The UK brings more than 600,000 students to its shores who choose to study 80,000 courses at UK universities, language schools, pathway colleges and more. The British Isles are ranked #2 worldwide for education, right after the United States. Almost 32% of students are awarded first-class honours each year, and 46% are awarded second-class honours. Plenty of these international students land jobs after their post-graduation. So what makes post-study work visa UK eligibility so attractive? We discuss it all here, along with tips and tricks on how to land a perfect job in the UK!
What Is Post Study Work Visa UK?
PSW, or the ‘Post-Study Work Visa,’ is officially called the ‘Graduate Route’ in the UK. Under the graduate route, international students can apply for a PSW visa to stay and work in the UK for a period of 2 – 3 years.
- International students on the verge of completing their undergraduate or postgraduate studies must stay and look for a job for two years. They will need sponsorship from an organisation to stay and work.
- On the other hand, PhD students can stay and look for work for three years after their studies. Just like the UGs and PGs, they will have to get a sponsorship for their visa.
- If you’re staying in the UK under a PSW visa, then you do not need to be sponsored, nor will there be a need for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- While you can take additional courses on the PSW visa, there’s a catch. You cannot enroll in any institution that sponsors international students on the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.
- Adding to the above point, You cannot work as a professional athlete as well while on the graduate route.
Eligibility For Post Study Work Visa In The UK
Take note that you should physically be present in the UK during the time of application. An advantage here is that you will not be asked for additional evidence of financial resources or even be obligated to take any English Language exams. You must read the eligibility criteria for PSW in UK.
- Currently, be residing in the UK
- Have completed a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree from a UK university. At the same time, you should be holding a Tier 4 Student Visa.
- Have your educational provider confirm your completion of your degree to the Home Office.
The minimum study duration requirements in the UK are below:
- You must have studied for at least 12 months.
- If your course is shorter than 12 months, make sure that you have studied for the entirety of 10 months in the UK.
Required Degrees For Applying For A PSW Visa
To add to the above eligibility for PSW in UK, here are the degrees which fit the criteria of completing your Graduate Route.
- A Bachelor’s degree
- A Master’s degree
- PhD or higher doctoral degree
- A law conversion course
- Solicitor’s course in Northern Ireland
- Legal Practice course
- Bar Practice Course
- A professional legal practice diploma in Scotland
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education
- Foundation programme in medicine or dentistry
- Postgraduate Diploma in Education
- Any other course which is certified by UK law or UK public body.
Documents Required For Post-Study Work Visa In The UK
The most important documents you will need to complete your UK Graduate Route is:
- Your passport
- Your most recent CAS letter
- A biometric residence permit
- If you have any study loan papers
What Is A BRP?
A Biometric Residence Permit is proof that you have a right to stay, work or study in the UK. It can also be used as a form of identification, for example, if you wish to open a bank account in the UK. This is all that your BRP includes:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Place of Birth
- Fingerprints
- Photo of your face
- Immigration Status
Applying For A Post Study Work Visa
The PSW should be made online from the UK itself. You can start off with the process as soon as your college admin has notified the Home office of your graduation. Here are some of the steps you can follow:
- Visit GOV.UK and click on “Start Now”
- Go through the guidelines and create your account
- Verify your identity with your BRP or passport
- Fill out the application form
- Upload all documents which have listed above
- Pay the application fee
- Pay a healthcare surcharge
Costs Associated With PSW
We have made a small table to help you understand all the costs you will be paying in the Graduate Route. Have a look!
| Type of Fee | Costs |
| Application Fee | £715 |
| Health Surcharge | £1,248 |
| Health Surcharge for 3 years | £1,872 |
Processing Time
Now that you’ve submitted your application for the Post-study work visa, the UKVI will scrutinise it. They should get back to you within 4-8 weeks after processing your biometrics. To be more precise, it is 3 weeks for applications from outside the UK and 8 weeks for those who have applied from within the country.
Questions Asked In A Post-Study Work Visa Interview
If the people scrutinising your eligibility for a post-study work visa in the UK think you’re fit for the next round, you will be called for an interview. Here are some questions you will be asked.
| Why do you want to go to the UK? How long are you planning on staying here? What made you pick the UK for your higher studies? Have you been to the UK before? Why do you choose that college/university? OR Why do you want to work in the UK after studying? Who’s paying for your expenses in the UK? What do your parents do for a living? Do you have any family or friends in the UK? Where will you be staying in the UK? When did you first think about working in the UK? |
How The PSW Works?
Now that you’ve cleared all the post-study work visa UK eligibility and completed the graduate route, here is an understanding of how it works.
- Duration: It is valid for up to 2 years or up to 3 for those who have completed a PhD.
- Work: You can take up any profession or job in the UK. You also don’t need a job offer to apply for this visa.
- Switching: If you’re currently on a Student Visa or Tier 2 visa, you can switch up to a post-study work visa as long as you meet the criteria set by the government.
- Settlement: PSW does not directly lead to permanent residency in the UK. However, you will have valuable work experience and a UK employment certificate from the organisation you are a part of.
- Dependents: If you have a family member, such as a spouse or children, you can bring them to the UK while holding a post-study work visa.
Visa Options After PSW Ends
After this ends, you must apply for a new or family-based visa to stay in the UK. Here are some things to consider:
- You can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa if you have a skilled job or are employed.
- Here is a deeper meaning of what a Skilled Worker in the UK is: You must have a job on the eligible list and work for an employer licensed by the UK Home Office.
- You must be earning £26,200 per year.
- The Skilled Worker Route also offers a path to permanent residency in the UK. If you hold this type of visa for 5 continuous years, you can apply for PR!
- You can also apply for Innovator Founder Route, this is if you’re an entrepreneur. This visa can allow you to start a business in the UK.
- Lastly, there is the Partner Visa which is possible if you’re married to someone from the UK.
FAQs
What is the eligibility for post study work visa in the UK?
If you complete an undergraduate, postgraduate or PhD degree from the UK then getting a PSW is possible.
What can I do professionally with the UK post-study work visa?
You can work in an eligible atmosphere, your partner and children can come to the UK as dependants, you can take up additional work, take up voluntary work or others.
Can I extend my UK post-study work visa (Graduate Route Visa UK)?
The UK pots study work visa or Graduate Route cannot be extended.
How long does it take to receive a decision on my UK Graduate Visa application?
You will receive a reply within 8 weeks of applying.
1 thought on “Top PGDM Courses In Canada: Universities, Specialisations & Eligibility”
I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further