The UK Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa Explained

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.

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.

Please note: visa fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge and Home Office requirements change regularly. The figures below reflect the rules as originally announced. Always check gov.uk/graduate-visa for the current fees and requirements before applying.

How to apply and what it costs

No additional sponsorship from your institution is required — you apply directly online, and you must be inside the UK when you submit your application.

The costs comprise a visa fee of £700 and an Immigration Health Surcharge of £624 per year.

Eligibility requirements

• No record of immigration breaches.
• Graduated on or after 1 July 2021 with a recognised undergraduate degree or above from a licensed student sponsor.

*Your institution must notify the Home Office that you have completed your course.

• You hold a UK student visa (Tier 4 Student or Student Route) at the time of application.
• A valid CAS.
• You meet the requirements for study undertaken in the UK.

*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.

*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.

If your application is approved

• 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.
• Dependants’ visas may be extended at the same time, though new dependants cannot be added.

Frequently asked questions

1. Do I need to apply for a new visa?

Yes. You must apply for a new visa, and you must be inside the UK when you apply.

2. Is the PSW visa the same as permanent residence?

No. It is not equivalent to residence status, although you can apply for residence through other work visa routes.

3. Are there nationality or quota limits on the PSW visa?

No. There are no nationality or numerical limits — any eligible international student may apply.

4. Can the PSW visa be extended when it expires?

No, but you can apply for a different visa.