If you’re a current or prospective UK student and want to know how to apply for the UK PSW visa (also known as the Graduate Visa), what documents are required, and the application process, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll provide all the information you need to have a clear understanding of the UK PSW visa.
So, let’s get started!
What Is a UK PSW Visa?
Purpose and Benefits of the PSW Visa
The PSW visa, also known as the Post-Study Work visa, is a graduate work visa for international students who come to study in the UK with a valid visa and have obtained an undergraduate degree or above. With this visa, graduates have the flexibility to work or search for a job in the UK for two years, regardless of their skill level or industry sector. This period can be helpful for recent graduates without work experience, providing them with more opportunities to stay in the UK after graduation.
The PSW visa was initially introduced by the UK government in 2008 but was later canceled in 2012. As a result, students who wished to work in the UK after graduation had limited options, mainly through applying for work or entrepreneurship visas that required sponsorship, which were more challenging to obtain compared to the PSW visa.
The reintroduction of the PSW visa, now known as the “Graduate Route” or “Graduate Visa,” is great news for students considering studying in the UK. It offers them the chance to gain valuable international work experience, adding more value to their UK education. This opportunity to gain valuable work experience abroad makes studying in the UK even more rewarding.
Are the PSW Visa and the Graduate Visa in the UK the Same Thing?
Yes, the PSW (Post-Study Work) visa and the Graduate Visa are essentially the same thing. The Graduate Visa is a new immigration route introduced by the UK government in 2020, which replaced the previous Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) visa.
What Are the Requirements for the UK PSW Visa?
International students who hold a student visa and have obtained a relevant higher degree from a UK institution are eligible to apply for the UK PSW visa (Graduate Visa), regardless of their specialization or nationality.
Undergraduate and Masters graduates can apply for a two-year PSW visa, while PhD graduates can apply for a three-year visa. To ensure a smooth transition, it’s important to complete your application before your current student visa expires.
The basic requirements for a PSW application are as follows: a) you must currently be in the UK, b) you must have a valid student visa, and c) you must have successfully completed your studies.
For more detailed information regarding the specific requirements for the PSW visa, you can refer to the official guidance issued by the UK government under the Graduate Route for Students and Child Students:
- have successfully completed an eligible course at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance;
- have existing permission for that course as a Student at the point of application;
- and make their application in the UK.
How to Apply for a UK PSW Visa?
Documents Needed for PSW Visa (Graduate Visa) Application
Before commencing your application for a PSW visa in the UK, it is crucial to gather the necessary documents. While the list is not exhaustive, the essential documents include:
- Valid passport
- Valid student visa (BRP card)
- Degree certificate from a UK university
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter, which was used for your initial student visa application.
PSW Visa Application Process
- Step 1: Access the UK government’s visa application website and click on “Start Now”.
- Step 2: Provide responses to basic questions. These may include your intended residence in British territory, passport details, validity of your BRP, and more.
- Step 3: After answering the questions, you will be directed to a page where you can create a new account. Simply input your BRP card, email address, phone number, and other necessary information to complete the registration.
- Step 4: Once your account is set up, you will be directed to the official application page. Follow the step-by-step instructions, carefully fill in the required information, and review it for accuracy before submission. Next, proceed to make the visa fee payment, which comprises the visa fee itself and the IHS UK visa medical surcharge.
- Step 5: After completing the payment, patiently await the confirmation email from the Immigration Department. Typically, you can expect to receive the visa decision within 8 weeks.
UK PSW Visa Fees
Once you submit your application, the exact fees will be displayed, which mainly consist of:
- Visa application fee of £822
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £624 per year.
PSW Visa Application Deadline
UK graduates applying for a PSW visa should keep in mind their application deadline, which is tied to the expiration date of their current student visa. It is important to complete the PSW visa application while your student visa is still valid, rather than waiting until it has already expired.
PSW Visa (Graduate Visa) FAQs
Can I apply for a PSW visa (Graduate Visa) if I have not found a job?
Yes, you can apply for a PSW visa (Graduate Visa) even if you have not found a job. The requirements for the PSW visa primarily focus on the timing of your graduation and the type of degree obtained, rather than job offers or salary levels. Therefore, you can apply for this visa regardless of whether you have secured a job offer or not. Additionally, the PSW visa allows flexibility in terms of changing jobs during its validity period. As long as you meet the requirements, you can apply for the PSW visa without any concerns.
Can I extend my UK PSW visa (Graduate Visa)?
No, it is not possible to apply for a PSW visa more than once. Once the validity period of the visa ends, it is automatically canceled and cannot be renewed. Therefore, it is important to make necessary preparations to leave the UK before the visa expires or explore alternative visa options if you wish to continue staying in the UK.
Is there a cap on the number of applicants for a PSW visa (Graduate Visa)?
No, there is no limit to the number of students who can apply for a PSW visa.
Can I apply for the PSW outside the UK?
No. PSW can only be applied within the UK.
Is it possible to change or switch to a different visa type from a PSW visa (Graduate Visa)?
Yes, if you secure an employer who can sponsor you during your PSW visa period, you can apply to convert your PSW visa into a working visa.
Conclusion
The reintroduction of the PSW visa as the Graduate Visa in the UK has brought exciting opportunities for international students. With a longer visa duration, graduates now have more time to find employment after completing their studies. We hope this blog post has provided valuable insights into the UK PSW visa, helping you pave the way for a successful application and a bright future in the UK.
