PSW

The Post Study Work (PSW) Visa, officially known as the Graduate Route Visa, is a significant opportunity for international students in the United Kingdom. It allows them to live, study, and work in the UK in any career field of their choice after completing their studies. This temporary visa is particularly beneficial for those who wish to gain work experience in the UK post-graduation.

Eligibility Criteria for PSW Visa:

1. Applicants must be in the UK when they apply.

2. The current visa of the applicant should be a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.

3. The applicant must have completed a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or other eligible courses for a minimum period with their Student or Tier 4 (General) student visa.

4. The educational provider must have informed the Home Office about the successful completion of the applicant's course​gov.uk​.

When to Apply: Applications for the Graduate visa should be made before the expiration of the Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa. Applicants can apply after their education provider has informed the Home Office of their successful course completion. It is important to note that waiting until graduation or receiving a certificate is not necessary​gov.uk​.

Application Process:

1. Visit the official UK government website.

2. Click on the apply now button and fill in the required details.

3. Upload necessary documents, including Passport, Biometric Residence Permit, Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) reference number, and any required proof of relationships for family members applying with the candidate.

4. Pay the application fee and the immigration healthcare surcharge.

5. Finally, submit the application​levergeedu.com​.

Required Documents:

• Passport or other valid travel documents.

• Biometric Residence Permit.

• CAS reference number from the student visa application.

• Proof of relationship for family members applying with the candidate.

• A letter of approval from a scholarship/sponsorship provider, if applicable​levergeedu.com​.

Application Fees and Duration: The application fee for the PSW visa is £715, and there is an additional immigration healthcare surcharge of £624 per person per year. A Graduate visa allows the holder to stay in the UK for two years, or three years if they have a PhD or other doctoral qualifications. It's important to note that this visa cannot be extended. However, applicants can apply for a different visa to remain in the UK if they wish to extend their stay​levergeedu.com​​levergeedu.com​.

Stay Conditions and Validity: Under the PSW visa, the applicants can:

• Look for work or be self-employed.

• Live with their partner and children in the UK.

• Undertake voluntary work.

• Travel to and from the UK freely.

• The candidate must have graduated or completed post-graduation in the UK​levergeedu.com​.

The PSW visa is valid for up to two years and cannot be extended. Applicants wanting to extend their stay in the UK must switch to another type of visa according to their situation​levergeedu.com​.

Getting a Decision: After applying online, proving your identity, and providing your documents, you will usually get a decision on your visa within 8 weeks. You can stay in the UK while waiting for this decision​gov.uk​.

In summary, the PSW visa offers a valuable opportunity for international students in the UK to gain work experience post-graduation. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, fees, and conditions, applicants can effectively plan their post-study work experience in the UK.