Post Study Work Visa UK 2025

The Post Study Work Visa UK can be your perfect stepping stone to start a career in the dynamic country after graduation. It allows recent international graduates who have completed a degree in the UK to stay and work there for a specific period after their studies.

This visa can provide a crucial opportunity to gain valuable work experience, develop careers, and potentially transition to a longer-term visa route in the UK. Let’s dive deeper and learn in detail.

Eligibility Criteria for the Post Study Work Visa

Post Study Work Visa UK Eligibility: Who qualifies?

To become eligible for this visa category, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• Hold a valid Tier-4 student visa: You must have used this visa to study in the UK.
• Complete a qualifying UK degree: Undergraduate, taught and research Master’s degrees, and PhDs. Your university must comply with the Register of Education Providers.
• Meet the minimum study duration: You must have studied for at least one academic year (9 months) at degree level in the UK. If your course is less than a year, you must have studied for the entire duration of your visa.
• Be in the UK when you apply: You cannot apply outside the UK.
• Meet English language requirements: You must have an English language qualification approved by the Home Office, such as an IELTS or TOEFL test.

Is a Post Graduate Diploma (PGDip) eligible for PSW in the UK?

Not all PGDip programs qualify for the Graduate Route. Only PGDip programs that are equivalent to a Master’s degree in terms of length and level of study are eligible. It means they must be:

• At least 9 months long full-time (or equivalent part-time).
• Awarded by a university enlisted on the Register of Education Providers with a track record of compliance.
• Level 7 on the UK Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (QFHEQ).

Understanding the UK Post Graduate Work Permit

It’s important to clarify that the term “Post Graduate Work Permit” is no longer officially used in the UK. The Graduate Route Visa has replaced the previous Tier 1 (Graduate) visa and the Tier 2 (General) visa with a restricted certificate of sponsorship for recent graduates.

Therefore, the current term for the opportunity for international graduates to work in the UK after completing their studies is Graduate Route Visa.

Duration and Conditions of the Post Study Work Visa

Duration

• For graduates with undergraduate or Master’s degrees: 2 years.
• For graduates with PhD or doctoral qualifications: 3 years.

Essential things you must know about the duration:

The visa is non-extendable. Once the validity period ends, you must leave the UK or apply for a different visa category. Applying for the Graduate Route Visa up to 3 months before your Student visa expires is possible. You’ll be allowed to stay in the UK while your application is being processed, but you cannot start working until it is approved.

Conditions and Limitations of the Post Study Work Visa

• You can work in any job in the UK, regardless of the field of study or the sponsoring employer.
• You are not required to have a job offer to apply, but you can demonstrate your intention to seek employment during your stay.
• You cannot study full-time under the Graduate Route Visa but can undertake part-time studies or short courses.
• You can travel outside the UK during your visa but must meet the eligibility criteria for re-entry.
• You cannot claim public benefits under the Graduate Route Visa.

Application Process for the Post Study Work Visa

The UK Graduate Visa, formerly known as the Post-Study Work Visa, allows international students to stay in the UK after completing an eligible course. This visa permits work, job searching, or self-employment without a sponsor.

Application Steps:

1. Verify Eligibility:
   • You must be in the UK with a valid Student or Tier 4 (General) student visa.
   • You must have completed a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or another eligible course.
   • Your education provider must be a licensed sponsor and have informed the Home Office of your successful course completion.
2. Prepare Necessary Documents:
   • Valid passport or travel document.
   • Biometric residence permit (BRP) or eVisa from your Student or Tier 4 visa.
   • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from your previous visa application.
   • If applicable, provide proof of relationship for dependents or a letter from your scholarship provider stating whether they funded your course fees and living costs in the past 12 months.
3. Apply Online:
   • Submit your application through the official UK government website.
   • Application fee: £822.
   • Healthcare surcharge: £1,035 per year in the UK (£2,070 for a 2-year visa; £3,105 for a 3-year visa).
4. Prove Your Identity:
   • Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your BRP or passport or
   • You must make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide biometric information.
5. Await a Decision:
   • Processing time: typically within 8 weeks.
   • You can stay in the UK while awaiting the decision if you applied before your previous visa expired.

Additional Information:

• Dependents:
  • Your partner and children can apply to stay in the UK if eligible.
• Employment:
  • With a graduate visa, you can work in most jobs, look for work, be self-employed, continue living in the UK with your partner and children (if they’re eligible), do voluntary work, travel abroad, and return to the UK.

Check the official UK government website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Costs and Financial Aspects

How Much is Post Study Work Visa UK: Fee Structure

Obtaining the Graduate Route Visa involves several fees and financial considerations. Here’s a breakdown of the key costs:

Application Fee

• £822 for the main applicant.
• £822 for each dependant.

Healthcare Surcharge

• £1,035 per year for adults.
• £776 per year for students and applicants under 18.

Living Expenses (Estimated Monthly Costs)

• London: £1,200 to £1,500.
• Other major cities: £800 to £1,200.
• Smaller towns and villages: £600 to £800.

Example: Costs for a 2-Year Visa (Living in London)

1. Visa Fee: £822.
2. Healthcare Surcharge: £1,035 x 2 = £2,070.
3. Living Expenses: £1,350 x 24 = £32,400.
4. Biometric Fee: £34.

Total Estimated Cost: £35,326.

Additional Notes

Costs can vary based on individual circumstances and lifestyle choices. Ensure your budget accounts for unforeseen expenses during your stay. Visit the official UK government website for the most accurate and up-to-date details.

Transition to Skilled Work Visa

After Post Study Work Visa What Next in UK?

Your Graduate Route Visa allows you to live and work in the UK for 2 or 3 years, depending on your qualifications. During this period, you can actively seek full-time employment and gain experience relevant to your field. Create a network with professionals in your industry, attend industry events, and build your skills to enhance your employability.

Transitioning from PSW to a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK

To switch to a Skilled Worker Visa, it’s a must to secure a job offer from a licensed sponsor employer offering a skilled position that meets the visa’s salary threshold. Currently, the salary threshold for the Skilled Worker Visa is £25,600 per year or £20,480 for jobs on the Shortage Occupation List.

Your employer must apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) on your behalf, specifying the job details and salary. Once you have a CoS, you can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa online.

Impact of Brexit and New Regulations

Brexit has reshaped UK immigration rules, including policies affecting international students and the Graduate Route Visa. Below is a concise summary of the changes:

Key Changes Post-Brexit

• Visa Requirement for EU Citizens: EU graduates now need a visa to work in the UK after their studies. Previously, free movement allowed them to work without restrictions.
• Points-Based System: The system prioritizes skills and salary thresholds, focusing on contributions to the UK economy.

Updates to Regulations

• English Language Requirement: In 2024, the government introduced mandatory English tests for graduates using this route to ensure applicants possess proficient language skills.
• Dependants Restriction: Most new international master’s students cannot bring dependants to the UK starting in 2024.
• MAC Review: A 2024 review confirmed no major abuses of the Graduate Route Visa and endorsed its continuation. Over 90% of users had completed postgraduate taught courses.

Current Graduate Route Rules

• Graduates can remain in the UK for two years (three years for doctoral graduates) to seek employment without sponsorship.
• Applications must include proof of English proficiency and financial support.

Possible Future Changes

The UK regularly reviews immigration policies. While no new changes to the Graduate Route Visa have been confirmed, students and graduates should monitor policy updates closely.

Implications for Students

• EU and non-EU students face similar requirements under the updated system.
• The Graduate Route Visa remains a key pathway for international graduates to explore work opportunities in the UK.

Keeping track of these changes ensures compliance and better preparation for international students planning their careers in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The Post Study Work Visa UK, currently known as the Graduate Route Visa, offers a valuable opportunity for international students and plays a significant role in supporting the UK’s educational and economic aspirations. While the future might adjust, its core function of attracting and retaining skilled talent remains crucial for the UK’s success.