The UK Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa Explained
<p>Many parents ask what happens after their child graduates from a UK university. Do international students have to return home straight away, or is there a route to working in the UK? On this point, the Home Office opened the Post-Study Work (PSW) visa — formally “The Graduate Route” — to applications from 1 July 2021. An international student with no adverse immigration record, holding a student visa sponsored by a UK institution, may on completing an undergraduate degree or above hold a PSW visa and look for work and work freely and legally in the UK.</p>
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<p>The PSW visa gives international graduates far more employment options and removes much of the uncertainty around visa status. Below we set out the eligibility requirements and the application process.</p>
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<blockquote><p><strong>Please note:</strong> visa fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge and Home Office requirements change regularly. The figures below reflect the rules as originally announced. Always check <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa">gov.uk/graduate-visa</a> for the current fees and requirements before applying.</p></blockquote>
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<p><img src="https://oxbridge-blogs-1.s3.ap-northeast-2.amazonaws.com/h7jjMb43E8LNW1g4B8Hc.png" alt="UK Post-Study Work visa overview"></p>
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<h2><strong>How to apply and what it costs</strong></h2>
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<p>No additional sponsorship from your institution is required — you apply directly online, and you must be inside the UK when you submit your application.</p>
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<p>The costs comprise a visa fee of £700 and an Immigration Health Surcharge of £624 per year.</p>
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<h2><strong>Eligibility requirements</strong></h2>
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<ul>
<li>No record of immigration breaches.</li>
<li>Graduated on or after 1 July 2021 with a recognised undergraduate degree or above from a licensed student sponsor.</li>
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<p>*Your institution must notify the Home Office that you have completed your course.</p>
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<li>You hold a UK student visa (Tier 4 Student or Student Route) at the time of application.</li>
<li>A valid CAS.</li>
<li>You meet the requirements for study undertaken in the UK.</li>
</ul>
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<p>*Students who began courses in autumn 2020 were required to enter the UK before 21 June 2021 and complete their course within the validity of their student visa.</p>
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<p>*Students who began courses in spring 2021 were required to enter the UK before 27 September 2021 and complete their course within the validity of their student visa.</p>
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<h2><strong>If your application is approved</strong></h2>
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<ul>
<li>PhD graduates receive a three-year visa; all other qualifications receive two years. Graduates may work freely in the UK, including self-employment and voluntary work, and may work or look for work for the duration of the visa with no restriction on skill level or sector.</li>
<li>Dependants’ visas may be extended at the same time, though new dependants cannot be added.</li>
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<p><img src="https://oxbridge-blogs-1.s3.ap-northeast-2.amazonaws.com/emYJxGbBmwFOMp3U1YP1.png" alt="UK Post-Study Work visa application details"></p>
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<h2>Frequently asked questions</h2>
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<p><strong>1. Do I need to apply for a new visa?</strong></p>
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<p>Yes. You must apply for a new visa, and you must be inside the UK when you apply.</p>
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<p><strong>2. Is the PSW visa the same as permanent residence?</strong></p>
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<p>No. It is not equivalent to residence status, although you can apply for residence through other work visa routes.</p>
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<p><strong>3. Are there nationality or quota limits on the PSW visa?</strong></p>
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<p>No. There are no nationality or numerical limits — any eligible international student may apply.</p>
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<p><strong>4. Can the PSW visa be extended when it expires?</strong></p>
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<p>No, but you can apply for a different visa.</p>