How to Apply for PSW Visa in the UK

The Post Study Work (PSW) in UK, sometimes referred to as the Graduate visa, provides an exciting opportunity for international students pursuing degrees in the UK to remain in the country and obtain useful work experience. The Graduate visa, which was introduced in July 2021, permits qualified graduates to stay in the UK for a maximum of two years (18 months if you apply after January 2027) or three years for PhD graduates following the completion of their studies.

We will go over all you need to know about the PSW visa and the application process in this blog.

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What is the PSW in UK (Graduate) Visa?

The purpose of the Graduate visa is to enable international students who have earned a degree in the UK to remain and work (or explore job opportunities) without needing a sponsorship or job offer. You can be self-employed, work in most jobs, or even start your own business.

Who is Eligible for the PSW Visa in UK?

You must fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for the Graduate visa:

• You hold a valid student visa (Tier 4 or Student Route) at the time of application; You are in the UK
• You have successfully finished a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree
• You have another acceptable qualification
• Your university has verified to the Home Office that you have finished your courses
• At the time of your course completion, your university was a licensed student sponsor

When Can You Apply?

Once your university has verified to the UK Home Office that you have successfully finished your degree, you can submit an application. Avoid waiting for your visa to expire.

Important: You must apply before your current Student visa expires.

How to Apply for the PSW in UK?

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm with your university that:

• Your course is eligible.

• They’ve reported your successful course completion to the UKVI.

Step 2: Prepare your documents

• A valid passport or travel document
• Your current Student visa
• Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) used for your last Student visa
• A letter or confirmation from your university

Step 3: Apply online

• Fill out the online application form.
• Pay the application fee: £880.
• Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year (i.e., £2,070 for a 2-year visa).
• You can pay online using a debit or credit card.

Step 4: Prove your identity

You’ll need to verify your identity using:

The UK Immigration: ID Check app (available on iOS and Android)ORBy attending a biometrics appointment at a UKVCAS center if required.

Follow the instructions during your application to know which route applies to you.

Step 5: Wait for the decision

Typically, processing takes eight weeks. Even if your student visa expires during this time, you are still permitted to remain in the UK while your application is being processed.

Conclusion

International graduates have a great chance to start their professions with the PSW in UK (Graduate) visa. It's an outstanding beginning towards long-term employment and even permanent residency in the UK because there are no sponsorship requirements and you may work in any industry.

As soon as your course results are confirmed, begin your application if you qualify.

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