PSW. Whether you’re currently on this visa or studying in the UK, this article is packed with essential, updated information.
The Post-Study Work Visa (PSW), also known as the Graduate Route Visa, allows international students to stay in the UK for:
- Two years after completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree
- Three years for Ph.D. or doctoral graduates
With this visa, you can:
- Work in most jobs (except professional sports roles)
- Search for employment opportunities
- Be self-employed
- Travel abroad and return freely
- Stay with eligible dependents.
How to Apply for a Graduate Route Visa (PSW) UK
If you plan to stay in the UK after graduation, follow these straightforward steps:
PSW visa eligibility requirements
- Completed a qualifying degree(bachelor’s, master’s, Ph.D., or doctoral degree) from a UK higher education institution.
- Hold a valid student (Tier 4) visa.
- Must be physically present in the UK at the time of application
- Have not previously been granted a PSW visa.
Required Documents for Graduate Route Visa
- Valid passport or other travel document that shows identity and nationality
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from when you applied for your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
To prove you have a valid Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa, you’ll need to provide either:
- Biometric residence permit (BRP) – you can use it for 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card
- Online proof of your immigration status if you have an eVisa
Other documents you might need:
- proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you
- a letter from your scholarship or sponsorship provider approving your application, if they paid for both your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months
You can apply online once your documents are ready.
Prove Your Identity
- Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan your BRP
- If the app isn’t available, book a biometric appointment
PSW fees in UK
- £880 Graduate Visa application fee
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – this is usually £1,035 for each year you’ll be in the UK
Submit Your Application
- Upload all required documents and complete the online submission process
Wait for a Decision
You’ll typically receive a decision within 8 weeks, during which time you can remain in the UK.
Please note that your university must inform the Home Office that you have completed your course before you apply.
UK Graduate Visa Processing Time
While most decisions are made within eight weeks, delays may occur due to the following:
- Document verification issues
- Background checks, especially if you have a criminal record
Therefore, make sure that all of your documents are correct and up to date to avoid processing delays.
What Can I Do After Finishing PSW?
Once your Graduate Route Visa expires, you have several legal options to stay longer in the UK:
Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa
Requires a job offer meeting minimum salary requirements:
– £38,700 per year or job-specific “going rate”Apply for Further Studies (Second Degree)
You can pursue another Master’s, PhD, or an eligible program if you can demonstrate academic progression.
- Switch to a Spouse Visa
If married to a UK citizen and meeting all eligibility criteria Explore Other Visa Routes
Including Innovator Visa, Health & Care Visa, Global Talent Visa, among others
Keep in mind: The PSW cannot be extended. You must switch to a different valid visa before your Graduate Route period ends.
What You Can & Cannot Do with a Graduate Route Visa
Permitted:
✔ Work in most jobs
✔ Be self-employed
✔ Travel freely in and out of the UK
✔ Stay with eligible dependents (if they were part of your previous Student Visa application)
Restrictions:
✖ You cannot access public funds or benefits
✖ You cannot work as a professional sportsperson
Graduate Route Visa UK for Indian Students (2025 Update)
Popular among Indian students, this visa offers:
- 2-3 years stay post-graduation
- Full work rights, self-employment permitted
- Freedom to switch jobs
- Ability to travel abroad and return
No, applications must be made inside the UK
£880 + £1,035 per year for IHS
Only by switching to a Skilled Worker Visa or similar
Post Study Work Visa UK for Bangladeshi Students
Bangladeshi students often utilize the PSW to gain work experience, particularly in sectors such as IT, healthcare, and engineering.
Yes, with valid academic progression.
STS Global Education can help you find the best career-focused courses with affordable tuition fees that suit you. Contact us to extend your stay in the UK.
Only by switching to another valid visa
Graduate Route Visa for Pakistani Students
Pakistani graduates commonly use the PSW to work in finance, tech, and business sectors.
No, but one is required for a Skilled Worker Visa
Yes, by switching to a Student Visa
Post Study Work Visa for Nigerian Students in the UK
Nigerian students use the PSW to build careers, particularly in the healthcare and business sectors.
Yes, if they were dependents during your Student Visa period
Only under the 10-year-long residence route, not the 5-year work-based route
Frequently Asked Questions
No, PSW extensions are not permitted. You can stay for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates), after which you must switch to another valid visa, such as a Skilled Worker or Student Visa.
Yes, but only for courses that do not qualify for a Student Visa. If your course is eligible for a Student Visa, you must switch visas. Research-based or sensitive topic courses may require an ATAS certificate.
Yes, if you marry a UK citizen and meet the eligibility criteria, you can switch to a Spouse Visa (5-year route).
Not directly. You can apply for PR under:
- 10-year continuous residency route (PSW years count)
- 5-year work-based route (PSW years do NOT count), only applicable if you switch to visas like Skilled Worker or Health & Care
Only for the 10-year continuous residency route, not for the 5-year work-based settlement route.
It allows international graduates to stay in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD holders) to work, search for jobs, or be self-employed.
Yes, as long as they are already in the UK and meet eligibility requirements.
It allows graduates to gain international work experience, switch jobs freely, and build a UK-based career, enhancing global employability.
Yes, by switching your PSW to a Student Visa for another degree, like a second Master's.
You must switch to another visa type, such as Skilled Worker, Spouse, or Student Visa, to remain in the UK legally.
Yes, provided you secure a job offer meeting the minimum salary requirements.
Yes, as long as academic progression is demonstrated, showing alignment with your career goals.
No, you must be physically present in the UK when applying. You can apply as soon as your education provider informs the Home Office of your course completion.
The UK’s Graduate Route Visa (PSW) is a valuable opportunity for international students to build careers, gain experience, and explore life in the UK. Whether you’re from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, or any other country, early planning is key to maximising your opportunities and ensuring smooth transitions to long-term visas.
Plan Early | Stay Informed | Secure Your Future
