Post Study Work Visa (PSW) UK

PSW stands for Post-study Work Visa in the UK. It is currently known as a graduate Visa. It helps students to live in the UK after completing their studies to find a job and achieve their career goals. 

This brief guide will cover everything you need to know for a post-study work Visa UK. We will share everything from eligibility criteria and required documents to the fee application procedure. After reading this detailed guide, you will know how to file a successful graduate Visa application. Let’s quickly start with the eligibility criteria without waiting any further.  

PSW UK Eligibility Criteria

The first step is to check the eligibility criteria to see if you are planning for a post-study work visa application. You must meet the following conditions to be eligible for this application.

• You must be in the UK.
• You must have a student Visa. 
• You must have studied for 12 months in the UK for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD or any other eligible degree. If you have an eligible course for which the complete study duration is less than 12 months, you are still eligible for this Visa. The other eligible courses include;

1. The Legal Practice Course in England and Wales or the Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland.
2. Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland: A foundation program in Medicine or Dentistry
3. A Bar Practice Course in England and Wales, or the Bar Course in Northern Ireland
4. Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)
5. A law conversion course that the Solicitors Regulation Authority recognizes

• Your education provider has notified the home office about completing your course.  
• The institution where you completed your course must be a licensed sponsor with a proven compliance history. You can check it from the status column here. 
• You can also apply if you are a Student Union Sabbatical Officer, but you must have completed your original course for which you were granted a Visa. 
• Previously, you must not have been granted a Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES) or graduate Visa.

If you meet these conditions, you are eligible for a PSW Visa. The next step is to gather all your documents after determining the eligibility criteria. 

Documents Required For PSW In UK

Preparing the required documents is the most crucial step of your application. You need to collect all the necessary and supporting documents carefully. These are the basis of a successful application. Below is a list of all the requirements you will need for this application;

• Passport or travel document
• A biometric residence permit (BRP) was given to you on a student visa.
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies reference number
• Valid translation of documents (If needed)
• Proof of relationship if dependents are applying with you.

Discover the additional cost of documentation for the PSW Visa UK to ensure you’re fully prepared for the application process

UK PSW Fees

PSW fees include two types of fees. These are the application fee and healthcare surcharge. The application fee for this Visa is £822. The healthcare surcharge is £1,035 per year. If you are applying for a graduate route after graduation and Master’s, the ISH would be £1,035 × 2 = £2,070, While for PhD or postgraduate programs, it will be £1,035 × 3 = £3,105. 

You can calculate the total amount by adding your application fee and healthcare surcharge. You need to file your application separately if there are any dependents with you. Every individual must pay a separate fee for their application as well. For detailed information, check out the UK PSW Visa fee for dependents. 

Note: If you get a job in the healthcare sector, you can get a refund for this fee because the people working in this field are exempt from this fee in the UK.  

Learn more about the total PSW Visa UK cost and what expenses to expect during the application process

PSW Application Procedure

The application procedure for a PSW Visa is simple. Follow the steps below to complete it without any problems.  

File The Application

After gathering all your documents, you must complete the online application. You can fill it out using this form. If you cannot complete your application at once, you can save it and sign in again to complete it. Carefully fill in the information and recheck everything before submission.  

Pay The Fees

The next step is to pay the application fees. We have shared the fees above, and you will be informed about them when you submit your application. Pay the exact amount in time; otherwise, your application will not be processed.  

Verify Your Identity

The third step is to verify your identity. You can usually verify it with the UKVI app. However, if you are unable to confirm it, you may need to visit the nearest UKVI center for verification. After this, your application is complete, and you simply need to wait for the response from the home office.   

PSW Processing Time 

After completing the application procedure shared above, you will receive a home office response within 8 weeks. You may be able to get a faster decision if you choose priority or super-priority services. 

Your application processing time may even get further delayed if the home office needs clarification about documents, etc. So try to fill out your application correctly and share strong evidence for all your claims to avoid this situation. 

Do’s and Don’t For GraduateVisa 

If your graduate Visa gets approved, you can do all the following activities;

• You can work in most of the jobs
• You can be self-employed
• Live with your dependents
• Travel outside of the UK

However, there are certain things that you can’t do as well. These include;

• Work as a Professional Sportsmen
• You can’t get a pension or other public funds
• You can’t get ILR based on this Visa

Post Study Work Visa Dependents

You can also bring your dependents on a PSW Visa as well. These include husband, wife, civil partner and children. However, you can only get the dependents if they are with you on a student visa. Your child born in the UK on a student Visa is also eligible for a dependent Visa.

Note: You cannot bring the dependents on this Visa who are outside the UK and were not with you as dependents on a student Visa.  

Other Visa Options After Post Study Work Visa

Once your PSW Visa expires, you can switch to several other routes to extend your stay in the UK. Each route has its requirements, and they will depend on your condition. If you choose to get KQ Solicitors services for your application, we will also provide you with follow-up personalized guidance for free. Following are some of the routes that most people switch to after graduate Visa;

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Family Visa
• Start-up Visa
• Innovator Visa
• Global Talent Visa
• Health and Care Worker Visa
• Temporary Worker Visa
• Investor Visa 

There are several other routes, but it all comes down to your situation. 

Need Assistance?

KQ Solicitors is one of the leading immigration law firms in the UK. We have a high success rate for post study work Visa applications. Our experienced lawyers can help you with this application whether you are filling it yourself or for your dependents. 

We have affordable fees and free guidance. Our highly qualified lawyers will help you secure your future in the UK with personalized assistance. Take the first step and book a free appointment to discuss your case. You can also contact us via phone (+447853844688) or email (info@kqsolicitors.com).  

Final Words

PSW Visa is an excellent opportunity for students in the UK. It gives them the time to find a job and settle their life without any requirements. However, you must carefully understand all the requirements and apply to benefit from this opportunity. 

We recommend that you get the help of a professional immigration attorney to increase your chances of success. Immigration laws can be difficult to understand, and you should not risk your career goals just because you are trying to save some money. Best of luck with your application! 

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

When To Apply For a PSW Visa?

You must apply for a PSW visa before your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa expires. However, You can submit your application once your education provider has informed the Home Office about completing the course. You don’t have to wait until you graduate or receive your certificate. 

What Is a PSW Visa In the UK?

PSW Visa in the UK means post-study work or graduate Visa. It allows the student to live in the UK for 2 or 3 years after completing their studies and looking for work. 

Can I Bring My Wife To the UK On a PSW Visa?

No, you cannot bring your wife to the UK on this Visa because it only allows the dependents who are with you on your student Visa. 

Does PSW Count Towards ILR?

No, the post study work Visa does not count towards ILR. If you are planning to get indefinite leave to remain and permanently live in the UK, you must switch to any other eligible route, like a skilled worker visa. 

How To Apply For PSW?

To apply for a PSW Visa, fill out the online application form, pay the fees, and verify your identity. We have explained all of these steps in detail above. 

How Much Cost For PSW Visa UK?

The cost for a 2-year graduate Visa UK is £2892, and the cost for a 3-year post-study work Visa is £3927. It includes both the application fee and healthcare surcharge. However, the overall cost of your Visa may increase depending on your situation. 

Can We Bring Dependent On PSW In the UK?

Yes, dependents are allowed on post-study work visas, but only those who have been with you on student visas are allowed. 

What Happens After 2 Years Of PSW In The Uk?

Your Visa expires after 2 years of PSW in the UK, meaning you can no longer live there. You can switch to a different route or return to your original country.