Attention international students in the UK, we’ve got some exciting information to share with you!
The UK post-study work visa (PSW) is here to turn your dreams into reality. This visa allows you to stay in the UK and work after completing your degree, giving you a chance to begin your career in one of the world’s largest economies. Imagine the endless possibilities and opportunities here.
With this visa, you can experience the diverse and welcoming environment of the UK while growing and learning in your field of interest. We understand how crucial this visa is for you, and that’s why we are here to help you every step of the way.
If you want to gather more information regarding this exciting opportunity, including PSW fees in UK for international students, read ahead. In this guide, I have mapped out everything related to a post-study work visa UK so you can begin your application process effortlessly.
Let’s get started!
What is a Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa?
The UK post-study work (PSW) visa, also known as the Graduate Immigration Route, is a visa category designed for overseas students who have completed a degree from a higher education institution in the UK. The visa gives recent graduates the facility to stay in the UK, find work opportunities, get employed, and gain professional experience for a fixed period of two years. In the case of PhD students, this visa is valid for up to 3 years.
Unlike other work visa streams, the PSW offers much more flexibility and convenience to graduates in the UK. With this visa in hand, you can work in any profession at any skill level and change jobs more easily. On top of that, within the validity of a post-study work visa, you are also allowed to travel abroad.
The visa allows the UK’s authorities to keep the most brilliant and best international students so they can contribute to society and the economy after completing their studies.
What are the PSW Fees in UK for International Students?
To apply for the UK PSW visa, you need to be staying in the UK already. For this visa, you can expect to pay fee:
- £700 per applicant applying for the visa. If you are applying for 2 years, you’ll have to pay £1,948. On the flip side, if you are a PhD student and are applying for 3 years, you’ll need to pay around £2,572.
- You’ll be required to pay additional charges of £624 per year for the health charge. If applying for 2 years, the costs will be £1,248; for 3 years, this will amount to £1,875.
Who Is Eligible for a PSW Visa?
The PSW visa is created only for the convenience of international students who have earned a bachelor’s degree or above in the UK. So they can stay in this country for a while, work, and gain professional experience. To apply for a PSW visa, you are eligible if:
- You hold a valid student visa (Tier 4 or General) currently.
- You are in the UK.
- You studied a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or other course for at least a year with your current student visa.
- You have gained your higher education from an academic institution that has been recognized by the UK Home Office
- After the completion of your course, the UK home office has been notified.
Note: You cannot apply for a post-study work visa in the UK if your current student visa expires before you receive your official course results.
How Can you Apply for a PSW Visa in the UK?
You must apply online for a PSW on the UK’s official website, Gov.UK once your documents are ready.
When you apply for this visa stream, you’ll need to provide the following papers:
- Your passport or any other travel document that authenticates your nationality and identity.
- Your biometric residence permit (BRP).
- The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that you received from your education provider, which they gave you when you completed a course on your student visa.
- A letter from your sponsorship or scholarship provider (if you have been granted a scholarship or sponsorship by an international scholarship agency or government).
Once you have successfully applied, provided all the required documents, and proved your identity for your graduate route visa, you will have to wait for almost 8 weeks. In this period, the authorities will assess everything to make the decision. If it takes longer than 8 weeks, you will be notified.
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- What course can I be enrolled in?
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- How much will it cost to study at my desired destination?
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We Are Happy to Help You!
Are you an international student in the UK who has fallen in love with everything about this country and wants to stay here for a while after completing your studies? Well, all your worries are going to come to an end. With our assistance at StudyWise, apply for PSW and unlock a diverse spectrum of opportunities for living and working in the UK.
Be one step closer to your dreams of residing in this incredibly beautiful land by contacting us today. By doing so, you will get the support of our proficient study counselors, who will help you with the application steps to allow you to succeed after finishing your degree in the UK.
Note: If your PSW visa in UK has expired and you are now looking for a permanent residency route in Great Britain, try giving this blog a read. It will definitely enlighten you about your possible options:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can we bring dependents on PSW to UK in 2024?
The UK has changed the rules for post-study visa holders. From 2024 on, international students are not permitted to bring their dependents (children or partners) on this visa. However, if they are enrolled in PhD programs, students are allowed to bring their dependent partner or children to the UK with them.
What happens after a 2-year post-study work visa in UK?
The post-study work visa for the UK allows a graduate to work and stay in this country for at least two years. But once the PSW in UK expires, the students who want to stay longer in the United Kingdom must apply for a skilled worker visa, a general worker visa, or any other relevant visa.
Is the UK going to end PSW?
No. There is no existing plan to cancel the UK Graduate Visa, but the scheme is under review by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) in order to protect the integrity and quality of higher education in the UK.
Can I get PR in UK after completing my studies?
International students cannot get PR in UK right after completing a master’s degree. Firstly, they will need to apply for a work permit and stay in this country for at least 5 years in UK while being employed and working. If you manage to meet the criteria, the process of getting a PR in the UK will be quite easy for you.