The post study work visa in the UK, also known as the graduate visa, allows you to work in the UK and build your career. Introduced in July 2021, this visa permits you to stay for two years after earning your degree or three years if you’ve completed a PhD. It’s an excellent opportunity to kickstart your career in a competitive job market.
Why is the post study work visa UK so beneficial? For starters, it enables you to work in most roles without requiring a job offer. In 2023 alone, over 114,000 individuals were granted graduate visas, highlighting its popularity. This visa allows you to enhance your skills, explore diverse job opportunities, and potentially earn around £25,465 annually as an Indian graduate visa holder. It opens up countless opportunities for success.
The Post Study Work Visa lets international students stay in the UK. You can stay for two years after graduation or three years for PhD holders. This helps you get work experience.
You don’t need a job offer to apply for the visa. It lets you try different jobs or even start a business.
Apply before your student visa ends. Gather needed papers like your degree certificate and CAS number to avoid problems.
This visa can lead to other options, like the Skilled Worker visa. It helps you stay longer and work in your field.
Use this time to meet people and learn new skills. This will improve your career chances and make your resume better.
The Graduate visa, also called the post study work visa, is a great chance for international students. It lets you stay in the UK and work after finishing your studies. This visa helps students get useful work experience. If you earned a degree from a UK university, you can stay for two years. PhD graduates can stay for three years.
You don’t need a job offer or employer to apply. This means you can try different jobs or even start a business. To apply, your student visa must still be valid. You’ll need proof you finished your degree, like a certificate or transcript, and a valid CAS. The process is simple. Make a UKVI account, upload your papers, and pay the fees.
The Graduate visa has many benefits for your career. First, it lets you work in any field. You can join a company, freelance, or start your own business. This time helps you meet people and gain real-world experience.
Another big benefit is that this visa can lead to other long-term visas, like the Skilled Worker visa. This could help you stay in the UK longer or even become a permanent resident. The work experience you get here can also help your career worldwide. Employers value the skills you learn in the UK.
The UK is a favorite place for international students, and this visa is one reason why. It’s your chance to use your education and prepare for a bright future.
To get the graduate visa, you need to finish a degree in the UK. This can be a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD. The school must have a sponsor license approved by the UK government. If you’re unsure, check the official list of licensed schools.
Here’s a simple guide to the rules:
| Rule | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Finish a Degree | Complete a UK bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD at an approved school. |
| Have a Valid Student Visa | Hold a Tier 4 or Student Route Visa when you apply. |
| Apply on Time | Submit your application before your current visa runs out while in the UK. |
If you meet these rules, you’re ready to apply for the graduate visa.
You must meet study and stay rules to apply.
These include:
You also need to stay in the UK legally while studying. Follow your visa rules and don’t leave the UK for long periods. Breaking these rules could stop you from getting the visa.
Changed your course? Don’t worry—it won’t stop you from applying. If you didn’t need a new student visa and finished the new course, you’re still eligible.
Switching courses in the UK won’t hurt your Graduate visa chances if no new Student visa was needed and the new course is completed.
Applying for the graduate visa is simple, but timing matters. You must apply before your current student visa ends. Start preparing right after finishing your degree. This gives you enough time to collect all needed documents. It also helps you avoid rushing at the last minute.
The process usually takes a few weeks to months. Plan early to avoid missing deadlines. If unsure about the timeline, check the UKVI website for updates. Your student visa must still be valid when you apply.
Having the right documents is very important for your application. Here’s what you’ll need:
Make sure your documents are correct and updated. Wrong or missing papers can delay your application. Check everything carefully before submitting to avoid problems.
Great news! You can add dependents to your graduate visa application. Dependents include your spouse, partner, or kids under 18. They must already be in the UK as your dependents on your student visa.
To include them, show proof of your relationship, like a marriage or birth certificate. Each dependent must pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge. Once approved, they’ll have the same visa length as you.
💡 Tip: Adding dependents to your PSW visa application helps your family adjust easily. Just ensure you meet all the rules.
The graduate visa lets you stay in the UK for two years after finishing your degree. If you completed a PhD, you can stay for three years. This time is perfect for trying new jobs, gaining experience, and meeting professionals. The visa starts the day it’s approved, so use this time wisely. You can find a job, start a business, or even study more. This visa gives you the freedom to plan your future.
The graduate visa allows many work options. You don’t need an employer to sponsor you.
Here’s what you can do with this visa:
This visa helps you explore different careers. You can try new industries or focus on one path. It’s a great way to work toward your goals.
The post-study work visa has some rules. You can’t extend it after it ends. To stay longer, you’ll need a new visa, like the Skilled Worker visa. You also can’t get public funds or work as a professional athlete or coach. These rules keep the visa focused on helping you gain work experience.
Knowing these limits helps you plan better. You can decide to switch to another visa or return home with new skills. Understanding the rules ensures you follow them and make smart choices.
When applying for the graduate visa, you’ll need to pay two main fees: the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The application fee is £822, whether your visa is for two or three years. The IHS cost depends on your visa length. For a two-year visa, it’s £1,248. A three-year visa costs £2,283.
Here’s a simple cost breakdown:
| Visa Length | Application Fee | Healthcare Surcharge | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 years | £822 | £1,248 | £2,070 |
| 3 years | £822 | £2,283 | £3,105 |
These fees let you live and work in the UK with the graduate visa. The IHS also gives you access to healthcare during your stay.
The costs of the PSW visa in the UK can feel high, especially for new graduates. Planning your money early is important. Save during your studies or set aside funds from part-time jobs. This can help you cover the visa fees.
Don’t forget about living costs while on the graduate visa. Expenses like rent, food, and transport can add up fast. Make a budget to manage your money better. If unsure about costs, ask an advisor or use online tools to estimate your expenses.
💡 Tip: Some schools offer scholarships or financial aid to help with visa costs. Check with your university to see if you qualify.
If you’re a healthcare worker, you might get reduced fees or special benefits under the graduate visa. The UK government often supports healthcare professionals. For example, you may pay a lower IHS or get other discounts. This can make your visa more affordable.
To check if you qualify, read the official rules or talk to a visa expert. Using these options can save you money and reduce stress.
🩺 Note: If you’re starting a healthcare career, the graduate visa is a great way to explore long-term UK opportunities.
The graduate visa lets you stay and work in the UK after your studies. It’s a great way to gain real-world experience in a global job market. You can work in any field or skill level without needing sponsorship or a set salary. Whether you want to try a new career or grow in your field, this visa gives you plenty of options.
Did you know 73% of graduates with this visa had jobs last year? Even better, 62% found work within their first month. The average salary for these graduates is £26,460 per year, which is a strong start for many.
💡 Tip: Use this time to meet people, attend job events, and connect with experts in your field. These steps can lead to long-term success.
The graduate visa isn’t just for short-term work. It can help you stay in the UK longer. After gaining experience, you can apply for other visas, like the Skilled Worker visa. This visa lets you work in a job that matches your skills and offers employer sponsorship.
If you want permanent residency, the graduate visa can help. Working in the UK helps you meet some of the settlement requirements. Many students use this visa as a first step toward their long-term goals.
🏆 Note: Plan ahead. Learn about other visa rules early to make the most of your time on the graduate visa.
The graduate visa doesn’t just help in the UK. It also improves your career chances worldwide. Employers value international experience, and working in the UK makes your resume stand out. Skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are highly valued everywhere.
In 2021-22, nearly 680,000 international students studied in the UK, with many using the graduate visa. This visa is one reason students pick the UK for their education. By staying and working here, you’re preparing for success wherever your career leads.
🌍 Callout: The global education market is expected to grow to $433 billion by 2030. Your UK degree and work experience will give you an edge in this competitive field.
When your graduate visa ends, you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa. This visa lets you stay longer and work in a job that fits your skills. To qualify, you need a job offer from a UK employer who can sponsor visas. The job must meet certain salary and skill levels. Many jobs in healthcare, IT, and engineering qualify.
The graduate visa helps you prepare for this step. It gives you time to find jobs and connect with employers. Many students move from the PSW to a Skilled Worker visa using their UK work experience. This visa can even lead to permanent residency, helping you plan a long-term future in the UK.
💡 Tip: Learn about Skilled Worker visa rules early. This helps you prepare and apply smoothly.
If the Skilled Worker visa isn’t for you, there are other choices. The Innovator visa is great if you have a new business idea. You’ll need to prove your idea is unique, workable, and can grow. This visa is perfect for entrepreneurs ready to start a business.
Another option is the Global Talent visa. This visa is for people with special skills or potential in areas like science, arts, or technology. If you’ve been recognized in your field or show promise, this visa could work for you. It doesn’t need a job offer, so you can work freely across the UK.
🌟 Note: Both visas have specific requirements. Research them to see if they match your goals.
If staying in the UK isn’t your goal, returning home with UK experience is still valuable. Employers worldwide respect the skills gained through the graduate visa. Your time in the UK shows you can adapt, understand cultures, and succeed globally.
Many students find UK experience helps them get better jobs or leadership roles back home. The skills and connections you’ve built will make you stand out. Whether you join a global company or start your own business, your UK journey will give you an advantage.
🌍 Callout: The graduate visa isn’t just about staying in the UK. It’s about using your global experience to build a bright future.
The post-study work visa helps you gain work experience in the UK. It supports your move from being a student to starting your career. If you finished your degree at a qualified school, this visa lets you stay for two or three years to explore jobs.
Start your application early. Collect your papers, learn the steps, and ask for help if needed. This makes the process easier. Think about how the PSW visa fits your future plans. Whether you want to stay in the UK or grow your career worldwide, this visa is a great first step.
💡 Tip: Prepare early to make the most of your graduate visa!
You must apply for the Graduate visa while your student visa is still valid. If it expires, you won’t qualify for the Graduate visa. Plan ahead and start your application as soon as you complete your course.
💡 Tip: Set reminders for key dates to avoid missing deadlines.
No, you can’t extend the Graduate visa. Once it expires, you’ll need to switch to another visa type, like the Skilled Worker visa, or leave the UK. Research your options early to plan your next steps.
No, you don’t need a job offer to apply. The Graduate visa allows you to work in any field or even start your own business. It’s a flexible option to explore different career paths.
Yes, but only if the course isn’t eligible for a student visa. Short courses or part-time studies are allowed. If you plan to pursue a degree, you’ll need to switch back to a student visa.
Don’t worry! The Graduate visa doesn’t tie you to a specific employer. You can search for another job or even start freelancing. Use this time to explore opportunities that align with your career goals.
🌟 Note: Stay proactive and network to find new opportunities quickly.
