Post Study Work Visa UK 2024

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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: This is the visa you must have used to study in the UK.
Successfully complete a qualifying UK degree: It includes undergraduate degrees, 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 from 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, when discussing the opportunity for international graduates to work in the UK after completing their studies, the current term 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. It’s possible to apply for the Graduate Route Visa up to 3 months before your Student visa expires. 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 period but must meet the re-entry eligibility criteria.
You cannot claim public benefits under the Graduate Route Visa.

Application Process for the Post Study Work Visa

Step 1: Check your eligibility:

Ensure you meet all the criteria listed on the official UK government website.

Step 2: Signup on the UK Visas and Immigration website:

You’ll need this account to manage your application online.

Step 3: Start your online application

Access the online application form.
Follow the instructions and answer all questions carefully.
You’ll need to pay an application fee: £700 for a 2-year visa, £945 for a 3-year visa.

Step 4: Gather your supporting documents

These may include:

Valid passport or travel document.
Proof of your Student visa (Tier 4 General visa).
Confirmation of your successful course completion from your education provider.
English language test certificate (if required).
Financial evidence to support yourself during your stay.
Biometric information, including your fingerprints and a facial scan.

Step 5: Apply with supporting documents:

You can submit your documents online or attend a visa application center.

Step 6: Wait for a decision:

The visa processing times can vary, but you can always check the current status of your application on the UKVI website.

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:

Visa application fees:

2-year visa: £700
3-year visa: £945

Healthcare surcharge:

Visa holders must stay longer than 6 months.

Current rate (2023-24): £625 per year
Estimated rate (2024-25): £650 per year

Living expenses:

Costs vary depending on location and lifestyle.
London: £1,200-£1,500 per month
Other major cities: £800-£1,200 per month
Smaller towns and villages: £600-£800 per month

Here’s a breakdown of the 2-year visa scenario:

Visa application fee: £700
Healthcare surcharge (2 years): £625 x 2 = £1250
Living expenses (estimated, mid-range London): £1200 x 24 = £28,800
Biometric information fee: £34

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 up to 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 undoubtedly impacted the UK’s immigration policies, including the Graduate Route Visa (formerly Tier 2 (Post-Study Work)). Here’s a breakdown of the key changes and their implications:

Here are some of the impacts of Brexit:

End of free movement for EU citizens: Before Brexit, EU graduates could work freely in the UK after their studies. Now, they require a visa like other international students.
New points-based immigration system: This system prioritizes highly skilled workers and students who are willing to contribute to the UK economy. While it doesn’t disadvantage graduates based on nationality, it emphasizes specific skills and salary thresholds.
Changes in the visa application process: The application process is now online and requires various supporting documents, like proof of English language proficiency and sufficient funds.

The following are some common confusion and clarifications:

Initial ambiguity: In 2021, there was initial confusion regarding EU student eligibility for the Graduate Route, leading to some applications being rejected. The UK government later clarified that EU students who started their studies before the end of the transition period (December 31st, 2020) would be eligible under the old Tier 2 system.
New rules for 2024: As of February 2024, there haven’t been significant changes explicitly targeting the Graduate Route Visa. However, the UK government regularly reviews immigration policies, so staying updated is crucial.

New regulations for 2024:

No major changes announced: Currently, there are no significant updates to the Graduate Route Visa program for 2024.
Potential future changes: The UK government reviews immigration policies regularly, making future adjustments possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does UK give Post Study Work Visa?

Yes, the UK offers a post-study work visa, officially known as the graduate route. It allows international graduates to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 or 3 years after completing their studies.

Who is eligible for Post Study Work Visa UK?

Students with valid visas, who have successfully completed a recognized undergraduate or postgraduate degree at a registered UK university, and who meet other requirements are eligible for PSW.

Post Study Work Visa for International Students in UK: What are the options?

Currently, the Graduate Route is the only post-study work visa option available for international students in the UK.

Is PSW available in the UK 2024?

Yes, the Graduate Route Visa, formerly known as PSW, is still available in the UK as of February 2024.

UK PSW New Rules 2024: What has changed?

Currently, no major changes have been announced to the Graduate Route Visa program for 2024.

Is PG Diploma eligible for PSW in UK?

Yes, a Post Graduate Diploma (PGDip) can be eligible for the Graduate Route, but only if recognized as equivalent to a UK Master’s degree by the UK Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and meets the minimum duration requirement.

What is the PSW Visa Type?

The PSW visa type no longer exists. The official name for the post-study work visa in the UK is the Graduate Route Visa.

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 hold some adjustments, its core function of attracting and retaining skilled talent remains crucial for the UK’s success.

Post Study Work Visa UK 2024