UK Visa Expert

Post Study Work Visa Help

Post Study Work (PSW) Visa 

A Graduate (Post Study work visa) visa allows you to stay in the UK for a minimum of 2 years (or 3 years if you hold a PhD or other doctoral qualification) after successfully completing a course in the UK. To apply for this visa, you must be in the UK, and your current visa must be a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa. It’s essential that you’ve studied a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or other eligible course for a minimum period of time under your Student or Tier 4 (General) student visa. Your education provider should have informed the Home Office about your successful course completion.

Eligibility Queries

If you’re unsure about your eligibility for a Graduate visa, our team can help you navigate the requirements and ensure that you meet the criteria. We can also assist you in checking the eligibility of your course and the duration you need to have studied in the UK.

Timing is Key

Applying for a Graduate visa should be done before your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa expires. You can even apply after your education provider has informed the Home Office about your successful course completion; there’s no need to wait until you’ve graduated or have received a certificate. We can assist you in preparing your application and ensuring that you provide the necessary identity and document proof.

Swift Decision-Making

Once your application, identity verification, and document submission are complete, you can usually expect a decision on your visa within 8 weeks. The good news is that you can stay in the UK while you wait for the decision.

Understanding the Costs

Applying for a Graduate visa involves specific costs: 

  • An application fee of £822.
  • The Immigration health surcharge, which is typically £624 for each year you plan to stay in the UK.
  • Home office fees and Immigration health surcharge can be increased anytime

For more detailed information about the costs associated with your specific situation, feel free to get in touch.

What Can You Do With PSW Visa?

A Graduate visa (PSW visa) opens up numerous opportunities. You can:

  • Work in most jobs.
  • Search for work.
  • Be self-employed.
  • Continue living in the UK with your partner and eligible children.
  • Engage in voluntary work.
  • Travel abroad and return to the UK.

However, there are some restrictions, such as not being able to apply for most benefits or work as a professional sportsperson. Upon a successful application, you will receive a full list of what you can and cannot do with your Graduate visa.

Studying with a Graduate Visa

If you wish to continue studying, you can do so with a Graduate visa as long as your chosen course is not eligible for a Student visa. If your course qualifies for a Student visa, you have the option to extend

The Graduate route is a fantastic opportunity for students who have successfully completed their studies in the UK to stay and work in the country. To help you better understand the eligibility criteria and requirements, we’ve summarized the key points from the official guidance published by the Home Office (Appendix Graduate GR.1.1 to GR.1.6).

Validity Requirements for the Graduate (PSW Visa) Route 

Before applying for the Graduate route, it’s crucial to ensure that you meet the validity requirements:

You must currently hold valid permission on either the Student route or the Tier 4 (General) route, or you have held valid permission on these routes that expired. In cases of overstaying, certain exceptions apply, or if you were granted a period of exceptional assurance, your overstaying period will be disregarded.

It’s important to confirm that you have not previously been granted permission under the Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES) or held permission on the Graduate route. Any previous grant of permission under DES or the Graduate route will lead to the rejection of your application.

If you’ve been granted permission on the Tier 1 (Post-study work) route, the International Graduate Scheme (IGS), or the Future Talent Working in Scotland Scheme, don’t worry. These won’t affect your eligibility for the Graduate route. However, to access the Graduate route, you’ll need to successfully complete a new eligible qualification at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance.

If you’ve received a scholarship or sponsorship covering both course fees and living costs from a Government or international scholarship agency in the 12 months before your application, you must provide written consent from the financial sponsor to stay in the UK as a Graduate.

Suitability for Permission to Stay (Appendix Graduate GR.2.1 to GR.2.2)

Before proceeding with your application, it’s essential to determine if your application is suitable by checking the suitability requirements:

  • Ensure that you do not fall under any of the grounds for refusal outlined in Part 9 of the Immigration Rules.
  • Conduct verification checks if there are doubts about the authenticity of the supporting documents submitted by the applicant.
  • Overstays, except for those covered by paragraph 39E of the Immigration Rules, should not affect your application.

Any breaches of the Immigration Rules while you are under 18 should not be considered.

  • Confirm that you are not on immigration bail.
  • Eligibility for Permission to Stay (Appendix Graduate GR.3.1 to 6.1)
  • To meet the eligibility requirements for the Graduate route, consider the following points:
  • Check that your Student Sponsor is a higher education provider with a track record of compliance on the date of your application.
  • You must have successfully completed the course of study undertaken during your last grant of permission to study on the Student route or your last permission to study before taking up a Student Union Sabbatical Office role on the Student route.
  • If you’ve changed your course of study, this requirement only applies to the new course. Your Student Sponsor must have notified the Home Office of your successful course completion.
  • Ensure that you have successfully completed a course of study for which you have been, or will be, awarded a UK bachelor’s degree, a UK postgraduate degree, or a relevant qualification listed in Appendix Graduate GR.5.2.
  • If your qualification isn’t listed, consider legal requirements for practicing in your chosen profession. Some professions require specific qualifications.

Study in the UK

The period you’ve spent studying in the UK is a key requirement. The duration depends on the type and length of your course. Students who started their courses via distance learning under Covid-19 concessions are also eligible for the Graduate route.

We understand that the Graduate route application process can be complex. That’s why we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Our team of experts will help ensure your application is accurate and complete, maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.

Remember, the information provided here is a summary of the official guidance published by the Home Office. For a detailed assessment of your specific situation and personalized assistance with your application, contact UK VisaExpert.com today.

Graduate dependants (Spouse and Children)

In cases where your spouse and children joined you in the UK as ‘dependants’ under your current Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa, they have the opportunity to apply for dependent status under your Graduate visa.

Moreover, if your child was born in the UK while you held your current Student or Tier 4 (General) student visa, they are also eligible to seek dependent status.

Upon the approval of their applications, the validity of their visas will coincide with yours.

  • Defining Relationships
  • A dependent spouse or child can fit into one of the following categories:
  • Your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or spouse recognized under a UK marriage.
  • Your child under 18, including those born in the UK during your stay.
  • Your child aged 18 or older if they are presently residing in the UK as your dependent.

Spouse Eligibility

For your spouse to qualify for dependent status under your Graduate visa, specific criteria must be met. Additionally, you will need to demonstrate that your relationship with your spouse remains intact.

To establish their eligibility, you must be able to prove one of the following:

  • You are in a civil partnership or marriage that is recognized in the UK.
  • You have been cohabiting in a relationship for a minimum of 2 years at the time of application.

Children Under 18

Generally, to qualify for dependent status, your child under 18 should have been dependent on your student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.

However, exceptions exist, and they do not need to have been dependent if both of the following conditions are met:

  • They were born while you were in the UK under your current Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.

Our expert team can help you navigate the complex immigration process, giving you the peace of mind you need to start your new life in the UK. Contact us now via the web form above or call us now to discuss your eligibility.

 

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