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Permission to stay under the Graduate route will enable international students to work or look for work after their studies for 2 years, or 3 years for PhD students. The work can be in any sector and at any level without any minimum salary requirements or the need for visa sponsorship.

Students studying on a Tier 4/Student visa will need to make an application in the UK to be granted permission under the route after successful completion of their degree. There are specific eligibility requirements so you are advised to read the information on this page in full.

It is possible to work full-time on your Tier 4/Student visa after you have completed your course and whilst it remains valid, but with some restrictions on the type of work you can do. Information is outlined on our Working on a student visa webpage.

To be eligible to apply for a Graduate visa, you will need to:

• hold a current Tier 4/Student visa;

Not all courses at Cambridge are eligible for student visa sponsorship and therefore will not be eligible for the Graduate route. This includes most part-time taught courses which are supported under the visitor route.

• have studied a Bachelors, Masters, PGCE, or PhD at Cambridge;

Advanced Diploma, and other non-degree awarding qualifications except the PGCE, are not eligible to apply for a Graduate visa.

• have successfully completed your degree;

You are considered to have successfully completed your degree for the purpose of applying for the Graduate visa once you have received your final results and your record is updated to reflect completion. It does not mean you need to have attended a graduation ceremony. Completion for PhD students is unconditional approval, which is normally submission of the hardbound and e-thesis.

You need to have completed the degree for which your Tier 4/Student visa was granted, unless it is a change permitted under student visa policy. Students who have a Tier 4/Student visa for a four year Integrated Masters course are eligible to apply for the Graduate visa if they successfully complete their studies and exit with the Bachelors qualification and will not be proceeding to the fourth year, or after completing the fourth year. Integrated Master students are not able to apply for the Graduate visa based on successful completion of the Bachelors qualification if continuing studies in the fourth year

Following the update of your student record to reflect completion, you will need to wait until you have received an email from the International Student Office confirming UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has been notified of your successful completion before you can apply for the Graduate visa. Prior to the International Student Office notifying UKVI, your record will be reviewed to confirm you still hold a valid Tier 4/Student visa. Also see the section on 'When can I apply?'.

Masters students who do not complete all their required assessment within the expected timeframe for their course, for example because of an extension to a submission deadline, may no longer be eligible for the Graduate visa if their degree approval will not be received, and reported to UKVI, prior to their current student visa expiry. If this may be relevant to your circumstances, you are advised to check when your degree will be approved with your Faculty or Department.  

• have studied for a minimum period of time in the UK on a Tier 4/Student visa;

The minimum period of study for the Graduate visa is at least 12 months OR the full length of your course, whichever is shorter. Permitted 'study abroad' activities (i.e. activities that are undertaken overseas as part of a course) or time spent overseas during permitted breaks from study such as during official vacation periods or at the weekend can be included in the minimum period.

The minimum period of study can be undertaken on more than one Tier 4/Student visa if granted to study the same qualification at the University.

If you switch to a student visa from another immigration category during your course, you would not be eligible for a Graduate visa unless you will have studied for the minimum required time as outlined above on the most recent Tier 4/Student visa prior to completion. If you are switching from another immigration category to start your studies at Cambridge, you can include the time whilst the application is pending in the minimum study period.

• provide a letter of consent if financially sponsored by a Government or international scholarship agency;

If you had been awarded a scholarship or received financial sponsorship by a government or international scholarship agency covering both course fees and living costs for your studies, you must provide a letter from the sponsor organisation as a supporting document with the application giving their consent for you to apply for further permission to stay in the UK under the Graduate visa.

• apply in the UK within the validity of your current Tier 4/Student visa.

You can only apply for the Graduate visa from within the UK, and should do so prior to your current Tier 4/Student visa expiring following the email from the International Student Office confirming your successful course completion has been reported to UKVI. Read the information for students on the marking and assessment boycott  to understand the potential implications of a delay to receiving confirmation of successful course completion and eligibility for the Graduate visa. 

Permission under the Graduate route will be granted subject to the following conditions:

• any work in the UK (including paid and unpaid, self-employment, engaging in business or any professional activity) is permitted. The only restriction is a prohibition on working as a professional sportsperson or coach;
• study is restricted on this visa and is only permitted on courses that would not meet the requirements for student visa sponsorship. If you are continuing to further study at Cambridge, or at another institution, and plan to apply for the Graduate visa, you should first check whether it will be possible for you to study on your chosen course under this visa;
• no access to public funds.

The permission granted under the Graduate route, 2 years for undergraduate and Masters students and 3 years for PhD students, will start from when the decision is made on the application.  

It is not possible to extend your permission under the Graduate route once granted. From the Graduate route, you would be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK if you are offered a suitable job with an employer who holds a sponsor licence.

It is only possible to be granted permission under the Graduate route once. You cannot apply again, for example, if you were to undertake another course of study.

Whilst an application for the Graduate visa is pending, the working conditions of your student visa will continue to apply. The only exception to this is if you applied for your current student visa after 6 April 2022, in which case you are able to start a full-time permanent vacancy once you have successfully completed your course and submitted the new Graduate visa application. This is otherwise not possible as a student visa does not permit filling a full-time permanent vacancy. Students on a part-time student visa are not permitted to work until they have obtained the Graduate visa. 

You should only make your application once the University has notified UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that you have successfully completed your degree. This is in accordance with the Graduate route visa policy.  The International Student Office will make this report to UKVI after you have received your final results and your University record has been updated to reflect completion. Please note it can take several weeks after you have received your results for your University record to be updated. The International Student Office is not directly involved in the process of updating student records so we request that you do not contact our office to ask when this will happen unless it is close to your current visa expiry date. The International Student Office will confirm to you when the report has been made to UKVI and you will receive this by email to the email address on your student record. Do not submit your Graduate visa application until you have received this email .

You will need to apply in the UK whilst your current Tier 4/Student visa is still valid and cannot travel overseas until you have received the outcome of your application, and your new BRP if applicable (see section below titled eVisa).

If your visa expires after you have applied to the Graduate route, you will be permitted to remain in the UK whilst your application is being considered under the conditions of your Tier 4/Student permission until you have received the outcome of your Graduate visa application. 

The visa application fee is £822. In addition, the application will also require you to pay the immigration health surcharge and this is charged at £1035 per year the visa will be granted (£2070 for 2 years and, for PhD students, £3105 for 3 years).

You make an application online .

As part of the application you will need to confirm your identity. Most applicants will be able to do this using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app. Once you have created a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, you will be asked to download the app to a smart phone. The app will be used to confirm your identity by scanning your BRP, or if you are an EEA or Swiss national by scanning your passport. You will be given instructions on how to use the app in the application. It is free and compatible with Android phones and iPhone 7 or newer models. If you do not own a compatible phone, you can use the app from a friend’s mobile phone as no information is stored on the phone or app after you close it.

If you cannot use the app, you will need to book an in-person appointment for biometric enrolment. This includes students who applied for their current student visa in the UK and it was issued as a digital status with no BRP (this does not apply to EEA and Swiss nationals who can use their passport with the app instead of a BRP). 

As part of the application:

• You will need your passport and current Tier4/Student BRP to apply.
• You will need to know the CAS number you used to support your Tier 4/student visa application. This will be included in the email notification sent to you once the successful completion of your degree has been reported to UKVI. 
• You will need a letter of consent if you have been financially sponsored for your studies by a Government or international scholarship agency.
• There will be no requirement to provide financial evidence with the application.

The advertised decision timeframe is 8 weeks from when you submit your application.

Please note that once you have made your application, you cannot travel overseas until you have been notified of the decision.

When granted, the visa will be issued as a digital status, also called an eVisa.

The digital status will enable you to prove your right to live and work in the UK online .

Visa nationals (i.e. nationalities who require entry clearance prior to travel to the UK as a visitor) will also be issued a new Biometric Resident Permit (BRP). It is likely this will need to be shown in order to travel to the UK whilst your Graduate visa is valid. Visa nationals are therefore advised to wait to receive the new BRP once the visa has been granted before travelling overseas.

If you cannot use the app as part of the application, and need to enrol your biometrics at an in-person appointment, you will also be issued a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

When you set up your UKVI account to apply for this visa you will use your BRP to verify your identity, unless you are an EEA or Swiss national. UKVI advises that once you have received your eVisa, you should sign back into your UKVI account using the information on your BRP but then change the main ‘sign-in’ document to your current passport. This is to ensure you can continue to access your UKVI account easily and should also ensure that you avoid unnecessary delays when travelling in and out of the UK. If you renew your passport, you should sign in and update these details in your UKVI account.

Dependant family members in the UK who already have immigration permission as a Tier 4 or Student dependant can apply for further permission to stay as a dependant under the Graduate route.

Children born in the UK do not need to have been granted a dependant visa under Tier 4 or the Student route but they must have been born in the UK during the student’s most recent Tier 4 or student visa.

Further information about dependant eligibility is outlined on the  UKVI website .

Read the information on the  UKVI webpages  and their  Graduate immigration route guide .

If you have any questions about the Graduate route contact the  International Student Office.

Immigration rules and policy are subject to change. These webpages are updated as soon as possible following any changes but relevant pages of the Home Office website should be checked for the latest information. The International Student Office can only provide information and advise on current policy; it is not possible to speculate on future immigration changes or developments in relation to post-study visa options.

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PSW Visa: Post Study for Graduates

Anne morris.

• 13 March 2024

IN THIS SECTION

PSW visa stands for ‘Post-Study Work’ visa. The UK’s PSW visa is officially known as the Graduate Route.

Under the graduate route, international graduates are able to apply for a PSW visa to stay on in the UK for a fixed period of either two or three years after the completion of their degree studies, depending on their level of study.

For graduates, the PSW visa provides a more straightforward way – compared to other visa routes – to stay in the UK lawfully after graduating. For employers, the visa offers opportunities to recruit recent graduates  without the investment and compliance demands of the employment sponsorship process .

In this guide to the UK’s PSW visa, we explain what this route allows and how to make an application.

What is the UK PSW visa?

The PSW visa, or ‘Graduate Immigration Route’, allows:

• International students completing an undergraduate degree or a Master’s degree at a qualifying institution to stay on in the UK to work or look for work for a fixed period of two years after they have completed their studies.
• International students completing a PhD at a qualifying institution to stay on in the UK to work or look for work for a fixed period of three years after they have completed their studies.

Graduates staying on in the UK under a PSW visa do not need to be sponsored, either by an education institution or an employer, nor will they need a Certificate of Sponsorship . Once a graduate switches onto a PSW visa, they are no longer sponsored as a student by their education institution.

Graduates on the PSW visa will not be able to work as a professional sportsperson, and while they are allowed to undertake supplementary study while in the UK on a PSW visa, the supplementary study cannot be at any institution that sponsors students for the purposes of their Tier 4 General student visa.

Family members already living in the UK lawfully as dependants of a student visa holder will be allowed to stay on as dependants when the main visa holder switches to the PSW visa. However, apart from children born in the UK, new dependants will not be able to join the PSW visa holder in the UK from overseas.

The visa is non-extendable and the time spent in the UK under the Graduate Immigration Route will not count towards settlement in the UK . We explore options to remain in the UK after the PSW visa later in this article.

The Doctorate Extension Scheme that allows students who have completed their PhD to stay on in the UK for 12 months has closed following the introduction of the Graduate Route.

Rapid Review into PSW visa

In March 2024, the UK Government commissioned a ‘rapid review’ of the Graduate route to be conducted by the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).

The MAC has been directed to consider five key areas:

• Whether there is any proof of abuse of the route
• Insight into who is using the route and which universities they attended
• Insight into the demographics and trends of students switching from the student to graduate route
• Insight into the activities of student visa holders who switch into the Graduate route, and whether they are contributing to the economy
• Consideration whether the Graduate route is undermining the integrity and quality of the UK higher education system.

We will update this article when the MAC publishes its findings.

PSW visa eligibility requirements

In order to be eligible for a PSW visa, the student will have to attain 70 points under the points-based immigration system. Points are awarded in respect of successful completion of a qualifying course of study in the UK.

This means applicants must:

• Hold a valid student visa at the time of their application for a PSW visa from a UK higher education provider on the list of registered sponsors “with a track record of compliance”.
• Have successfully completed their degree at undergraduate level or above.
• Have stayed in the UK for the duration of their study. The only exemptions to this are if the student studied abroad as part of a ‘study abroad’ programme, or was forced to study from home for reasons relating to Covid-19.
• Not have previously been granted the PSW visa.
• Pass security, identity and criminality checks.
• Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge .

Those studying in the UK on a scholarship from the government of their home country have to meet an additional requirement, namely, that their government must have given its permission for them to remain in the UK under a PSW visa.

There is no English language or financial requirement for the PSW visa applicant to meet.

EU nationals

EEA or Swiss students in the UK with valid EU settled or pre settled status will not need to apply for the PSW visa to remain in the UK. Those without permission under the EU settlement scheme may apply for the PSW visa to retain lawful status in the UK.

Which course are eligible under the PSW visa?

To be eligible, applicants must have completed a course awarding either:

• A UK bachelor’s degree.
• UK postgraduate degree, including PhD and Masters’ degree.
• A Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) conversion course, as validated by the Joint Academic Stage Board in England and Wales.
• The Legal Practice Course (LPC) in England and Wales, the Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland, or a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland.
• The Bar Practice Course (BPTC) in England and Wales, or the Bar Course in Northern Ireland.
• A foundation programme in Medicine or Dentistry.
• A postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).
• A professional course required to study at the UK bachelor’s degree level or above in a profession with reserved activities that is regulated by UK law or UK public authority.

The degree course has to be the same as that on the applicant’s Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). In addition, their sponsoring higher education provider must confirm that they meet this requirement.

Applying for the post study work visa

The PSW visa application should be made online from within the UK.

Students can apply for a Graduate visa as soon as their sponsoring institution or college notifies the Home Office that they have finished and passed their programme. Students do not have to wait until they have graduated or received a certificate of completion to apply; they should apply while their student visa is still valid.

How much is the graduate visa?

The PSW visa application costs £715. Applicants will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is currently £624 per year of leave in the UK.

Visa options after PSW visa?

To stay in the UK with lawful status after your period of leave under the Graduate route, you will need to make an application for a new type of visa or leave to remain.

Visa options to remain in the UK could, for example, include a work visa or family-based visa, and will depend on the specific circumstances.

If the graduate visa holder is employed in a skilled role, they may be eligible to apply to remain by switching to the Skilled Worker visa route , provided all of the requirements are met to switch into this category.

To qualify as a Skilled Worker, they must be in an eligible job, working for an employer that is licensed by the UK Home Office to sponsor skilled migrant workers. The Home Office publishes a list of registered sponsors on the .gov website.

In addition, they must meet the minimum salary requirements . They must be paid at least £26,200, or the ‘ going-rate ’ for the job if it is higher. In some situations, such as if the job is in a shortage occupation , the graduate may still qualify if paid less than £26,200.

The Skilled Worker route also provides a path to settlement in the UK, i.e. indefinite leave to remain . Applicants must have five years of continuous lawful residence in the UK under a Skilled Worker visa to be eligible to apply for settlement.

If your ambitions are to start a business in the UK, you could look at the Innovator Founder route .

Another option could be to make an application based on a relationship with a UK settled person, such as a partner visa.

Taking advice is the best way to determine options to remain in the UK based on specific circumstances.

Need assistance?

DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists , and can advise both employers and graduates on Home Office applications such as the new post study work visa. For advice, please contact us .

PSW visa for graduates FAQs

What is psw visa.

A PSW visa is a ‘Post-Study Work’ visa, that is officially called the Graduate Route. It allows overseas graduates completing their studies in the UK to stay on for two or three years after completion of their studies. The two year period is granted if you have completed an undergraduate degree or a Master’s degree, and the three year period if you have completed a PhD.

How much does PSW visa cost in UK?

The PSW visa application fee is £715. You will also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for each year of your leave.

Who is eligible for PSW in UK?

You are eligible to apply for a PSW visa in the UK if you are completing an undergraduate degree or a Master’s degree or a PhD from summer 2021 onwards. The degree must have been awarded by a qualifying institution, that is a higher education provider approved by the UK Home Office.

How long does the PSW visa last?

If you have complete an undergraduate degree or a Master’s degree and you are successful in obtaining the PSW visa then it will last for two years. If you have completed a PhD and are successful in obtaining a PSW visa then it will last for three years. In both cases the PSW visa is non-extendable, meaning to retain lawful status beyond your period of leave under the Graduate Route, you will need to make an application for leave to remain under a different visa category.

Last updated: 14 March 22024

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.

Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator , and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals

• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Shortage Occupation List 2024
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About DavidsonMorris

As employer solutions lawyers, DavidsonMorris offers a complete and cost-effective capability to meet employers’ needs across UK immigration and employment law, HR and global mobility .

Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners , we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

Legal Disclaimer

The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of writing, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.

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• Schools & departments

Graduate visa

If you have successfully completed your programme and wish to live and work in the UK for a while, a Graduate visa might be an option for you. This visa type is available for two years after the award of a degree or for three years after a PhD or other doctorate qualification.

How to apply

Costs of a graduate visa, how overseas travel impacts your eligibility for the graduate route, work you can accept before, during and after your visa application, applications for your dependants, find out more about the graduate route .

UKCISA guidance on the Graduate route  

UKVI overview for the Graduate visa  

• Become a Study Centre

Your Guide to UK Post-Graduate Work VISAs

Posted: 25.10.2023

• VISA Application

Working in the UK After University

As an international student, you may well have plans to stay on in the UK to pursue your chosen career after you finish your studies. If that’s the case, you’ll need to find out about post-graduate work visas – what they are, who’s eligible and how to apply for one – so we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you.

Post-Graduate Work Visas

These visas are designed purely to allow international students to stay in Britain to work beyond their study period, and there are two different types:

Graduate Visa: This allows you to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing a course in the country, and is available for both Undergraduate and Master’s Degree graduates.

Graduate Route: Introduced in 2021, the Graduate Route offers international students the opportunity to work or look for work in the UK for 2 years after their degree completion.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for either visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must have successfully completed either an Undergraduate or Master’s Degree from a recognized UK institution
• You must have a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your sponsoring institution
• You must meet the English language proficiency requirements
• You’ll need to show evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK

Going Through The Application Process

Applying for a post-graduate work visa in the UK is simple and straightforward:

• Gather the documents you’ll require, including your CAS, passport, academic transcripts, proof of English language proficiency and financial documents
• Complete the online application form on the official government website or, if you prefer, apply in person
• Pay the application fee and submit your application
• Wait for the decision from the UK immigration authorities

The processing time for applications can vary, so it’s important to make sure you apply well in advance.

Restrictions To Bear in Mind

A post-graduate work visa carries certain restrictions that you’ll need to remember.

• If you’re on the Graduate Visa, you cannot switch to another visa category 
• The visa is non-extendable, which means you can’t prolong your stay under this visa category
• You can work full-time or part-time during your stay, and there are no restrictions on the type of employment
• After the 2-year visa duration has run out, you may be eligible for other work visas or routes if you meet the requirements

Tips and Advice

Here are a few guidelines to help make getting a post-graduate work visa and starting your career as simple and stress-free as possible.

Start researching and preparing your application well in advance to ensure a smooth process.

Seek professional assistance

You might consider consulting an immigration lawyer or advisor who can guide you through the application process and provide expert advice.

Build your network

Networking plays a crucial role in finding employment opportunities, so attend career fairs, join professional organizations and connect with industry experts.

Polish your skills

Enhance your skills and knowledge through additional certifications, internships or volunteer work, to help make you more attractive to potential employers

Stay updated

Keep up-to-date on any changes regarding post-graduate work visas, and regularly check official government websites for the latest information

What To Do Next

Securing a post-graduate work visa in the UK opens up exciting opportunities for any international student to get their career underway. If you want to know more or are thinking of applying, the team at NCUK are always on hand to help – and you can speak to them directly here . 

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How to apply for a post-study work visa in the UK

Find out how to apply for a post-study work visa in the UK. We take you through the eligibility criteria, and explain what the route involves and the factors you should consider.

For many prospective students, part of the attraction of studying abroad is the potential to live and work in that country after graduation.

In a cultural mixing pot like the UK, where the contribution of international students is highly valued, it’s understandable that the option to stay longer is a top priority for many.

In this article, we explore post-study visa options in the UK and the application process.

The UK graduate visa

The graduate visa provides an opportunity for international students to work in the UK after graduation. The scheme was introduced as a direct result of the country’s desire to keep talented graduates.

Who can apply?

You can apply for a UK graduate visa if you’ve recently graduated from a UK  bachelor’s degree , postgraduate degree, or another eligible  course  if:

• you are in the UK
• your current visa is a UK student visa
• you studied your course for at least  12 months  (or the full duration of the course if it was less than 12 months long)
• your education provider has told the Home Office that you have completed your course.

How long can you stay?

A graduate visa will allow you to stay in the UK for a minimum of  2 years . If you have a  PhD  or other doctoral qualification, you can stay for 3 years .

You  cannot  extend your graduate visa, but you may apply for a different visa to remain in the UK. We have more information about this at the end of this article.

What rules are there?

As a UK graduate visa holder, you will be able to:

• work in most jobs, including voluntary positions
• be self-employed
• look for work
• continue living in the UK with your partner and children (if they are eligible)
• travel to and from the UK

A UK graduate visa does  not  allow you to:

• apply for most welfare (government) payments or the State Pension
• work as a professional sportsperson

In specific circumstances, you may be able to study on a graduate visa, but only if your chosen course is not eligible for a student visa.

Be aware that every visa is unique. Visas are awarded on a case-by-case basis. Yours may include other conditions depending on your circumstances.

When to apply

You must apply for your UK graduate visa:

• before your student visa expires
• after your university/college has informed the Home Office that you have completed your course

You do  not  need to wait until you have graduated to apply for a UK graduate visa.

How much does it cost?

The application fee for a UK graduate visa is  GBP 822 . You will also need to pay a healthcare surcharge of  GBP 1,035  for each year you will be in the UK.

If you get a job in the healthcare sector, check if you are qualified for the health and care worker visa . It costs less to apply and you will be exempt from the annual healthcare surcharge.

If you start working in the public healthcare sector after you have paid the healthcare surcharge, you may be eligible for a  refund .

Remember, you will need to be able to financially support yourself while you are in the UK. Don’t forget to include things like rent, bills and travel costs in your budget.

You may find our article about the  cost of living in the UK  helpful when budgeting. 

What documents do you need?

When you apply for your UK graduate visa, you will need:

• a valid passport (or another travel document that confirms your identity and nationality)
• your biometric residence permit (BRP), if you have one 
• your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from when you applied for your student visa

If you cannot find your CAS number, speak to your education provider. They will have a record of it. You might also be asked to provide:

• proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they are applying with you
• a letter of approval from your scholarship/sponsorship provider if they have paid your course or living fees in the last 12 months

Proving your identity

As part of your UK graduate visa application, you must prove your identity. To do this, you will need an account with UKVI on their “UK Immigration: ID Check” app.

You must scan your biometric residence permit onto the app. If you are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, you will need to scan your passport instead.

If you cannot scan your documents into the app, you will need your fingerprints and photograph taken at an approved centre. You must take your biometric residence permit and/or passport with you to your appointment.

Completing your application

You will need to complete your application online. Make sure you have your credit or debit card ready to pay the fees associated with your application.

After you apply

You will receive an email from the Home Office about the decision on your application. The email will explain what you need to do next. 

When your application is approved, you will be able to prove your right to live and work in the UK online. 

What other work visa options are there?

Do you want to know more about other types of UK work visas? Our table below details two of the most popular choices.

You might decide one of these is better for you than a graduate visa. Or you might choose to switch to one of these after your graduate visa expires. Whatever the case, it’s always a good idea to fully understand your options.

The UK government has also introduced the High Potential Individual Visa (HPI) route for recently qualified students. It allows university graduates to stay in the UK for at least 2 years . You can stay for 3 years if you are a PhD graduate.  

To qualify for an HPI visa, you must have graduated from an eligible university in the last 5 years. Eligible universities are listed by the UK government and are made up of highly ranked global institutions, from the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World University Rankings .

You will also need to demonstrate your English language ability and enough savings to support yourself when living in the country.

Don’t forget

Check your visa dates and conditions when you receive it – these will tell you what you can and cannot do when you are in the UK. If you think there has been a mistake on your visa, you must contact UKVI within  3 months for it to be amended.

Don’t forget you can use our site search tool  to find a suitable study programme in the UK.

'Study in the UK' eBook

Enjoy what you’ve read? We’ve condensed the above popular topics about studying in the UK into one handy digital book.

How to apply for a student visa in the UK

Well known worldwide for its academic institutions and extensive choice of course options, the UK is a popular destination for many international students. The British higher education system is one of the oldest in the world, and with it comes an excellent study experience. International students in the UK do well in the diverse, vibrant cities full of culture and history.   Although the UK student visa application procedure may seem long, don’t be

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Guide: the UK Post-Study Work Visa for graduates

Author: Patrick Atack

Patrick is an expert on international education. He studied American Studies and Journalism in the UK and the USA. His work has been published in, among others, the London Evening Standard, Euronews, and the PIE News.

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This blog post was published under the 2015-2024 Conservative Administration

https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2019/10/14/fact-sheet-graduate-immigration-route/

Fact sheet: Graduate Immigration Route

The Graduate route allows the UK to retain the brightest and the best international students to contribute to society and the economy post-study under the points-based immigration system.

Key Points:

• The Graduate route is available to international students who have completed a degree at undergraduate level or above at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance, and who have valid Tier 4 or Student permission at the time of application.
• Successful applicants on this route at bachelor’s or master’s level will be able to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, at any skill level for two years. Doctoral students will be able to stay for three years.
• Due to COVID-19,  we have also put in place concessions for students unable to travel to the UK due to the pandemic , recognising the continued disruption many face in international travel.
• Applicants who began their studies in autumn 2020, or in spring 2021 will need to be in the UK with permission as a Student, by 27 September 2021. Students beginning their course this autumn or early next year will need to be in the UK by 6 April 2022.
• For the vast majority of applicants, the Graduate route application process will be entirely digital, and if your application is successful, you will be issued with an eVisa. You will start your application at GOV.UK where you will create a UK Visas and Immigration account and use the ‘UK Immigration ID Check’ app to verify your identity. To do this, you will need your Biometric Residence Card or Permit (BRC/P), which would have been given to you when you were granted your Student (or Tier 4) visa. If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, you can use your biometric passport to verify your identity on the app.
• The app is free and is compatible with Android phones and iPhone 7 or newer models. If you do not own a compatible phone, you can use the app from a family or friend’s mobile phone. No information is stored on the phone or app after you close it.
• The launch of the route demonstrates the Government’s support for our education sector, and commitment to the International Education Strategy, which sets out an ambition to increase education exports to £35 billion.
• Individuals who already have permission as a dependant of a Student who is applying on this route can also apply to extend their permission as a dependant – however new dependants are not permitted on this route, except for a child born in the UK during the current period of a Tier 4 or Student visa permission.
• The route does not count towards settlement – however Graduates will be able to apply to other routes at the end of their 2-3 year stay, for example the Skilled Worker, Global Talent or Innovator routes.
• Those who graduate and whose Tier 4 or Student visa permission expired  before the route launched on 1 July   are not eligible and the route cannot be brought forward or applied retrospectively.  However, students who are not eligible for the Graduate route may still benefit from the favourable switching provisions into a number of other routes, for example Skilled Worker, Start Up, Innovator or Global Talent, among others.

Frequently asked questions:

Does the graduate route require a new application.

• The Graduate route requires a new visa application, which is only  possible from inside the UK. It  includes the payment of a visa fee of £700 and the Immigration Health Surcharge at the full rate of £624 per year. Students  need to know the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) they used for their most recent Student (or Tier 4) application in order to apply for the Graduate route.

Will universities be expected to act as sponsors for those students on the Graduate route after they have graduated?

• Individuals applying to the Graduate route do not need a sponsor. Student sponsors do  not need to fulfil any sponsorship duties for their students once they switch onto the Graduate route and students do not need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to apply under this route. However, students sponsors need to notify the Home Office that a student has successfully completed their course.

Does this route count towards settlement?

• The route is non-extendable and does not count towards settlement. However, graduates who find an appropriate job and meet the requirements will be able to apply to work routes, including the Skilled Worker, which is a route to settlement.

- This Factsheet was updated on 1 July 20201

Tags: Graduate Immigration Route , Immigration

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Post study work visa in uk: eligibility, apply, costs .

Table of Contents

Post Study Work (PSW), also known as Graduate Visa is a 2-year post-study work visa uk that allows you to stay in the country after completing the course.    

Please remember that you should be in the UK to apply for psw uk.  

Now there are many questions amongst many students if they can get a PSW after 1-year masters in the UK?   

Yes, the graduate route allows you to look for work for two years after completing the course.   

Key statistics  

• Graduate Route visas issued: 114,000 in 2023 
• Dependents: 30,000 visas 
• Top nationalities: India (42%), Nigeria, China, Pakistan 
• Most common degree: Taught Master’s degree 
• Non-Russell Group Universities: 66% of visas 

Post study work visa UK 2024 eligibility  

• Complete the course with a current Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa  
• Depends on the type of education provider:  

Must be a license sponsored with ‘track of compliance’  

You must hold a degree in:  

• UK Bachelor’s degree  
• UK Master’s degree  
• PhD or doctorate  

You can also apply if you’ve completed any of the below:   

• a law conversion course approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority  
• the Legal Practice Course in England and Wales, the Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland, or a diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland  
• the Bar Practice Course in England and Wales, or the Bar Course in Northern Ireland  
• a foundation programme in medicine or dentistry  
• a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)  
• a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) 

Must Read:- Post Study Work Visa in Australia 2024 , Navigating the US Visa Maze

Cost of post-study work visa UK  

The post study visa uk application fee is £822  

The post study uk visa healthcare surcharge is £1,035 for every year you’ll be in the UK: 

• For 2 years – £2,070 
• For 3 years – £3,105 

Note: If you get a job in public healthcare, the amount will be refunded. 

When you apply for the the post study work permit in the United Kingdom at Gov.uk ,  you will be informed of the post study work visa uk fees. 

Documents required to stay in the UK after you graduate  

When you apply for a UK Post Study Work Visa for Graduates, you will need to provide these documents:  

• A valid passport 
• A Biometric residence permit (BRP) if you were given during the student visa application in the UK 
• A Conformation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) reference no sent to you by your university 

Other types of documents for UK Post Study Work Visa for Graduates  

The required document you might be asked to provide will depend on your circumstances: 

• Proof of relationship (partner or children) 
• Letter of sponsored application if paid for studying and living cost in the last 1 year 

Application for the Graduate visa  

• Go online to the official site: Gov.uk  
• Arrange all the relevant documents mentioned above 
• If you have partner or children, you will have to apply separately 
• Proof of identity by scanning your biometric residence permit (BRP) with the UK Immigration: ID Check’ app 
• If the app is not scanning the BRP, you will ask for a photograph and fingerprints taken at the UKVCAS service point 

When you’ve filled out the form and applied for Graduate visa (post-study), you will be told what to do next.   

If you need an appointment, the centre may keep your documents for processing the visa application.   

Please take note that you are not allowed to travel outside the UK during this time, or your application will be withdrawn.   

Also Read:- Top Fast Food Restaurants in UK , Most Expensive Areas in London

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Information about the new Graduate Route

Route overview and basics.

Important :  If you are hoping to apply for the Graduate Route post study, it is your responsibility to ensure that you pass your course on time. If you have a suspension, resits or resubmissions you may not be able to meet the UKVI eligibility requirements. You should also note that the University cannot support applications for students who are carrying University debt or who have unresolved academic, or other, misconduct allegations.    

The UK government launched a 2-year (or 3-year for PhD) Graduate visa on 1st July 2021.

To qualify for the visa, students must:

• Have successfully completed an eligible qualification
• Have received formal email notification from the University Compliance Team confirming that it has reported the course completion to the UKVI
• Have spent a minimum period of time studying in the UK using a Tier 4 or Student visa
• Be in the UK with a valid Tier 4 visa or a valid Student visa at the time of application to the Graduate visa
• If in the last 12 months the student has received a scholarship or financial sponsorship from a Government or international scholarship agency covering tuition fees and living costs, consent must get be given by that sponsor for that student to remain in the UK under the Graduate visa.
• Must not have ever previously held either a Graduate Route or Doctoral Extension Scheme visa 

Except for babies born in the UK, eligibility for dependants is restricted to those already in the UK as dependants of a Student. See ‘Dependants’ section below.

Note: You are still under the immigration regulations relating to your Student/Tier 4 visa until your have received a decision on a Graduate Route application. This means there are restrictions on the type of work your can do. Please carefully read the section at the bottom of this page called 'Working while waiting for a Graduate Route decision (or pre application)'

Basics of the Graduate visa application:

• Can only be made from within the UK
• Can only be made by someone who currently has a valid Tier 4 or Student Route visa and has had that visa for at least 12 months (for courses of 12 months of more) or for the whole of their course (for courses of 12 months or less), unless Covid-19 concessions on distance learning apply
• Can only be made after an eligible course has been successfully and formally completed, formal results produced,  and the University Compliance Team has reported the completion to the UKVI
• Must not have previously held a visa under either the Graduate visa or the Doctoral Extension Scheme
• The University Compliance Team will automatically send an email , including the individual CAS number needed for the Graduate visa application, to all eligible students once degree results have been reported to the UKVI
• You cannot apply to the Graduate visa until you get that email/number from the Compliance Team. If you do, your visa application may be refused. Reporting will take place after degree results are confirmed by the relevant award board
• The course completed must be the same one as the one on the student's initial course CAS unless exempt. Please see the section ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies CAS’ below
• Will be made online using the UKVI IDV app or online and by attendance at a visa center
• Will cost £822 for the application (plus £822 each for any dependants)
• There is no additional maintenance requirement
• Consent from a Government or international scholarship body will be needed if the student has received financial support for tuition fees and living costs in the last 12 months.
• Will be subject to the Immigration Health Surcharge , which will be a total of £1,248 for graduates of a Bachelor or Master's degree, and £1,872 for PhD and doctorate graduates. This must be paid at point of application and if applying with dependants, this charge also applies to all dependant applicants. PLEASE NOTE: The IHS is due to increase to £2,070 for UG/PG and £3,105 for PhD/doctorate graduates.  This change will come into force on 6th February 2024.
• Bachelor and Masters graduates will automatically be granted a Graduate visa for 2 years
• PhD and Doctorate graduates will automatically be granted a Graduate visa for 3 years
• Only dependants who already have permission to be in the UK as the dependants on the main applicant's Tier 4 or Student Route visa may apply. You cannot switch the main applicant or add new dependants under the Graduate visa route
• Cannot be renewed or applied for again even after another period of study
• Does not count towards settlement
• Further study is restricted
• Permits switching into other work categories from within the UK

Eligibility requirements

Valid Tier 4 or Student permission   

You will need to be in the UK with valid Tier 4 or Student permission in order to apply for the Graduate visa.

You can also apply if you have held valid Tier 4 or Student permission, but this expired and you have been granted a period of Exceptional Assurance - provided you have not overstayed this period.

Successful completion requirement

You must have successfully completed the course of study which took place during your last grant of Tier 4 or Student Route permission. In the case of Student Sabbatical Officers, the course must have been completed during the last grant of leave prior to taking up the role of Sabbatical Officer.

The course completed must be the same course that was listed on your CAS used to obtain your current Tier 4 or Student permission. If you have changed course, it must have been a permitted change that didn’t require a new Student Route application.

If you changed course and are not sure if you are now eligible for the Graduate visa, please contact [email protected] for more advice.

Sponsor notification requirement

Swansea University must have informed the UKVI of your successful course completion before you apply for the Graduate visa.

The Compliance Team will automatically make a report to the UKVI confirming that you have successfully completed your course and then email you to confirm this has taken place.

It is important that you wait until you have received the notification email from the Compliance Team confirming that they have completed the reporting process before applying for the visa.

Making an application before receiving notification from the Compliance team may result in your visa application being refused.

Eligible qualification requirement

The course students must have successfully completed would usually be:

• A UK Bachelor degree
• UK Master's degree
• UK PhD or Doctorate degree

The full degree award (Bachelor, Master's, PhD) must be awarded in order to be eligible for the Graduate Route. Lower exit qualifications such as Diplomas and Certificates will not be eligible for Graduate Route. 

You can also apply if you have successfully completed:

• A law conversion course approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
• A Legal Practice Course
• A Bar Practice Course
• Foundation Programme in Medicine or Dentistry
• A Postgraduate Certificate in Education ( PGCE  and NOT a general PGCert in any other subject)
• A course that makes you eligible for a job that is regulated by UK law or public authority

Previous time spent on the Graduate Route visa

The Graduate Route visa is a one-time only visa.  This means you can only ever apply for and be granted the Graduate visa once in your lifetime.

For example if you are granted a Graduate Route visa following the successful completion a Bachelor degree level course, but at some later date you also complete a Master's and/or PhD course, you won't be able to re-apply for the Graduate Route after completing those later postgraduate courses. 

The same limit would apply if you had ever held immigration permission under the Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES).

Study in the UK requirement

Please see the section below.

UK study requirement

The Graduate Route includes a requirement for students to have studied in the UK for a certain amount of time. This time is: at least 12 months or the full length of your course, whichever is shorter. Students who start their course in Autumn 2022 or later will need to meet this requirement.

NB: This 12 month UK requirement does not count for dependants, who can wait at home and join you during the last month or two of your course and still apply for Graduate Route as your dependants (see Dependants section below). However, due to the COVID pandemic, and students having been permitted to undertake periods of study from overseas, there are currently a series of concessions around this. These concessions state that rather than being in the UK for a certain amount of time, student must arrive in the UK by a certain date/have a student visa to be eligible to apply for the Graduate Route. Once they have arrived in the UK, students then need to stay in the UK to complete their course. These concessions are outlined in the  UKVI COVID-19 Guidance for Student Sponsors. These concessions are covered on paragraphs 3.23- 3.27 and are reproduced/explained below for you: 3.23 Students who began a course of 12 months or less in 2020 or Spring 2021 via distance learning, and who have not previously entered the UK to study that course will be able to make a Graduate application if they make a successful Student visa application and arrive in the UK either before their visa ends or by 27 September 2021, whichever is sooner. 3.24 Students who began a course of 12 months or less in 2020 or 2021 who have existing permission as a Student to study that course, and who have already travelled to the UK during that period of permission, will be able to make a Graduate application as long as they are present in the UK before the end date of their permission.

3.25 Students who commence a course of 12 months or less in Autumn 2021 or Spring 2022 via distance learning from overseas must enter the UK no later than 30 June 2022 and complete that course of study in the UK with permission as a Student to be eligible for the Graduate Route. Students should travel once they are able to do so. 3.26 Students who would normally only be sponsored to study in the UK on the Student route for the last year of a longer course, such as those on articulated degree programmes, will be considered as being on a course of 12 months or less for the purpose of this requirement. 3.27 Students sponsored for a course lasting longer than 12 months will not be prevented from being eligible for the Graduate route as a result of any distance learning that took place either in the UK or overseas between the period of 24 January 2020 and 27 September 2021 or any distance learning which took place overseas between 27 September 2021 and 30 June 2022. If a Student’s current permission expires prior to 30 June 2022, they must enter the UK prior to the expiry of their Student permission rather than 30 June 2022.

If you have not yet applied for your visa and need information about what the end date granted is likely to be, see the ‘Visa Lengths’ section in the Student Route information here .

Application Timing, Process and Costs

Timings and format of applications The Graduate Route application will be made online and is usually a quick and easy application to submit. The UKVI intend you to be able to verify your identify and make the application using an ID Check App which you download to your phone as part of the application process. You should not usually need to submit any documents (unless you were a sponsored student - see the Consent to Remain section below) but you will need your most recent CAS number to include in your application - see below.

Timings and application  You will not be able to make a Graduate Route application until formal results have been released and verified to the Home Office. This process will happen automatically at the earliest point possible according to UKVI Sponsor requirements. Once this process has taken place, all students who are eligible to apply for Graduate Route will be sent a notification email by the Student Compliance team telling them that they are now eligible to apply for the Graduate Route. This email will also contain the relevant CAS number you will need to include in your application.

I f your  graduation certificate  is being posted to you, it will go to the  address registered as your 'Home Address' on the University system. If this is not right, you should either update your UK address as soon as possible, or contact the Graduation Team to let them know you want it to go elsewhere.

IMPORTANT : Students will not need to request this email/CAS number or tell the University they wish to apply for the Graduate Route. All eligible students will be sent the information and then it is your personal choice whether you wish to apply. You cannot make the process go any quicker, so expect to receive the Graduate Route notification email within 2-3 weeks of your results. All students within an examination cohort will receive the information at the same time via a bulk communication. You do not have to make your Graduate Route application straightaway but you will have to make the application before your student visa expires.

All applications are made online and information on the process, as well as the link to start the application process can be found on the  Gov.UK website here.

There is also a very informative and useful  Home Office Graduate Route information sheet

The process will be slightly different depending on whether you have a valid biometric passport or biometric residence card (BRP).

Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland who hold a biometric passport and non-EU citizens holding a valid BRP will complete an online application form and will then be invited to verify their ID document and submit supporting documents via the UK Immigration: ID Check App.  You will need a UKVI account or to create a new one. You won’t have to attend any visa centre appointments, everything will be done online via the ID Check App.

Students who cannot use the App, either because they don’t have the correct biometric document (e.g. the BRP has been lost, the biometric chip is damaged or who cannot download the App to their device) will be able to complete the online application form and then attend a visa application center to submit documents and provide biometric information (digital photo and signature, fingerprints).

Finance information

Applicants will not need to evidence up front living costs but they will need to pay for both the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and the visa application fee at the point of submitting the application.  You will need a valid debit or credit card and you may need to contact your bank to check any payment limits or your card and to let them know you will be making these payments (or they could be refused).

Current fees are outlined in the table below:

Further information Once you have submitted your Graduate Route visa application, you and any dependants should not travel outside the UK while the visa application is being decided. Doing so will automatically withdraw your application.

Students who are granted their Graduate visa after having applied using the ID Check App will receive an email with a PDF of their decision letter and a digital status which can be accessed via the UKVI portal ‘View and prove your immigration status’. 

Visa nationals will also receive a new biometric residence permit (BRP).

Only dependants who are already in the UK with valid permission as your Tier 4 / Student Route dependant can apply for Graduate Route with you.

When your dependants apply to come to the UK depends on your personal, financial and practical situation and you should pay particular attention to the information about finances, accommodation and responsibilities listed on our pages. Some students believe that if they want to apply for the Graduate Route after they have studied, then  their families must be here in the UK with them for the duration of their course in order to be eligible.   This is not true -  only the  student  must have been in the UK for the whole length of the course, a dependant just has to be a  Student Dependant  (and have arrived in the UK)  by the time you make the Graduate Route application . Therefore, it is possible for dependants to  apply for their visas at the same time as you and then stay at home and join you later  (by obtaining a Dependant's visa via your Tier 4/Student Route visa) in the last month or so of your course (e.g. perhaps July/August 2024 for courses that start in September 2023). We know that lots of students are not aware of this and so are bringing it to your attention.

Why would I want to bring my family to the UK towards the end of my studies instead of the beginning? There are several reasons why you may want to do this: •  Cost of living and rental prices  are very high in the UK, especially for family accommodation, you may want to save this additional expense until both parents can legally be working full time in the UK to help cover these costs • You may want to live close to family and friends,  who are not in the Swansea area  to help with accommodation or childcare costs (the University does not hold any responsibilities relating to these). While you are studying, you and your family are restricted to living a  maximum of 50 miles from the Campus . Under the Graduate Route, you can live and work where you like. • Family accommodation is  very scarce in Swansea and can be very expensive , your family coming later allows more time to look for suitable/affordable accommodation in the Swansea area or, after your course is finished, to look elsewhere in the UK if you so wish! • Single person accommodation is plentiful and reasonable in Swansea and so this could save both money and stress! • Coming as a student and bringing your family later allows you to truly focus on your studies, to get great grades and to complete within time Of course, it will be a  personal choice  on what you decide to do in relation to bringing your dependants. However, we just wanted to ensure that you were fully informed about your options in relation to Graduate Route and the timings of this.

The only exception to the need for a dependant to already have a Student Route Dependant visa in order to switch to Graduate Route dependant is for babies born in the UK during your last grant of Tier 4 / Student Route permission .

How will my dependants apply under the Graduate Route

How your dependants will apply will depend on whether they have their own BRPs. If your dependant does have a BRP of their own, they will be able to make their own individual applications using the ID Check App. Please use the UKVI  Graduate Route partner and children application links. 

Unfortunately it isn't possible to add the dependant applications if you used the ID Check App to submit your Graduate Route visa application.

If you didn't use the ID Check App yourself but will attend an appointment at a visa centre instead, your application form will allow you to add your dependants to your own application form and you would then book and attend an appointment at the visa centre together as a family at the same time.  

Family relationships should be subsisting and you should intend to live together in the UK throughout time spent the Graduate visa holder is living in the UK.

There are some additional requirements for child dependants who are aged 16 and above at the time of application. Please contact International@CampusLife for more information if any of your child dependants are 16 years or over. 

A child born in UK during your last grant of Tier 4 / Student and who does not have their own student dependant visa can apply but you will need to submit the child’s full UK birth certificate with the Graduate visa application.  

Changes to your study (inc. extensions, resits and repeats)

You must have been awarded the qualification for the course listed on the Tier 4 / Student Route CAS unless you made a permitted course change that did not require you to re-apply for new permission.  

A permitted change of course includes:

• undertaking a different course at degree level or above, where the University confirmed to the UKVI at the time of change that the previous and new courses are related or support the student’s career aspirations
• adding or removing a work placement to the course
• adding or removing a study abroad programme
• leaving an integrated PhD or master’s programme with the lower-level qualification e.g. leaving an integrated master’s programme with a bachelor’s qualification
• intercalating students on medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine and science courses
• completing a course where the University changed the title of your course title or the course contents after issuing the CAS, but without the need to make a new visa application

If you changed your course at any time and you are unsure how this might affect your eligibility to apply for the Graduate visa, please contact [email protected]

 It is also important to note that if you have an extension to a module, resits or repeats, this may affect your ability to apply for the Graduate Route . In order to apply, you need to have completed your course and received your formal results before your Student visa expires. Always ask your College about when your results will available if you have, or are thinking about, a change to your course end date. Do not assume that you can get an extension to your Student visa in order to 'wait' for results in the UK.

Consent to remain in the UK

If in the last 12 months you have received a scholarship or financial sponsorship from a Government or an international scholarship agency covering tuition fees and living costs for your study in the UK you will need to get your sponsors written consent giving you permission to stay on in the UK. You will need to submit this to the UKVI as part of your Graduate visa application.

Graduate Route Visa Conditions

Once your Graduate Route visa has been granted you can do any type of work you like, for any employer.  The employer does not have to have a UKVI licence to employ you if you hold a Graduate Route visa.  You can take a permanent full-time job and you can be self-employed.   

The only job you cannot do is work as a professional sports person or coach. The UKVI defines what it means by a professional sportsperson or coach within the immigration rules .

If you have submitted an application for the Graduate Route visa but you have not yet received an outcome to that application, your working rights while you wait for the visa to be granted will differ depending on when you applied for your most recent Student visa.  Please see the section below ' Working while waiting for a Graduate Route decision (or pre-application)' . 

Study is restricted under the Graduate visa. You cannot study a course for which in theory a Student Route visa could be obtained.

Study that is permitted include: evening classes or recreational courses, study at a college/provider that doesn’t hold a Student sponsor licence, some professional courses. Please check with the course provider.

If the course required ATAS clearance you would need to obtain this before commencing study.

Working while waiting for a Graduate Route decision (or pre application)

Working before you have applied for the Graduate Route visa

As long as you have completed your course (this would be either the end date of the course as stated on your orignal CAS OR a later end date if you have had a course extension/resit - whichever is the later ) you are able to work full time whilst waiting to apply for the Graduate Route or while waiting for a decision. However, until you have formal notification from UKVI stating your Graduate visa has been granted, you are still bound under the working regulations of your previous Student or Tier 4 visa.

Under the Student/Tier 4 visa regulations, there are certain types of work that you cannot do. These include:

• self-employment and business activity
• professional sportsperson including as a sports coach, though there is an exception from 1 October 2019 for students at higher education providers doing  work placements  on a degree-level course
• entertainer, which includes actors, musicians, dancers and other performers, though there is an exception for students doing  work placements  on degree-level dance, drama and music courses 
• permanent full-time job

You should not be undertaking any of this type of work while still on your Student visa, before having applied for the Graduate Route visa. 

We have been seeing students signing ongoing contracts of future employment on the basis that they are going to apply for the Graduate Route - this should not be happening. You should not sign (nor should an employer be giving you) a contract of employment based on a potential and future visa status and this is putting both you and them at risk.

You need to make it clear to your employer that you cannot start a permanent  job (or sign a contract to that effect) until after you have submitted your Graduate Route application (and in some cases have your Graduate Route visa in hand - see below). To do so means you are in breach of your immigration status and they are at risk of breaking employment law.

Working after having applied for the Graduate Route visa but while still waiting for a decision

If you made your most recent Student visa application before 6th April 2022 you must wait for the Graduate Route visa to be granted before you commence any of the following:

• full-time permanent job role
• self employment
• work as an entertainer

If you made your most recent Student visa application on or after 6th April 2022 you can start a full-time permanent job while you wait for the Graduate Route visa to be processed but you must wait until the visa has been granted before you start any self-employment or work as an entertainer. 

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Post-study work opportunities in the UK

There are currently three visa routes available post-study: the Graduate route , the Skilled Worker route (formerly Tier 2), and the Start-up route .

The Scottish Government has support available for international students who are in their final year and looking to stay in Scotland after their student visa ends.

Graduate route

The Graduate Route is a post-study work visa that will allow you to stay in the UK to work, or look for work, if you have successfully achieved either: 

• An undergraduate degree
• A Master’s degree
• A PhD or other doctoral qualification; or
• A qualification that is listed in Appendix Graduate of the immigration rules (see ‘Qualification requirement’ paragraph). A PG cert or PG diploma are not eligible except for a PGCE or PGDE. 

You must have completed your programme during your current visa, and it should normally be the same as listed in your previous Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) statement.  (There are some permitted exceptions where the student has changed course.)

Graduate Route: Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to some of the most common questions about the Graduate Route. If you don't see your question on the list, please get in touch on [email protected]  and we will be happy to assist you.

How long is the Graduate Route visa for?

The Graduate Route visa will allow you to stay in the UK for 3 years if you have a PhD (or other Doctoral qualification) , or 2 years for all other relevant qualifications.  

How long do I need to have studied to be eligible?

• If your course is 12 months or less: you must have been in the UK with your Tier 4 or Student route permission for the full duration of the course.
• If your course is longer than 12 months: you must have been studying in the UK for at least 12 months with your Tier 4 or Student route permission.

How much does it cost?

Refer to Graduate visa: Overview on the UK Goverment website ( www.gov.uk )  for the current visa application fee .

You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge when you submit your visa application .

Do I need to evidence that I have funds for the financial requirement (living costs)?

You do not need to prove you have money to support yourself, but it is sensible to ensure that you have enough funds to live on especially if you are seeking work as you cannot access public funds .

Please note that i f in the 12 months before you apply for the Graduate route you were awarded a scholarship or sponsorship by a government , or international scholarship agency, to cover your course fees and financial requirement (living costs) then you must provide written consent with your visa application from the financial sponsor to stay in the UK .

Where and when to apply?

You can only apply from within the UK, and you must have current valid Tier 4 or Student route immigration permission .

You apply online through Graduate visa: Apply on the UK Goverment website ( www.gov.uk )

You can only apply for a Graduate visa before your current Tier 4/Student route visa expires and only if the University has reported to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that you have successfully completed your course. 

• Undergraduate/Postgraduate taught students: a report to UKVI will be made after you have received official confirmation of your award.  For undergraduate students, and some postgraduate taught students, you will be notified of your eligible award by email from the middle of July.  For those who have resits over the summer, or for postgraduate students who are completing their dissertations over the summer, you will be notified of your eligible award from the middle of September  
• Postgraduate research students: a report to UKVI will only be sent once you have successfully completed your qualification.  In this context, ‘completed’ is the date that the graduate school enters your award onto the student records system, and this will only take place after the conditions of the award have been met – see the Code of Practice , section 11 ‘Conditions of award’.   

The university’s report to UKVI will confirm that: (a) you have successfully completed your course; (b) you have met the qualification requirement; and (c) met the requirement for studying within the UK.  You will need your previous CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) statement reference number to make a Graduate route application. 

The University will confirm to you by email when we have sent a report to UKVI to confirm that you have successfully completed your course.  If you submit a Graduate route visa application before you receive this email, then your visa application could be refused. 

You can apply to the Graduate route scheme even if you do not attend your graduation ceremony. 

Please note that you cannot travel outside the UK when you have made your Graduate route application and can only do this once you obtain your decision.

Do I need a sponsor to apply?

Your application to the Graduate route does not require any sponsorship , or support of an employer or institution.

Can I study when on the Graduate route?

You cannot study a course when on the Graduate route if this could be done with a Student route visa.

Can I extend my Graduate visa?

You cannot extend your Graduate visa and would need to seek another type of immigra tion permission to remain in the UK.

Can I bring dependants?

You can only have dependants if they are already in the UK with you as a Tier 4/Student route dependant .   You cannot bring dependants to join you once you have been granted a Graduate Route visa.

Where can I find more information on the Graduate route?

M ore information on the scheme can be found in Graduate visa: Overview on the UK Government website (www.gov.uk) and Graduate caseworker guidance (www.gov.uk) .

The UK Council for International Student Affairs ( UKCISA ) website provides a useful overview and also includes an online seminar on the topic:  UKCISA International student advice and guidance: Graduate route

Skilled Worker route (formerly Tier 2)

The  Skilled Worker  route is part of the new points-based system of immigration for those who wish to work in the UK. To apply you will need to have an offer of employment from a company with a sponsor licence to do a specific job that meets the minimum levels of skill and salary. You will be able to apply under this route from the UK or from your home country.

If you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student, you can apply when you have completed your degree programme, or up to  three months  before your expected completion date.

Start-up route

The  Start-up  route is aimed at people, including those with Tier 4 and Student Route permission, who wish to establish a business in the UK, and who have a business plan endorsed by a Home Office-approved endorsing body.

The Start-up route has replaced the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur route.

Further information and advice on working after your studies is available on the UKCISA website .

• Student Support  /  Immigration and Visas  / Graduate (Post Study Work) Visa

Graduate Immigration Visa Route

International students who have successfully completed an undergraduate or Masters degree are now able to remain in the UK for work for two years after graduation, through the Graduate route. PhD students who successfully complete their course will be able to stay for up to three years. The work can be in any sector and at any level without any minimum salary requirements or the need for visa sponsorship.

Please read our FAQ's document  for further information.

Eligibility

The Graduate Route is available to international students who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, a Masters degree, PhD or other doctoral qualification. Students who are awarded either a  Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) will also be eligible to apply.

You must have received notification that you have been awarded your degree, PGCE or PGDE before you apply for this visa to meet the 'successful completion' criteria. If you are a PhD student, you should submit your final corrected thesis before submitting your graduate route application.

You should have completed your course within the validity of your current Student visa and it should be the same course for which your CAS was assigned unless you have been permitted to change courses. If you changed course please contact us so we can check that you are eligible.

We will notify the UKVI of successful course completions for all Student visa holders who meet the UK study requirement. Once we have made a report to UKVI we will e-mail you to tell you and you can then apply for the Graduate visa if you would like to do so. 

You must have a valid Student visa when you apply for the Graduate route. If your visa expires after you have applied to the Graduate route, you will be permitted to remain in the UK whilst your application is being considered. You will continue to work under the conditions of your Student permission until you have received the outcome of your Graduate visa application.

If you are a Student Union sabbatical officer who previously completed your course in the period before your current visa you are eligible to apply if your last grant of leave was as an SU officer and your Student visa is still valid.

You can only apply under the Graduate route once but you can switch back into the Student route if you want to pursue another course in the UK.

Resits / Extensions

If you will not complete your course on time because you have been given additional time to resubmit work or you need to resit exams, it is your responsibility to check with your academic department when your final results can be expected. To be eligible for the Graduate route visa, you must have been awarded your degree before your student visa expires. If your final results are expected less than 30 days before your visa expiry date or after your visa expiry date, please contact us for advice on your situation. 

Study in the UK

For a course of 12 months or less you must have studied the whole of your course in the UK with a Student visa. If your course is longer than 12 months you must have studied in the UK for at least 12 months with a Student visa.

You can switch from a Skilled Worker or Dependant worker into the Student route from inside the UK in order to apply for the Graduate visa. However, you must switch before the last 12 months of your course or before the start of your course if you are studying a Masters to meet the Study in the UK condition because you must have spent at least 12 months studying in the UK with a Student visa to be eligible.

Applying for the visa

You can only apply from within the UK and you must apply before your Student visa expires.

You do not need a new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studie (CAS) to apply for this visa but you will need your latest CAS number to enter into the online visa application form.

The Graduate route visa fee is usually £822. In addition, the application will also require you to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge which is charged at £2,070 for 2 years and £3,105 for 3 years.

There will NOT be any maintenance requirement so you will not need to hold a certain amount of funds in your bank account or provide any financial evidence. However, you must ensure that you have sufficient funds to cover your living costs in the UK while you look for work. If you have been sponsered by the University of Manchester this is not classed as official financial sponsorship so you will not require a letter from us.

You will not need to provide any evidence of your English language level as you must have completed a UK degree to be eligible to apply.

If you have been fully sponsored by your Government in the last 12 months, you will require a letter of consent from your sponsor giving you permission to stay in the UK to work.

As with any UK-based visa application, you should not leave the UK / Common Travel Area while your visa application is being processed as doing so will mean that your application will be treated as withdrawn. The Common Travel Area refers to the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and the Republic of Ireland. ‌

Looking for work

The University of Manchester is committed to ensuring that all our students are provided with expert advice and guidance to support our students in securing a graduate-level job, either in the UK or overseas. For more information about the support we offer, please visit the  University Careers Service website .

If you have Student visa dependants with you in the UK, they can apply under the Graduate route at the same time as you from within the UK as your dependants. New dependants are not permitted, except where a dependant child was born in the UK during a period of Student or Graduate permission.

Any dependants that have received sponsorship from a Government or International Scholarship Agency in the 12 months immediately prior to the date they submit their visa application must also provide a letter from their sponsor giving consent for them to stay in the UK whilst you are on the Graduate route.

If you have a valid Student visa and your dependants are outside the UK, they will need to apply as your Student dependants and travel to the UK first in order to be eligible to apply as dependants under the Graduate route.

Studying on a Graduate Visa

The UKVI rules state that you cannot study any course which could in theory be sponsored under the Student route while you hold a Graduate route visa. Examples of permitted study would therefore include:

• Some professional courses
• Online study
• Evening classes
• Recreational courses

If you are unsure whether you can study a specific course under the Graduate route, please contact the Student Immigration Team .

Further Information

• Immigration Rules: Appendix Graduate
• Graduate Route: UKVI Caseworker Guidance

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• Graduate Visa Route Benefits

Post-study Work Visa Benefits for International Students

Life in the UK Student Visa

Last updated: 27 November 2023

If you wish to study and work in the UK, the UK Government’s revised Graduate Route ensures that international students are able to stay and look for work in the UK after completion of their university degree.

The  post-study work visa provides options to international students for a smooth transition to the UK labour market, whilst the new point-based immigration system is aimed at making it easier for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and professional graduates to benefit from worker rights and gain permanent residency status in the UK.

Learn more below about ways in which post-study Graduate Visa Route benefits international students studying at a UK university and if you wish to begin your application to study in the UK, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today.

Six Benefits of the Post-study Visa for International Students

1. 2-year post-study work visa.

The post-study work visa allows international students studying  undergraduate and postgraduate courses at UK universities to look for work in the UK for up to 2 years after graduation. During this period students can work at any skill level without requiring to meet the conditions of a minimum threshold salary or job sponsorship from employers. The Graduate Route is a great way for international students to access the lucrative UK labour market.

2. 3-Year Post-study Visa Extension for PhD students

Highly skilled  PhD students in the UK are now eligible for a 3-year post-study visa extension as part of the UK Government's Global Talent Drive, thus making the UK job market more attractive for PhD professionals. The latest changes are aimed at providing better  post-study work options to highly skilled professionals and attract more talent to the country in a bid to promote its STEM sector and improve its research output.

3. Extended Time in the UK for Postgraduate Students

The UK Government has proposed to remove the study time limit for postgraduate students , whilst also extending the period of time for which students can come to the UK before the start of their course from 3 to 6 months.

4. Dependent Work Rights

The  post-study work visa also provides worker rights for dependents of international postgraduate students, and almost full access to the UK labour market.

5. Benefit for STEM Graduates

The new points-based immigration system starts from January 2021 and will take into consideration factors such as skills, qualifications, professions, salaries and age profiles to help fasten the process of granting residency to highly skilled professionals and STEM graduates.

6. Easy to Find Jobs on the Shortage Occupation List

The new immigration system grants an additional 20 points for jobs that appear on the Shortage Occupation List . An international student studying any related professional degree which is classified as a skills shortage position will find it easier to secure residency under the new system.

Study in the UK

If you are interested in studying in the UK and working there after course completion, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today to learn more about UK university courses and beginning your application.

Register for free consultation

Last Updated: 27 November 2023

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Immigrants Are Becoming U.S. Citizens at Fastest Clip in Years

The government has reduced a backlog of applications that built up during the Trump administration. New citizens say they are looking forward to voting in November.

“People like me want to vote in the election,” Gladis Brown said at her naturalization ceremony in Savannah, Ga. Credit... Anna Ottum for The New York Times

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By Miriam Jordan

Reporting from Savannah, Ga.

• Aug. 12, 2024

The federal government is processing citizenship requests at the fastest clip in a decade, moving rapidly through a backlog that built up during the Trump administration and the coronavirus pandemic.

At ceremonies in courthouses, convention centers and sports arenas across the country, thousands of immigrants are becoming new Americans every week — and becoming eligible to vote in time for the presidential election this fall.

It’s unclear how many of the new voters live in battleground states, but a number of the states where Kamala Harris or Donald Trump must win have large and growing numbers of voting-age naturalized citizens, including Georgia, Arizona, Nevada and Pennsylvania.

In Savannah, Ga., people from 19 countries streamed into a federal courthouse recently to take the oath of allegiance.

“My case was done in less than six months,” said Gladis Brown, who is married to an American and emigrated from Honduras in 2018.

Generally, lawful permanent residents, known as green-card holders, are eligible to become naturalized citizens if they have had that status for at least five years, or have been married to a U.S. citizen for at least three years.

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• Applying for a PhD in the UK

Written by Mark Bennett

Planning on applying for a PhD in the UK? This guide covers what’s required to get onto a UK PhD programme and how to submit your application.

UK universities

There are over 150 universities in the UK. The vast majority are public universities , meaning that they receive funding (including budgets for PhD studentships) from the UK Government. All British universities are free to pursue their own research objectives, but the amount of funding each institution receives is partly based on regular assessments of its performance as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) .

A small number of private universities also operate in the UK. They tend to specialise in specific subjects, such as Business or Law.

UK countries

The four parts of the UK each have slightly different higher education systems:

• England is home to the majority of the UK's universities, including the two oldest ( Oxford and Cambridge )
• Scotland is home to 15 of the UK's universities, including four 'ancient universities' ( St Andrews , Glasgow , Aberdeen and Edinburgh ) dating from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries
• Wales has eight universities, all of which are public institutions, dating from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries
• Northern Ireland has two universities, each of which operates multiple campuses

The governments of each part of the UK have powers to decide on higher education policy, including fees and funding. But, in practice, PhD research works pretty similarly across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The country that's best for you will depend on the research opportunities available at specific universities.

UK university groups

Some UK universities are organised – officially or unofficially – into different groups. Here are some of the more common ones you may come across, together with what they mean:

• The Russell Group is an association of 24 universities across the UK. The group is self-selecting (it decides on its own members) and positions itself as representing the country's leading research universities. In practice this is broadly accurate as the Russell Group includes some of the best ranked British universities and – perhaps more importantly – awards the majority of UK PhDs.
• The ancient universities are a group of seven institutions that date from the sixteenth century or earlier, including Oxford , Cambridge , St Andrews , Glasgow , Aberdeen and Edinburgh as well as Trinity College Dublin (in Ireland ). 'Membership' of this group isn't based on anything other than chronology (unsurprisingly, new universities can't join) and the ancient universities don't collaborate as such, though some are members of the Russell Group. Of more importance is the fact that some ancient universities award their doctorates as a DPhil rather than a PhD. The degree and its recognition are fundamentally the same.
• The red brick universities are another informal grouping based on history rather than collective organisation. They include nine civic universities founded during the nineteenth-century industrial revolution with the aim of providing education and training for their cities. In contrast to the medieval buildings of the ancient universities, their campuses were built largely from red brick – hence the name.
• The term 'post-92' is sometimes used to describe universities that were originally polytechnics (higher education institutions focussing on teaching and training rather than research) before being granted full university status in 1992. Many of these 'ex-poly' universities actually have long and proud histories and are now some of the UK's most innovative research centres.

There are a few other formal and informal groups, including 'plate glass' universities (founded in the 1960s – the UK has a thing for associating universities with building materials) as well as membership organisations for newer universities such as MillionPlus and GuildHE.

You don't generally need to worry about which group your prospective university is or isn't part of. It's true that some groupings confer a degree of prestige, but universities are invited into the Russell Group because of their research performance and reputation, not the other way around. There are also many excellent universities which haven't chosen to join particular associations.

Accreditation and research quality

The UK takes quality assurance for universities very seriously, with several levels of official recognition and accreditation.

The right to use a university title is protected by law in the UK and can be granted by royal charter, Act of Parliament or similarly official means.

The right to award degrees is also protected. A university must either be a 'recognised body', in which case it can award its own degrees. Or it must be a 'listed body' in which case a recognised body must award degrees on its behalf (listed bodies are often newer universities or specialist colleges with qualifications accredited by more established neighbouring universities).

You can use the UK Government website to quickly check if a university is officially recognised .

UK universities' research quality is separately monitored through an exercise known as the Research Excellence Framework (REF) . This examines the research a university is producing as well as its impact on society in general. The environment and support provided for PhD students is also considered as part of this process. The most recent REF results were published in 2021.

UK university cities

There are excellent universities located across the UK, from London and the South of England to the Scottish Highlands and Islands . With that said, here are a few of the UK's most popular student cities:

• Study in London
• Study in Edinburgh
• Study in Manchester
• Study in Cardiff
• Study in Birmingham
• Study in Sheffield

How to apply for a PhD in the UK

You should apply directly to a university for a place on a UK PhD project or programme. There are two ways to do this:

• Some PhD projects are advertised by universities with set aims and objectives. These are most common in STEM subjects and often have funding attached. You can browse UK PhD adverts here on FindAPhD.
• Other PhD projects are designed by students who put forward a research proposal for the work they would like to do. These are more common in Arts, Humanities and some Social Science subjects. You can browse UK PhD programmes to apply within here on FindAPhD.

It's often a good idea to contact a prospective PhD supervisor before applying, but this isn't usually a necessary step. Universities will usually pair students with the most appropriate supervisor for their project.

We’ve written dedicated guides to applying for a PhD in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences , as well as STEM subjects.

Admissions requirements

You will normally need the following to be accepted for a PhD in the UK:

• A suitable undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK 2.1 or higher). A Masters may also be required in some subject areas.
• Evidence of language proficiency (if English is not your first language).
• Evidence that you possess the necessary materials to gain a UK student visa (for international students).
• Other application materials including a research proposal , personal statement or references .

Actual requirements vary between projects and programmes.

Not all UK PhD applications require a formal interview , but this is more common for funded positions or programmes with limited space.

Interviews can often be conducted online. You may be asked to answer some questions about your application and / or give a short presentation on your intended research.

Inidan qualifications in the UK

In July 2022, the UK and Indian governments signed a memoradum agreeing to automatically recognise undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in each other's countries. This means that if you studied your Bachelors or Masters in India and are now applying for a UK PhD, your qualifications will recognised as equivalent to British ones.

It also means that it will be easier for you to seek work in India with a PhD from a UK university!

Find a PhD in the UK

Why not get started browsing some UK PhDs ? Alternatively, you can look at our other guides to studying a PhD abroad .

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

You may also like....

The seven UK Research Councils provide government studentships for PhD research in different subject areas. Our simple guide explains how this funding works, what you can get and how to apply successfully.

You may be able to get a PhD loan of up to £27,892 for a UK doctorate. Our guide explains eligibility, applications and repayments.

Our guide explains the best ways to fund international PhD study in the UK, with information on all the main scholarships available to you.

Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) or Doctoral Training Centres (DTCs) provide UK Research Council funded PhD studentships to postgraduate students

The Graduate Route allows international students to stay in the UK for at least two years after graduating. This guide covers everything you need to know, including who is eligible and how to apply.

The Turing Scheme recently replaced the Erasmus programme, but is it any different? Let’s examine the Turing Scheme vs Erasmus debate in detail.

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High Potential Individual visa: global universities list 2023

Updated 1 November 2023

© Crown copyright 2023

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/high-potential-individual-visa-global-universities-list/high-potential-individual-visa-global-universities-list-2023

This list of universities relates to qualifications awarded between 1 November 2023 and 31 October 2024.

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