Your Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for PSW Visa in UK

If you’ve just tossed your grad cap in the air at a UK university, congrats!

But what if you’re not ready to wave goodbye to life in Britain just yet? Whether you’re eyeing exciting job prospects, planning to gain more experience, or just love your local chippy too much to leave, the Post-Study Work (PSW) visa, officially called the Graduate Route, might be your next move.

This guide has got you covered with everything you need to know about the PSW visa in UK.

What Is the PSW Visa in UK?

In plain terms, the PSW visa in UK is a type of visa that gives international students the chance to stay in the country after completing their degree. If you’ve finished a bachelor’s or master’s, you can stay for two years. Got a PhD? You’ve earned yourself three.

It’s a chance to live, work, travel, and figure out what comes next without the pressure of locking down a job right away.

Who Can Apply?

Before diving into the application, it’s crucial to check if you’re eligible. Here’s the deal:

• You must have studied at a recognised UK university on a Student visa.
• Your course needs to match what was on your visa.
• Your uni has to inform the Home Office once you complete your studies.
• You need to apply before your Student visa runs out.
• Applications must be made while you’re physically in the UK.

Good news? You don’t need a job offer. That freedom makes the PSW visa in UK one of the most flexible routes for recent grads.

What’s It Going to Cost?

Now let’s talk money – because we all know budgeting is part of adulting.

As of 2025, applying for the Graduate Route will cost you:

• £822 for the application fee.
• £1,035 per year for the Immigration Health Surcharge (that’s £2,070 for a two-year stay).

So you’re looking at a total of £2,892. It’s not small change, but when you think about the work opportunities and experiences ahead, it could be a solid investment.

The Application Process

Let’s break this down step by step, so you know what’s coming.

• Wait for Your Final Results :Your university must confirm your course completion with the Home Office.
• Get Your Docs Ready : You’ll need your passport, your current visa details, and confirmation that you’ve paid both the visa fee and health surcharge. If you have a biometric residence permit (BRP), you’ll need that too.
• Apply Online : Head over to the UKVI website to start your application. It’s all digital now , no more posting paperwork around.
• Verify Your Identity : Use the UK Immigration ID Check app or book a biometric appointment if needed.
• Stay Put : Don’t travel outside the UK while your application is under review. Leaving the country can cancel your application automatically.

The decision usually takes around 8 weeks. Most people hear back faster, and your visa status will appear in your digital immigration profile.

What Can You Do on a PSW Visa in UK?

Pretty much anything. That’s the beauty of the Graduate Route. You can:

• Work full-time or part-time in any industry.
• Be self-employed or freelance.
• Switch jobs without reapplying.
• Travel around the UK or abroad (once your visa is approved).

You just can’t work as a professional athlete or coach.

This flexibility makes it ideal for those trying new things, thinkers planning long-term goals, and realists looking for steady income.

Rejections and How to Avoid Them

Most applications go through without a hitch, but mistakes happen. Common reasons for refusal include:

• Applying too early or too late.
• Providing incorrect documents.
• Your university not updating the Home Office about your course.

To stay safe, double-check the timing and work with your university’s visa support team if you’re unsure.

From Graduate to Long-Term Resident

The PSW visa in UK isn’t a permanent visa, but it’s often a stepping stone to something more long-term.

Once you secure a job with a licensed sponsor, you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa. Unlike the Graduate Route, this visa counts toward permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain, or ILR).

You’ll need to meet certain salary and role requirements, but it’s a clear path if you’re planning to settle in the UK.

The PSW visa isn’t just about work. It’s also a chance to truly experience UK life beyond the lecture theatre.

Settle into your new city after moving from your student accommodation, explore places or take that side trip to the Scottish Highlands you never had time for during exam season. Whether it’s networking events, weekend festivals, or pub quizzes with your mates, this is your time to explore.

The PSW visa in UK opens up doors , not just career-wise but culturally and personally too. It gives you breathing space to explore your options, sharpen your skills, and build connections that might shape your future.

If you’re strategic about how you use those two (or three) years, you could go from graduate to skilled worker, or even entrepreneur. The key is to treat the PSW visa not as a pause, but as a launchpad.

So, if you’ve just graduated or are in your final term, don’t wait around. Get your documents in order, check your eligibility, and prepare to start your next UK adventure.

Let your next chapter begin and who knows? This might just be the most exciting part of your UK journey yet.

If you are searching for student accommodation for further education , explore our selection of properties in Nottingham, London, and other top UK locations. Find your perfect space today.