The PSW visa in the UK stands for “Post-Study Work” visa, and it is officially known as the Graduate Route. This visa allows international students who have completed their degree studies in the UK to stay and work in the country for a specific period, either two or three years, depending on their level of study. It provides an opportunity for graduates to gain work experience and contribute to the UK’s workforce after completing their education. This visa scheme aims to attract and retain international talent and provide opportunities for them to further their careers in the UK.

The PSW visa is designed to provide international graduates with the opportunity to work and gain practical experience in the UK after completing their studies, and it comes with certain eligibility criteria and restrictions, as outlined in your provided information. The PSW (PostStudy Work) visa, or Graduate Route, offers several advantages both to graduates and employers in the UK:

*Simplified Process for Graduates: The PSW visa provides a straightforward way for international graduates to continue residing in the UK after completing their studies. It eliminates some of the complexities and requirements associated with other visa routes, such as the need for a job offer or sponsorship from an employer.

*Work Flexibility: Graduates on the PSW visa have the flexibility to work in any role or sector, making it easier for them to explore different career opportunities and gain valuable work experience.

*No Employer Sponsorship: Unlike some other work visas that require employers to go through the sponsorship process, the PSW visa allows graduates to seek employment without placing additional burdens on employers. This makes it more attractive for employers to hire recent international graduates.

*Talent Retention: The PSW visa is designed to retain talented individuals in the UK, contributing to the country’s workforce and potentially filling skill gaps. This benefits employers looking to hire skilled professionals. *Career Development: Graduates can use the PSW visa period to further develop their skills and build a strong professional network in the UK, enhancing their long-term career prospects. Graduates staying in the UK under the Post-Study Work (PSW) visa (Graduate Route) do not require sponsorship from an educational institution or employer. Some additional particulars were: *No Sponsorship Needed: Graduates do not need sponsorship from any educational institution or employer to remain in the UK under the PSW visa. This means they have the freedom to seek employment and work in any role or sector. *No Certificate of Sponsorship (COS): Unlike some other visa categories, such as the Tier 2 (General) work visa, graduates on the PSW visa do not need a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) from an employer to work in the UK.

*Change in Sponsorship Status: When a graduate switches to the PSW visa, they are no longer considered sponsored by their educational institution for student visa purposes. The PSW visa allows them to transition from their student status to a more flexible work visa status.

*Restrictions on Professional Sportsperson Roles: Graduates on the PSW visa are generally not allowed to work as professional sportspersons in the UK.

*Supplementary Study: While graduates on the PSW visa are permitted to undertake supplementary study in the UK, they cannot enroll in any institution that sponsors students for Tier 4 General student visas. This is to prevent individuals from using the PSW visa as a means to continue studying in the UK as their primary activity.

Under the Graduate Route (PSW) visa in the UK, family members who are already living in the country lawfully as dependants of a student visa holder will have the opportunity to continue staying as dependants when the primary visa holder switches to the PSW visa. This provision ensures that existing family units can remain together during this transition. However, it’s important to note that new dependants, with the exception of children born in the UK, will generally not be permitted to join the PSW visa holder in the UK from overseas. This policy aims to maintain the status quo for existing dependant relationships while limiting the expansion of new ones.

The Graduate Route visa is characterized by its nonextendable nature, which means that it offers a fixed period of stay for international graduates in the UK. Visa holders are expected to adhere to this timeframe and are typically required to leave the UK upon the expiration of their visa unless they have secured an alternative immigration status. Additionally, the time spent in the UK under the Graduate Route does not contribute to the requirements for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain, or ILR) in the UK. Therefore, individuals seeking to establish long-term residency in the UK must explore other immigration routes that align with their objectives, often involving extended periods of residence and meeting specific eligibility criteria. These considerations emphasize the importance of strategic planning and exploring various options for individuals looking to remain in the UK beyond their PSW visa period.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Post-Study Work (PSW) visa in the UK, students must meet specific eligibility criteria, and they are required to accumulate a minimum of 70 points under the points-based immigration system. The majority of these points, a substantial 50, are awarded for the successful completion of a recognized and eligible course of study within the UK. This achievement signifies the completion of degree requirements and serves as a foundational element for eligibility. Additionally, students must obtain a further 20 points for receiving formal confirmation of their award or qualification from their educational institution. This confirmation serves as official verification that all necessary criteria for the course have been met. By attaining a total of 70 points through these achievements, students become eligible for the PSW visa, granting them the opportunity to work and gain practical experience in the UK following the successful completion of their studies. To be eligible for this visa, applicants generally need to meet the following requirements:

*Valid Student Visa: Applicants must hold a valid student visa at the time of their application for the PSW visa. This student visa should have been sponsored by a UK higher education provider on the list of registered sponsors with a track record of compliance.

*Successful Completion of Degree: Applicants must have successfully completed a degree at the undergraduate level or above in the UK. This typically means fulfilling all the requirements of their course of study.

*Residency in the UK: Applicants should have resided in the UK for the duration of their study, with exemptions made for cases where students studied abroad as part of an approved ‘study abroad’ program or had to study remotely from home due to reasons related to the COVID19 pandemic.

*No Previous PSW Visa: Applicants should not have previously been granted the PSW visa. This visa is typically a one-time opportunity for most individuals.

*Security, Identity, and Criminality Checks: As part of the visa application process, applicants will undergo security, identity, and criminality checks to ensure they meet the necessary character and security requirements.

*Application Fees and Health Surcharge: Applicants are required to pay the application fee as well as the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the visa application process.

Meeting these eligibility criteria is essential for individuals seeking to secure the PSW visa, which provides international graduates with the opportunity to work and gain practical experience in the UK after completing their studies. It’s important for applicants to carefully review the specific requirements and application procedures provided by UK immigration authorities to ensure a successful application.

Students in the UK on government scholarships from their home countries must fulfill an extra condition: their home government must grant permission for them to stay in the UK under a Post-Study Work (PSW) visa. However, the PSW visa application typically doesn’t require applicants to meet English language proficiency or financial requirements. This means that international graduates seeking this visa do not need to demonstrate a specific level of English proficiency or show a certain amount of financial resources to support their stay in the UK. These provisions make the PSW visa more accessible to eligible students wishing to work and gain experience in the UK after completing their studies.

To apply for the Post-Study Work (PSW) visa in the UK, you need to use the online application while you’re in the UK. You don’t have to wait until you graduate or get a completion certificate. As soon as your college tells the Home Office that you’ve finished and passed your program, you can apply. This means you can apply while your student visa is still valid. It’s a convenient way to transition from your student status to the PSW visa, allowing you to stay and work in the UK after completing your studies without unnecessary delays.

The application fee for the PSW (Post-Study Work) visa in the UK is £715. Additionally, applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which amounts to £624 per year of leave in the UK. These costs are essential considerations for those planning to apply for the PSW visa, as they cover both the visa application itself and access to healthcare services during the visa’s validity period in the UK.

Visa Options After PSW Visa

After the Post-Study Work (PSW) visa, individuals in the UK typically have several visa options to consider, depending on their circumstances and long-term goals. Type of Visas include, Skilled Worker Visa (This visa is suitable for individuals who have a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsorship license.), IntraCompany Transfer Visa (If you work for a multinational company and are being transferred to a UK branch, this visa may be appropriate. It allows individuals with specialized skills or managerial roles to work in the UK.), Entrepreneur Visa (If you plan to start and run a business in the UK, you can apply for an Entrepreneur Visa, which may eventually lead to settlement if specific business and investment requirements are met.), Innovator Visa (Similar to the Entrepreneur Visa, It is for individuals looking to establish innovative businesses in the UK. It’s designed to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.), Global Talent Visa (For exceptionally talented individuals in fields like science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, or arts and culture, the Global Talent Visa offers opportunities to work, research, or perform in the UK.), Family Visas (If you have family members who are settled in the UK or British citizens, you may be eligible for a family visa, such as a Spouse, Partner, Parent, or Child visa, to join them.), Student Visa (If you wish to pursue further studies or enroll in a higher-level course, you can apply for a Student Visa to continue your education in the UK.), Visitor Visa (This is a temporary visa for individuals who want to visit the UK for tourism, family visits, or other short-term purposes.), Investor Visa (For individuals willing to invest a substantial amount in the UK, the Investor Visa allows for residency and potential settlement.), Other Work Visas (Depending on your profession or occupation, you may be eligible for other work visas, such as the Tier 2 General visa or Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer visa.)

If you’re a graduate holding a Post-Study Work (PSW) visa and you’re working in a skilled job in the UK, you might have the chance to stay longer by switching to the Skilled Worker visa. To qualify for this, a few conditions need to be met. Firstly, your job should be in an occupation recognized as “skilled” under the UK’s Points-Based System. This means it should match your qualifications and skills. Your employer also plays a crucial role; they must have a valid sponsorship license from the UK Home Office, allowing them to sponsor skilled foreign workers like you. To find out if your employer is eligible, the Home Office keeps a list of registered sponsors on their official .gov website. If all these requirements align, you can apply to switch to the Skilled Worker visa, which could provide you with a pathway to extended stay in the UK, giving you more time to work in your skilled role and potentially leading to more permanent residency options. It’s a valuable opportunity for those who meet the criteria, and it’s a good idea to get guidance from both your employer and UK immigration authorities during the application process.

In addition to meeting the job and sponsorship requirements, individuals seeking to switch to the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK must also satisfy minimum salary criteria. Generally, they should be earning a minimum annual salary of £26,200, or the higher “goingrate” for their specific job if it exceeds this threshold. However, there are exceptions, particularly for jobs in shortage occupations, where graduates may still qualify even if their salary falls below £26,200.

Importantly, the Skilled Worker route offers a potential pathway to settlement, known as “indefinite leave to remain.” To become eligible for settlement, applicants must have accumulated five years of continuous lawful residence in the UK under the Skilled Worker visa category. This means that, after fulfilling this requirement, individuals may apply for indefinite leave to remain, which offers the prospect of becoming a permanent resident of the UK. If your goal is to start a business in the UK, you can explore the Innovator Founder route. Alternatively, you might consider applying based on a relationship with someone settled in the UK, like a partner visa. The best way to figure out your options for staying in the UK, tailored to your unique situation, is to seek advice and guidance from experts in immigration matters. They can help you navigate the various pathways available and determine the most suitable one for you.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the Graduate Route under the PSW visa program is beneficial for both graduates and employers, as it simplifies the post-graduation transition and provides opportunities for international talent to contribute to the UK job market without the complexities of sponsorship processes.

The duration of the Post-Study Work (PSW) visa in the UK varies depending on your level of study. If you’ve completed an undergraduate degree or a Master’s degree and you are successful in obtaining the PSW visa, it will typically be valid for a period of two years. However, if you’ve completed a PhD and are successful in obtaining the PSW visa, it will have a longer validity of three years.

It’s important to note that the PSW visa is non-extendable. This means that when your PSW visa period expires, you won’t be able to extend it further. To continue your lawful stay in the UK beyond your Graduate Route visa, you’ll need to explore and apply for a different visa category that aligns with your circumstances and immigration goals.

Understanding the specific duration of your PSW visa is crucial for planning your future in the UK. Whether you’re looking to gain work experience, explore other visa options, or even consider a pathway to settlement, being aware of your visa’s timeframe is essential for making informed decisions about your stay in the country

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