UK Post-Study Work Visa Eligibility Requirements 

Post-study work visa is a visa granted to international students after graduating from a UK higher educational institution. The visa permits the student to stay in the UK for a minimum period of 2 years. Officially, this visa is also known as the Graduate visa. The student must be in the UK , and must meet the eligibility requirements while applying for this visa.The visa would legalize the student’s stay after the course completion . Keep reading to learn more about the Post-Study Work Visa UK eligibility.

What is the UK PSW visa?

The UK post-study work visa (PSW) is also called the graduate visa. The visa is given to international students who have completed the BA, MA, or PhD or any other eligible course in the UK. The visa permits the visa holder to stay, work or study in the UK for a period of up to 2 years. However, those who have completed PhD will be allowed to stay for 3 years. The visa will start from the day the graduate visa application is approved. Students must meet the Post-Study Work Visa UK eligibility criteria to apply for the same. 

Permitted and Non-Permitted Activities 

Apart from the Post-Study Work Visa UK eligibility criteria, students must be aware of the permitted and non-permitted activities. They are as follows:

Permitted Activities	Non Permitted Activities
Seek work	Apply for benefits such as the UK Public Fund
Work in most jobs	Apply for state pension
Continue living with family (if they are eligible)	Work as a professional sportsperson
Be self-employed
Take up voluntary work
Travel abroad and return to the UK

Here is how you can get a How to Get a Skilled Worker Visa in UK

Post-Study Work Visa UK Eligibility Requirements 

To apply for a post-study work visa UK, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria. The Post-Study Work Visa UK eligibility criteria is as follows:

• The student must be in the UK at the time of application
• Must have a current student visa or Tier 4 general student visa
• The applicant must have undertaken a Bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or any other eligible program at a UK educational institution. 
• The student must have completed the course of study for a minimum period with a r Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
• Apart from this, the university or college must have informed the home office that the applicant has completed the course of study. Students can seek information from the UK university/college to know whether they have informed the home office.

Post-Study Work Visa UK Eligibility Criteria in Detail 

The Post-Study Work Visa UK eligibility criteria are provided in detail below. These requirements have to be met for a successful graduate visa application.

• One of the Post-Study Work Visa UK eligibility criteria is that the applicant must have completed the course of study with the current student visa/Tier 4 General student visa. However, the selected course of study, the duration of the course, and the education provider (university or college) details will also affect the eligibility criteria. 
• The education provider (university or college) must have been registered with a licensed sponsor. The educational provider must also have a track record of compliance.
• When it comes to the course of study, the student must have completed a UK bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. However, if the student has studied any of the eligible courses they are still eligible. For example, the Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland, the Legal Practice Course in England and Wales, the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland, a law conversion course approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE),  a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), Practice Course in England and Wales, etc
• When it comes to the course duration, the applicant must complete at least 12 months of studying in the UK or the total duration of the course (less than 12 months) to be eligible. 

Check out the UK Visa Requirements for Indians 

PSW UK Documentation

After meeting the Post-Study Work Visa UK eligibility criteria, applicants must arrange the necessary documents. The documentation needed for a post-study work visa is as follows: 

• Must have a valid passport or any other travel document to verify the nationality and identity 
• Must have a biometric residence permit (BRP). (It is given at the time of a student visa/Tier 4 application)
• Must have the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number. The CAS reference number is usually provided by the university/college at the time of admission.
• Provide proof of relationship with the children or partner (if applicable)
• a letter from your scholarship or sponsorship provider that they have approved the applicant. This is only necessary if the sponsor has paid for tuition fees and living expenses in the last 12 months. 

PSW UK Application Process 

If the student has met the post-study work visa UK eligibility criteria and has sufficient documents he/she can proceed to apply for a post-study work visa UK. The application process is as follows:

• Scan the biometric residence permit (BRP) with the UK immigration ID check app. This is essential to prove the identity of the applicant and to provide the documents 
• Those from the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland or  Liechtenstein only need to scan their passports
• In case, the applicant is not able to scan their passport or BRP fingerprints and photographs will be taken at a  UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) point.
• In case an appointment is needed, the visa center will keep the passport and documents 
• Travelling outside of the UK at the time of application is not permitted 
• The application form can be filled out online by visiting the official website of the UK government. 

Watch this video to learn about the new rules for the post study work visa in UK

Credit: @traveller14

Post Study Work Visa UK Processing Time 

After meeting the post-study work visa UK eligibility criteria the student can send an application. Once, the application is sent it will be processed. The processing time for the PSW UK is as follows.

Visa	Processing Time
Graduate Visa (UK)	8 weeks

 In case, the processing time takes longer than expected, the applicant will be contacted. The application process takes longer if the supporting documents need to be verified or due to the personal circumstances of the applicant.

PSW Visa Validity 

The Post-Study Work Visa UK validity is as follows;

Visa	Visa Validity
BA, MA  degrees	2 years
PhD	3 years

Read this  Guide on Post-Study Work Visa: UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Germany 

Post Study Work Visa UK Fees

Applicants must the Post-Study Work Visa UK eligibility criteria and pay the required fees for a successful application. The PSW UK fees are as follows:

Particulars	Fees
Graduate Visa (UK) application	£822
Healthcare surcharge	£1,035 for each year you’ll be in the UK. For example, staying for 2 years would mean paying £2,070, and staying for 3 years means paying £3,105

FAQs

We hope you now understand the Post-Study Work Visa UK eligibility. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!

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