UK Post-Study Work: PSW Visa Options

Does the UK have a UK PSW Visa?

The UK used to offer a Post-Study Work (PSW) visa, which allowed international graduates who had completed their academic programs in the UK to stay and work. However, the officially named "Post-Study Work Visa" (PSW Visa) route was closed in 2012.

In 2019, the UK government introduced the Graduate Visa, effectively replacing the old PSW route. It was initiated as part of the government's International Education Strategy to maintain a welcoming environment for international students. The Graduate visa route was introduced to:

• Make the UK more attractive to international students.
• Help employers retain skilled graduates.
• Boost international student numbers and education exports per the UK’s International Education Strategy.

The Graduate Visa allows international students who complete an eligible degree at a UK higher education institution to remain in the UK for up to two years (or three years for PhD graduates) to work or look for work. No sponsorship or job offer is required.

The term "Post-Study Work" (PSW visa) is still commonly used by those exploring options to stay in the UK after graduation. While it often refers to the Graduate Visa, it can also apply to other visa routes available to international graduates. These include:

• Skilled Worker Visa – for graduates who secure a job with a licensed UK sponsor.
• Start-up Visa or Innovator Founder Visa – for those wanting to launch an innovative business in the UK.
• Global Talent Visa – for individuals with exceptional talent or promise in fields such as science, engineering, arts, or technology.

Each visa route has different requirements, and it’s worth exploring which option best fits your plans after completing your UK studies.

UK Graduate Visa

The UK Graduate Visa (Graduate Route) allows international students to stay and work in the UK after completing a degree at the undergraduate level or higher from a recognised institution. It offers:

• 2 years stay for bachelor's or master's graduates
• 3 years stay for PhD graduates
• No job or salary restrictions – graduates can work in any role or sector
• No sponsorship required – easing the administrative burden for employers

To apply for the UK Graduate Visa, you must be physically in the UK at the time of application. You must have completed an eligible course—typically a degree-level qualification—at a recognised UK higher education institution.

You must have completed a minimum period of study in the UK. This means either:

• At least 12 months of study if your course is longer than 12 months
• The entire duration of your course if it is 12 months or shorter

You can apply for your visa once your course provider confirms your course completion. Please note that this visa cannot be extended. Employers looking to retain talent long-term must plan, as graduates must switch to another visa (e.g. the Skilled Worker route) to remain in the UK beyond the Graduate Visa period. The route also allows progression to settlement and citizenship, provided eligibility requirements are met.

Alternative PSW Visa Options

As an alternative to the UK Graduate visa, the current UK immigration rules, international students could consider the following post-study visa options:

Skilled Worker visa

After studying in the UK, graduates can move onto the Skilled Worker visa through one of two routes:

Direct Entry After Graduation

Graduates who secure a qualifying job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence can apply for the Skilled Worker visa immediately after completing their course—without needing to first apply for the Graduate Visa.

To do this, the employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and the role must meet minimum salary and skill thresholds. Once the CoS is issued, the graduate can apply for the Skilled Worker visa online, providing proof of identity and supporting documents.

This route is often preferred by those seeking long-term employment in the UK, as time spent on the Skilled Worker visa counts towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, eventually, British citizenship.

Switching After the Graduate Visa

Many graduates first apply for the Graduate Visa due to its flexibility and lack of sponsorship requirements. This gives them time to gain UK work experience, explore job options, and secure a qualifying role.

Before the Graduate Visa expires, they can switch to the Skilled Worker route, provided they have a suitable job offer from a licensed sponsor.

Settlement Timeline

The Skilled Worker visa can lead to settlement. After five continuous years on this visa, a person can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). One year after obtaining ILR, they may be eligible to apply for British citizenship, subject to meeting residence and other requirements. Time spent on the Graduate Visa does not count towards ILR.

Innovator Founder visa

Entrepreneurial graduates with a well-developed, original business idea that shows real potential for growth may be eligible for the Innovator Founder visa after completing their studies.

This route is designed for individuals looking to start an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK. The business idea must be genuinely new and not resemble existing ventures in the market.

To apply, candidates must secure an endorsement from an approved body, which involves submitting a detailed business plan and demonstrating strong entrepreneurial capability. While there’s no formal requirement for prior business experience, endorsement bodies typically expect a solid understanding of the market and a credible plan—making this route less suitable for most recent graduates.

Graduates can switch to this visa after completing their sponsored course or if they have studied a PhD in the UK for at least 24 months.

The Innovator Founder visa offers a route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, ultimately, British citizenship.

High Potential Individual (HPI) visa

For foreign nationals graduating from top-ranked non-UK universities, the High Potential Individual visa may be a suitable visa route. To qualify, you must have been awarded a degree-level qualification in the last 5 years from a university listed on the UK government’s Global Universities List, including only elite institutions outside the UK.

Unlike most other work routes, the HPI visa does not require a job offer or sponsorship. It allows complete freedom to work in any role or sector and is valid for two years or three years if you hold a PhD.

However, it cannot be extended and does not lead directly to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). Once you meet the relevant requirements, you would need to switch into another visa category, such as the Skilled Worker visa, if you wish to remain in the UK long term.

UK Family Visas

If you met your partner while studying in the UK, you may be eligible to remain based on your relationship. Although this pathway may not be suitable for most graduates in terms of work or career development, it can be a valid option for individuals in a genuine relationship with a British citizen or a person who is settled in the UK.

If applying for a Spouse visa, Civil Partner visa, or Unmarried Partner visa, you must demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. You’ll also need to meet specific financial requirements, which vary depending on your circumstances.

These visas are typically granted for 2.5 years and can be renewed. They allow full work rights and offer a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, eventually, British citizenship.

Post-Graduation Visa Options: Get Expert Advice

Many international graduates wish to remain in the UK after completing their studies to gain professional experience and contribute to the UK industry. The Graduate Visa is often the simplest starting point, but it is time-limited, non-extendable, and does not lead directly to settlement.

Graduates planning to stay longer or transition to other visa routes—such as the Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder, or Partner visa—should seek early, tailored advice. At QC Immigration, we support graduates in identifying the most suitable options and guiding them through the application process with precision and care.

To discuss your circumstances and next steps, contact our team today.