The Post-Study Work (PSW) visa, formally known as the Graduate Route, lets international students stay in the UK for a set period after completing their studies. The length of this period depends on your educational level—two years for undergraduate or Master’s degrees and three years for PhDs.
The PSW visa offers a simpler way for graduates to legally remain in the UK compared to other visa options. It also gives employers the chance to hire recent graduates without dealing with the complexities of employment sponsorship.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the specifics of the UK’s PSW visa and how you can apply for it.
The PSW visa, also known as the Graduate Immigration Route, provides the following benefits:
One of the perks is that you don’t need sponsorship from an educational institution or employer. Also, graduates switching to this visa are no longer classified as students by their educational institutions. However, PSW visa holders can’t work as professional athletes, and any extra studies must not be at an institution that sponsors Tier 4 General student visas.
Family members already in the UK can continue their stay when you switch to a PSW visa. But, new dependents, except for children born in the UK, can’t join you from abroad. This visa is non-renewable and doesn’t contribute to UK settlement status.
