A large number of Indian students graduate from UK universities every year. They all seek opportunities to scale up their careers and reach new heights. To make this possible, the post study work visa in UK becomes their preferred option.
This visa allows all graduate students to take up job opportunities in the UK. This blog will discuss this visa, the application process, and the criteria for getting it.
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Post Study Work Visa in UK: Highlights
The post study work visa in UK is officially known as the ‘Graduate route visa’. This visa allows fresh graduates to stay in the country for 2-3 years and seek work opportunities.
Here’s a quick overview of the PSW in UK:
| Application Fee | INR 85.2 T (£822) |
| Health surcharges | INR 1.7 L (£1035) per year |
| Current Visa | Must have an active UK student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa |
| Education | Must have completed graduation, post-grad, or a PhD from UK universities |
| Minimum Stay | Must have spent 12 months in the UK |
| Salary Requirements | No minimum criteria |
| Duration of Stay | -For graduates and post-grads: 2 years -For Ph.D: 3 years |
| Documents | -Valid passport -Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies reference number for your Student visa |
| Approval Time | 8 weeks |
Note: The charges mentioned are from the UK government’s 2024 data and might be updated in the coming time.
The above is an essential insight into the post study work visa in UK. We will now cover each of the above aspects in detail.
Also Read: How To Get Jobs In The UK IN 2024
Post Study Work Visa in UK: Key Benefits
The one fascinating thing about the UK post study work visa is that it allows you to stay in the country, look for jobs, and freelance after you have completed your education.
So, even if you plan to continue your stay in the UK, this is a great opportunity. You can use this time to explore new skills and successfully land a job.
Besides this, there are many other benefits of the post study work visa, as mentioned below:
- Usually, on a work visa, employer and job restrictions prevent you from exploring other opportunities during the term. But with this visa, you are free to explore career opportunities without any such restrictions.
- It will help you seek a long-term settlement in the UK, as the time spent on the graduate route is also counted as the required period for settlement.
- It enables you to make the best use of your skills and gain more experience in the UK by seeking relevant job opportunities.
- You will be able to grow your professional networks and connections that can help you bag a good job and seek long-term employment.
- You can also apply for a work visa hassle-free once you have a job opportunity.
Besides the benefits mentioned above, you can also travel outside the UK and return as long as your visa remains valid. This will help you seek job opportunities in other countries or spend some time in your home country.
Also Read: Highest Paying Jobs In the UK 2024
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Post Study Work Visa UK Eligibility
Seeking an education in the UK is more than just seeking knowledge. It’s about making the right career choices to build a promising future for yourself. A post study work visa in UK will help you take steps towards a bright future.
However, you need to meet the post study work visa uk eligibility criteria to continue your stay in UK:
- You should be staying in the UK while applying for the visa.
- Your current visa should be a Student or Tier 4 (General) student visa.
- You should have pursued your studies, either a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD, in UK universities for at least 12 months or the total course duration (if the course is less than 12 months).
- You should have completed your course, and the education provider (such as a university or college) should have notified your Home Office.
- You must provide a letter of consent from the sponsor if a Government or international scholarship agency has financially sponsored you for the course.
Knowing all the above criteria beforehand will help you apply for the post study work visa in UK smoothly. However, please apply before your visa expires because you must hold an active student visa. So please initiate the process at least 1-2 months before your visa expires.
Suggested Read: Apply for Visa of UK: Types, Application Process, Fees & Time
2 Year Post Study Work Visa UK: Application Process
The UK Visa and Immigration has made the students’ PSW visa application process smoother. You must fulfil the minimum eligibility requirements before applying for the jobs. After meeting the criteria, you can apply for the visa using their process, as explained below.
Here is the process that you need to follow for applying to the post study work visa in UK:
- Step 1: Create a UK visa and immigration account on the official website.
- Step 2: Complete the application form accurately, enter all the required information, and pay the fee.
- Step 3: It will ask you to download the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app, which will be used to scan your biometric residence permit (BRP) information. You can also follow this process offline by visiting the designated visa application centre.
- Step 4: Depending on the authority, you might be required to attend a visa interview. Sometimes, they call some candidates to appear for the interview when they find the information is insufficient or more clarification is needed.
- Step 5: On average, the visa application process will take around 8 weeks.
You will receive the application approval decision and can continue your stay in the UK without any issues. You may begin your search for work opportunities in the country.
However, please note that there is a specific restriction when applying for a post study work visa in UK. It restricts you from traveling outside the country while your visa is being processed. Once the decision is made, you can freely travel outside the country.
Also Read: How to Get Job in UK from India in 2024
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Post Study Work Visa in UK: Documents Required
You need to have certain documents ready to apply for a post study work visa in UK. These documents will help you get verified quickly and obtain the visa without any difficulties.
These required documents are as below:
- Biometric residence permit (BRP): This is the document you had been given when you applied for the student visa or Tier 4 (general) student visa.
- Confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS): This is a reference number given when you applied for the student visa or Tier 4 (general) student visa.
- Valid Passport: You must have an active passport that is valid for your stay in the UK. For example, if you have a passport that expires in a few months, that won’t help you get a visa. It should have a minimum of 2 years available before it expires.
Besides the documents mentioned above, you also need to produce some extra documents like the proof of relationship in case your partner and children apply together. You will also be required to produce a letter from your scholarship provider approving your application in case your course fee and living costs were sponsored.
Suggested Read: Career Opportunities In The UK For Indian Students In 2024
Summing up
A post study work visa in UK is an excellent chance for Indian graduates to start their careers in the UK. It gives you flexibility and time to find the perfect job and even helps you get a permanent residency in UK.
Therefore, starting planning and applying for approval is crucial well before your student visa term ends. This step will open doors to numerous opportunities in the UK job market. So don’t miss the chance to grow professionally in the innovative and dynamic environment of the UK.
Check out the cost of living in the UK for Students
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is PSW in UK?
A. The PSW in the UK, also known as the Graduate Route visa, is a game-changer for international graduates. It allows you to stay and work in the UK for 2-3 years after graduation. Unlike other visas, it offers the freedom to explore any job or sector, empowering graduates to pursue their passions and maximise their potential.
Q. Can I get post study work visa in UK?
A. Yes, you can get a post study work visa in UK. You just need to meet the minimum eligibility criteria, such as completing your studies at UK universities/colleges, having an active passport, a student visa, and a minimum of 12 months’ stay in the country.
Q. What happens after 2 years of PSW in UK?
A. After two years on the post study work visa in UK, you have several options. You can apply for different visas, such as the skilled worker visa for a job or the entrepreneur visa to start a business. You may qualify for settlement if you meet specific criteria (indefinite leave to remain).
Q. Can I work in the UK after studying?
A. Getting a job after studying in the UK is possible! With the Graduate Route visa, international graduates who completed a UK degree program (at least one year long) can work in the UK for two to three years after completing their education. The best part is that you’re not tied to a specific job type, so you can explore different career paths.
Q. Is post study work visa in UK closing?
A. As of April, 2024, the post study work visa in the UK, known as the Graduate Route visa, is still available. It was introduced in 2021 and allows international graduates to work in the UK after completing their studies. This visa remains open for graduates seeking job opportunities in the UK, providing them a valuable chance to start their careers and contribute to the workforce.
Q. What is PSW fee in UK?
A. In April 2024, the application fee for the PSW visa in UK (Graduate Route) is £822 (roughly ₹85,200). Moreover, you’ll also need to budget for a healthcare surcharge of £1,035 per year of your stay (equivalent to around ₹1.7 lakh). These costs are essential when planning your post-graduation journey in the UK.
Q. Who is eligible for PSW in UK?
A. If you finished a 1 year or longer degree at a UK university and still have a valid student visa, you might be eligible for the visa. This post study work visa in UK lets you stay and work in the UK for 2-3 years after graduation, giving you a chance to build your career after studying there. Remember to check the official UK government website for all the details and how to apply.
Q. Can post study work visa in UK get rejected?
A. Yes, post study work visa in UK can be rejected if applicants fail to meet the eligibility criteria or provide insufficient documentation.
Common reasons for rejection include:
-The passport expires before the visa’s mentioned term.
-Lack of supporting documents for education/sponsorship
-The student visa term expired.
-Errors in application details or academic scores.
It’s crucial to carefully follow the guidelines and ensure all requirements are met to avoid rejections and easily get approvals.
Q. Is getting PR in UK easy?
A. Permanent residency in the UK is possible if you meet the requirements. You’ll need to live there legally for a while, have enough money, and pass a test about life in the UK. You can get permanent residency in the UK if all these aspects are met. But yes, make sure you have the required documents available so you don’t face trouble during the process.
Q. What is the difference between graduate visa and post study work visa?
A. The Graduate Route visa has replaced the Post Study Work visa in UK. Both visas allow international graduates to work in the UK after their studies, but the graduate route offers a longer duration:
-Graduate Route: Up to 2 or 3 years (depending on your degree level)
-Former PSW visa: Up to 2 years
The Graduate Route is the current option for graduates seeking post-study work opportunities in the UK.
Q. How long can I stay in UK after Masters?
A. After completing your Master’s in the UK, you can stay for a while to look for work or continue studying. The length of your stay depends on your visa type and situation. You may be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa (Graduate Route visa), which allows you to stay and work in the UK for 2-3 years after graduating.
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