How to Apply for PSW Visa in UK: A Guide for International Graduates

If you’ve recently completed your degree in the UK and want to continue living, working, or exploring opportunities, the Post-Study Work (PSW) visa, also called the Graduate Route, is designed exactly for that. It allows eligible international students to remain in the UK for two years after graduation, or three if you hold a PhD.

This guide strips out the guesswork and walks you through how to apply for PSW visa in UK, with clear criteria, costs, documents, and realistic expectations.

Who is eligible for UK PSW?

Before looking into how to apply for PSW visa in UK, you need to make sure you’re eligible. To qualify for the Graduate Route:

• You must hold a valid Student visa at the time of application.
• You must have completed a UK bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree at a recognised UK Higher Education Provider.
• The qualification must match the one listed on your Student visa and be completed within your current visa period.
• Your university must report your course completion to the Home Office.
• You must apply from within the UK after receiving your final results and before your Student visa expires.
• No job offer or sponsorship is needed.

How much does it cost to get a PSW visa in the UK?

Understanding the cost is an important part of planning how to apply for PSW visa in UK.

According to the gov.ukwebsite , as of 2025, the application fee is £822. and the Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,035 per year. For a two-year visa, that’s £2,070.

This brings the total to £2,892. These fees must be paid online during your application and are non-refundable.

How long does it take to get a PSW visa in the UK?

Once your biometric information has been submitted, it typically takes up to 8 weeks to receive a decision.

You must be inside the UK while your application is processed. Leaving the UK during this time can invalidate your application. Most applicants receive their outcome via email, and your visa status is updated online as part of the UK’s digital immigration system.

Which documents are required for a PSW?

If you’re preparing to apply, here’s what you’ll need:

• A valid passport or travel document to prove your identity.
• Details of your current Student visa.
• Proof that you’ve successfully completed your course (your university sends this directly to the Home Office).
• Confirmation of payment for both the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
• Your biometric residence permit (if applicable).

All documents must be submitted via the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online portal. Accuracy is key.

How do I apply for a graduate visa in the UK?

Here’s a simplified step-by-step overview of how to apply for PSW visa in UK:

• Confirm your eligibility ,  make sure you’ve completed your course and your Student visa is still valid.
• Wait for your university to notify the Home Office of your course completion.
• Apply online through the UKVI website.
• Upload all required documents.
• Verify your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a biometric appointment if prompted.
• Stay in the UK while your application is under review.

Starting the application right after your final results are released is ideal to avoid timing issues.

 

Eligible Jobs and Occupations on a PSW in UK

The PSW visa allows you to work in almost any job role and industry. You can work full-time, part-time, on a temporary contract, or even be self-employed.

This includes roles in sectors like hospitality, retail, healthcare, IT, finance, education, and more. You don’t need a job offer or employer sponsorship. However, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach.

The flexibility of this visa makes it a valuable stepping stone for gaining UK work experience or progressing to a longer-term work visa.

Can PSW in UK get rejected?

Yes, though most applications are successful, there are reasons it can be denied. These include:

• Applying before receiving your final results.
• Failing to apply before your Student visa expires.
• Incomplete or inaccurate documentation.
• Your university failing to report course completion to the Home Office.

To avoid rejection, follow each step of how to apply for PSW visa in UK carefully and make sure your university confirms when your results have been officially submitted.

FAQs about PSW visa in UK

What is the approval rate for UK graduate visa?

The approval rate is high, generally above 95%. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria and provide accurate information, your application is unlikely to be refused.

Do we need to show funds for PSW?

No, there’s no requirement to show proof of funds when applying for the Graduate Route. You only need to pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

That said, it’s wise to ensure you have enough savings to support yourself until you secure a job.

What is the difference between Graduate visa and Skilled Worker visa?

The Graduate visa does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship. You can work in any job at any skill level. It lasts for two years (or three years if you completed a PhD) and doesn’t count towards permanent residency.

In contrast, the Skilled Worker visa requires you to have a job offer from a licensed UK employer. The job must meet a minimum salary and skill level. This visa can last up to five years and does count towards settlement in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

Can I convert my Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes, once you have a qualifying job and an offer from a sponsoring employer, you can switch to the Skilled Worker visa from within the UK.
This is a common progression route for many graduates who want to stay in the UK long-term.

Does a graduate visa count towards ILR?

No. Time spent on a Graduate Route visa does not count toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). You’ll need to switch to an eligible visa, like the Skilled Worker visa, to begin accumulating qualifying residency time.

What happens after a UK graduate visa?

Once your PSW visa expires, you have a few options:

• Switch to another UK visa, such as the Skilled Worker, Start-up, or Student visa.
• Leave the UK before your visa ends.
• Apply for other immigration routes that fit your goals or job status.

It’s important to plan ahead—especially during your second year on the Graduate Route.

In summary, the Graduate Route offers a practical path for international students to stay and work in the UK after completing their studies.

By understanding how to apply for PSW in UK, you can take full advantage of the opportunities available and plan your next steps with confidence. Whether you’re preparing for the future or currently navigating your education journey, having reliable support matters.

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