How to Apply for Post Study Work Visa UK

The Graduate visa UK (also known as the Graduate Route) launched in July 2021. This visa allows international students to work or look for work in the UK after graduation. Students who complete a PhD or other doctoral qualification can stay for 3 years. More than 25,000 graduates have already used this amazing chance to build their future in the UK.

The financial aspects need careful planning. You'll pay £880 as the graduate visa application fee. The healthcare surcharge adds another £1,035 for each year of your UK stay. Having a clear picture of these costs helps you plan your next steps better.

This piece guides you through the post study work visa UK application process. You'll learn about the 2025 eligibility criteria, required documents, and what this visa allows you to do. Our step-by-step guide will direct your path to working in the UK after studies, whether you're graduating soon or planning ahead.

Understanding the UK Post Study Work Visa (Graduate Route)

The post study work visa gives international graduates a chance to start their careers in the United Kingdom. This unsponsored immigration route lets you gain exceptional work experience that can improve your professional profile.

What is the Graduate Visa UK?

The Graduate Visa UK, also called the Graduate Route, lets international students stay in the UK after they complete their studies. This graduate visa UK doesn't need sponsorship from schools or employers. You won't need a Certificate of Sponsorship to apply for this visa.

The points-based immigration system requires 70 points to qualify for the post study work visa. You get these points automatically once you complete your qualifying course of study in the UK. The graduate route visa lets you:

• Work any job whatever the skill level or salary
• Change jobs freely without limits
• Build your career the way you want
• Work as a self-employed individual

You can't work as a professional sportsperson or coach - that's the only limit.

Who is the PSW visa for?

The PSW visa UK is meant for international graduates who have:

• Earned a UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree, or other eligible qualification
• Studied at a Home Office-approved higher education provider
• Had a valid Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa during their studies
• Finished their course while physically present in the UK

Students with courses lasting 12 months or less must study in the UK for their entire course. Students in longer programs should have Student permission for at least 12 months with all UK-based study.

On top of that, if your government or an international scholarship agency funded both your course fees and living costs, you'll need their consent letter for your application.

How long can you stay on a 2-year post study work visa UK?

Your stay duration under the post study work visa UK depends on your qualification:

• Bachelor's and Master's graduates get 2 years
• PhD or doctoral graduates get 3 years

Your visa starts the day your application gets approved. You can travel outside the UK freely during this time.

Note that you can't extend the graduate route visa beyond these timeframes. All the same, you might switch to other visas like the Skilled Worker visa if you find suitable work with a licensed sponsor.

The post study work visa is a one-time chance in your life, so make the most of your UK stay.

Post Study Work Visa UK Eligibility Criteria for 2025

You must meet specific requirements set by UK Visas & Immigration to qualify for the post study work visa. Understanding these requirements is vital before you spend time and money on your application.

Student visa status and course completion

The Graduate route visa requires you to have a valid Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa when you apply. Your current visa should still be active during the application process.

Official guidance states you must successfully complete your UK course of study. Your education provider should report this completion to the Home Office before your application. You can apply without waiting for your graduation ceremony or certificate.

Students with courses lasting 12 months or less should complete their entire study in the UK. Those with longer courses need Student permission for at least 12 months while studying in the UK.

The visa costs £700 plus an Immigration Health Surcharge of £624 yearly. This allows you to access the UK's National Health Service just like permanent residents.

Eligible qualifications and institutions

Your qualification should come from a higher education provider that has a "track record of compliance". Check the Register of Student Sponsors - look for "Student Sponsor - Track Record" in the Status column to verify your institution.

We focused on these main qualifications:

• UK bachelor's degree
• UK master's degree
• UK PhD or doctorate

You can also apply after completing:

• Law conversion courses approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
• Legal Practice Course or equivalent in Scotland and Northern Ireland
• Bar Practice Course or equivalent in Northern Ireland
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)

Note that you must apply from within the UK. The Home Office rejects applications from outside the UK, which could make you ineligible for the Graduate route.

Graduate visa changes to watch in 2025

The UK government's Immigration White Paper from May 12, 2025, suggests major changes to the post study work visa UK. The standard Graduate visa duration might drop from 2 years to 18 months.

This adjustment helps graduates move into suitable graduate-level positions. Right now, about 70% of graduate visa holders work in roles below degree level (RQF level 6) or remain unemployed. The skill level requirement for work visas might also rise from RQF level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF level 6.

The application process stays unchanged for now. Submit your application after your university sends final course results and reports your successful completion to the Home Office.

The Graduate route remains non-extendable. All the same, you can switch to other visa types like the Skilled Worker route if you find suitable work with an approved employer.

Step-by-Step Graduate Visa Application Process UK

UK Visas and Immigration requires you to follow a specific process to apply for your post study work visa. You must complete the entire application online from within the UK. The post study work visa costs £880 for the application fee and £1,035 per year for the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Create or log in to your UKVI account

You need a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to start your graduate visa application. Your email address will be your login credential for all future communications about your application. Make sure you:

• Use an email address you check often
• Add your correct telephone number with country code
• Verify all personal details match your passport

The system sends a link to your registered email address so you can save and return to your application later.

Use the ID Check app or book a biometric appointment

After creating your account, you must verify your identity through one of these methods:

1. UK Immigration: ID Check app - This is the quickest way to scan your biometric document using your smartphone. The app lets you:

• Scan your biometric passport or BRP card (valid up to 18 months after expiry)
• Complete identity verification without visiting an office
• Use your Student visa application's existing biometrics

2. UKVCAS appointment:  You'll need this if the app doesn't work for you or your smartphone isn't compatible.
   This means you must:

• Schedule an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services center
• Show up in person for fingerprints and photograph
• Bring your passport and supporting documents

Fill out the online graduate visa application form

The graduate visa application form needs everything about:

• Personal details that match your passport
• Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from your Student visa
• Your completed qualification details
• A statement confirming you meet all eligibility requirements

Check all your answers before submitting because you can't change them afterward.

Upload required documents and submit

After identity verification, upload these supporting documents for your post study work visa:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Biometric Residence Permit (if applicable)
• CAS reference number from your Student visa application
• Letter from sponsor (if they paid for your course fees and living costs)
• Proof of relationship documents (if dependants are applying)

Your documents should be clear and complete in acceptable formats (PNG, JPG, or JPEG). Submit your application after uploading all documents and paying both the application fee and healthcare surcharge.

The decision usually takes 8 weeks. You can stay in the UK under your current Student visa's conditions until your graduate visa application processing completes.

Checklist of Documents for Post Study Work Visa Application

The right documents play a vital part in your post study work visa application. Your application might face delays or rejection if it's incomplete. Getting everything ready beforehand saves time and prevents frustration.

Valid passport or travel document

Your graduate visa application needs a valid passport or travel document that shows your identity and nationality clearly. This document proves who you are and should stay valid while your application is processed. Your passport's expiration date matters - you might want to renew it before applying if it expires soon.

Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

A BRP shows your current immigration status and tells us if you can apply for the graduate route visa. You need to submit your BRP to prove you have a valid Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa. The document stays valid up to 18 months after the card's printed expiry date. This gives you some flexibility if your student visa expired recently.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

You'll need the CAS reference number from your Student visa application to apply for your post study work visa. Your education provider created this electronic document to confirm they sponsored your UK studies. The graduate visa application doesn't need a new CAS - just use the reference number from your original Student visa application.

Letter from sponsor (if applicable)

A government or international scholarship agency that paid for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months must approve your graduate visa application with a letter. Universities, international companies, or independent schools don't need to provide this approval.

Proof of relationship for dependants

Each family member needs their own set of documents to apply with you. They should provide their valid passport and their BRP that shows their dependant status on your Student visa. Your children's applications need their UK birth certificate or other relationship proof. Every dependant submits their own application and pays £880 plus the healthcare surcharge.

Post Study Work Visa UK Fees and What You Can Do

Smart financial planning plays a key role when you apply for your post study work visa UK. A clear understanding of the application process and visa permissions will help you make the most of your UK career experience.

Post study work visa cost and healthcare surcharge

Your graduate visa UK has two main costs. The first is an £880 application fee that everyone must pay. The second is the Immigration Health Surcharge at £1,035 per year during your stay. Here's what you'll pay in total:

• £2,950 for a two-year graduate visa (£880 application fee + £2,070 healthcare surcharge)
• £3,985 for a three-year graduate visa for PhD graduates (£880 application fee + £3,105 healthcare surcharge)

You might get some money back from the surcharge if you later work in public sector healthcare. Healthcare workers should think over the Health and Care Worker visa as an alternative that doesn't charge the healthcare surcharge.

Jobs you can do on a graduate visa

Your graduate route visa lets you work with amazing flexibility. You can:

• Take any job whatever the skill level or salary
• Change jobs freely without needing employer sponsorship
• Run your own business or be self-employed
• Do volunteer work with registered charities or organizations
• Choose between part-time or full-time based on your priorities

Some employers might not know about the graduate visa. Just point them to the official Home Office guidance that explains why they don't need to sponsor you.

Restrictions and what you cannot do

The post study work visa UK gives you lots of freedom but sets some limits. You cannot:

• Work as a professional sportsperson or coach
• Get most benefits or public funds
• Stay longer than your original visa duration (2 or 3 years)
• Apply for this visa more than once in your life

These limits seem small compared to the many work rights you get.

Can you study on a graduate visa?

Yes, but rules apply. Your graduate visa UK lets you study courses that don't qualify for a Student visa.

You can take:

• English language courses
• Professional training and certifications
• Evening classes and recreational courses
• Part-time undergraduate courses
• Online study programs

You'll need to switch to a Student visa if your chosen course qualifies for one. Some subjects might also need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.