Apply for a Graduate Visa UK - Post Study Work (PSW) Visa UK

You can apply to switch from a Student visa to a Graduate route visa, formerly known as a PSW visa, upon successful completion of an eligible course of study in the UK at a bachelor’s degree level or above. The study must have been conducted by a higher education provider with a track record of compliance. 

An application for a graduate visa is made in accordance with the requirements set out in the Appendix Graduate of the Immigration Rules. An application for a Graduate visa can only be made from inside the UK, and there is no option to apply from outside the UK. Also, a Graduate visa application can only be made whilst the applicant has leave to enter or remain as a student, and once the student has switched to another visa category, it will no longer be possible to qualify for the Graduate route visa.

A Graduate visa gives you permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing a course in the UK. If you have completed a PhD course, you will be granted leave to remain as a Graduate for 3 years. The Graduate route is an unsponsored route. The Graduate route itself is not a route to settlement, i.e. it does not lead to ILR; however, any time spent on the Graduate route does count towards applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) on the basis of 10 years' long residence.

• Page Contents
• Free Advice for Graduate Visa
• Specialist Graduate Visa Solicitors
• Requirements for a Graduate Visa
• Points Requirements for a Graduate Visa
• Course Completion Requirement
• Qualification Requirement
• Study In The UK Requirement
• Period and Conditions For Grant
• How We Can Help
• Our Team of Solicitors
• Our Fixed Fees
• Get a Fixed Fee Quote
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Free Immigration Advice for a Graduate Route Visa

Our specialist team of immigration solicitors can provide 5 minutes of free, one-off immigration advice on your application for a Graduate visa to the UK. Ask a question online to our specialist team of immigration solicitors for free immigration advice online, or book an appointment online for detailed immigration advice and consultation with one of our Graduate visa solicitors concerning your application for a Graduate route visa.

Specialist Graduate Route Visa Solicitors

Premium Solicitors are specialist immigration solicitors for Graduate route visa applications in the UK. Our experienced UK immigration lawyers can provide expert legal advice and assistance to international students who wish to switch from a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) Student visa to the Graduate route after successfully completing an eligible UK course.

The Graduate visa is a popular route for international students who want to remain in the UK after their studies to work, look for work, gain professional experience, or explore future immigration options such as switching to the Skilled Worker visa. Although the Graduate route is generally a straightforward application for eligible applicants, mistakes in timing, eligibility, course completion confirmation, previous immigration history, or dependant applications can lead to delays, invalid applications, or refusal.

Our specialist Graduate visa solicitors can assess your eligibility, check your documents, advise on the timing of your application, prepare your online application, and provide full legal representation until a decision is made by the Home Office.

Requirements for a Graduate Route Visa Application

An applicant applying for switching from a Student visa to a Graduate route visa must meet the following requirements of Appendix Graduate of the Immigration Rules to be successful in the application:

• The applicant must submit a valid application from inside the UK to switch to the Graduate route visa.
• The applicant must have, or have last had, permission as a Student / Tier 4 General Student;
• The applicant must meet the points requirement.
• The applicant must meet the requirement of successfully completing the course of study.
• The applicant must meet the qualification requirements.
• The applicant must meet the study in the UK requirement.
• The applicant must not have been previously granted permission under the Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES) or as a Graduate
• If the applicant has, in the 12 months before the date of application, been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship by a Government or international scholarship agency covering both fees and living costs for study in the UK, they must provide written consent to the application from that Government or agency;
• The applicant must not fall for refusal under Appendix Part Suitability of the Immigration Rules.
• The applicant must not be:

      (a) in the UK in breach of immigration laws, except that where the Exceptions for overstayers section of Part Suitability applies, that period of overstaying will be disregarded; or
      (b) on immigration bail.

Points Requirement for the Graduate Route Visa

The applicant must be awarded a total of 70 points based on the table below:

Points Type	Relevant Requirements To Be Met	Number Of Points
Successful course completion	Successful completion requirement Qualification requirement Study in the UK requirement	70

Course Completion Requirement

• The applicant must have last been sponsored by a Student sponsor, which is a higher education provider with a track record of compliance on the date of application.
• The applicant must have successfully completed the course of study undertaken during their last grant of permission to study on the Student route (where the applicant was allowed to change their course of study without applying for further permission as a Student); this requirement applies only to the course to which they changed.
• The student sponsor must have notified the Home Office, by the date of the Graduate route application, that the applicant has successfully completed the relevant course of study.

Qualification Requirement

The applicant will meet the qualification requirement if they have successfully completed a course of study for which they have been or will be awarded a UK bachelor’s degree, a UK postgraduate degree, or successfully completed a relevant qualification listed below.

A relevant qualification is one of the following:

• a law conversion course validated by the Joint Academic Stage Board in England and Wales; or
• the Legal Practice Course (LPC) in England and Wales, the Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland, or a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland; or
• the Bar Practice Course in England and Wales, or the Bar Course in Northern Ireland; or
• a foundation programme in Medicine or Dentistry; or
• a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE); or
• a professional course requiring study at a UK bachelor’s degree level or above in a profession with reserved activities that is regulated by UK law or a UK public authority.  

If the name of the applicant’s course of study was changed by the Student sponsor, but the course content remained the same, or if an integral and assessed work placement or permitted study abroad programme was added, this will not prevent the applicant from being able to meet the qualification requirement.

The qualification must have been gained during the last grant of permission to study as a Student / Tier 4 General Student, or in the period of permission immediately before the applicant’s last grant of permission, if the last grant of permission was to undertake a role as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer.

Study In The UK Requirement

The applicant must have studied in the UK for a minimum period of the course for which they were last granted permission to study on the Student route (the relevant period), as in the table below:

Total Length Of Course	Relevant period of Student permission granted during which all study took place in the UK(apart from permitted study abroad programmes)
12 months or less	Full duration of the course
Longer than 12 months	At least 12 months

Where distance learning took place overseas between 24 January 2020 and 27 September 2021, this will not prevent the applicant from meeting the requirement to spend the relevant period of studying in the UK if:

• they began their course in 2020 and entered the UK on or before 21 June 2021, and completed that course of study in the UK with permission as a Student; or
• they began their course in 2021 and entered the UK before 27 September 2021 and completed that course of study in the UK with permission as a Student.

Any period of distance learning between 24 January 2020 and 27 September 2021 as part of a course of study lasting longer than 12 months whilst the applicant held permission as a Student, will not prevent the applicant from meeting the requirement to spend the relevant period of studying in the UK.

Period and Conditions of Grant For Graduate Visa

The applicant will be granted the period of permission as set out in the table below, dependent on how they meet the qualification requirement:

Type of Qualification	Period Granted From Date Of Decision
PhD or other doctoral qualification	3 years
All other qualifications	2 years if the applicant has successfully completed a course at a UK bachelor’s degree or master’s degree level, or another relevant qualification that meets the requirements of ST8.1/2/3 of the Rules, and the application is made before 1 January 2027.
All other qualifications	18 months if the applicant has successfully completed a course at a UK bachelor’s degree or master’s degree level, or another relevant qualification that meets the requirements of ST8.1/2/3 of the Rules, and the application is made on or after 1 January 2027.

The grant will be subject to all the following conditions:

• no access to public funds; and
• work (including self-employment and voluntary work) is permitted, apart from work as a professional sportsperson; and
• study is permitted, except study with an education provider which is a Student sponsor, and which would meet the approved qualification and level of study requirements of the Student route which are set out in Appendix Student; and
• study is subject to the ATAS condition in Appendix ATAS.

How We Can Help

Our specialist team of work visa solicitors can provide expert immigration advice and legal representation for your application to switch to a graduate visa on a fixed-fee basis. Our work visa solicitors can legally represent you in your application to switch to a graduate visa and handle all aspects of your application until the UKVI at the Home Office issues a decision on your graduate visa application. The immigration casework to be carried out by our immigration solicitors in relation to your application for switching into a graduate visa will entail the following:

Advice on requirements: Our work visa solicitors will advise you on the requirements you need to meet for your application to switch to a graduate visa to be successful.

Documentary advice: Our family visa lawyers will prepare and email you a comprehensive list of supporting documents to submit with your application to switch to a graduate visa.

Assessing documents: Our immigration lawyers will review your documents to ensure that all documents you provide in support of your application to switch to a Graduate visa comply with the immigration rules.

Completing the application form: Our immigration lawyers will complete the relevant application form for your Graduate visa.

Booking an appointment with the application centre: After the online submission of your application to switch to a Graduate visa, our immigration lawyers will book your appointment with the application centre to enrol your biometrics.

Detailed cover letter: Our specialist immigration solicitors will prepare a detailed cover letter in support of your application to switch to a Graduate visa, explaining all the relevant legal requirements for approval by the UKVI Home Office.

Uploading documents online: Before the biometrics enrolment date, our immigration lawyers will upload all supporting documents online to support your application for switching to a graduate visa.

Follow-up work: Our immigration lawyers will handle all follow-up until the UKVI at the Home Office issues a decision on your application to switch to a graduate visa.

Our Team of Specialist Immigration Solicitors for the Graduate Route Visa

Our immigration solicitors are specialists in applications for the Graduate route visa. As one of the best immigration solicitors, we have an excellent track record of helping clients successfully obtain a Graduate route visa. Our highly experienced and fully qualified immigration solicitors can provide fast, friendly, reliable, and fixed-fee immigration advice and legal representation for your application for switching to a Graduate route visa from inside the UK. 

The high quality of UK visa and immigration legal services provided by our best team of immigration lawyers is evident in the 5-star Google Reviews rating from 99% of our clients. Our London-based immigration solicitors are available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, offering unwavering dedication and exceptional legal support for a wide range of UK visa and immigration cases. Our team of highly regarded immigration solicitors brings together more than 6 decades of collective, specialised expertise in successfully handling UK visa and immigration applications.

Meet Our Team of immigration solicitors in London

At Premium Solicitors, our strength lies in the expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our immigration solicitors in London. We understand that immigration matters are life-changing events, and our team is here to guide you through every step of the PSW visa process with professionalism and care. 

Our team comprises a diverse group of immigration solicitors, each bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. We are united by a shared goal: to deliver the highest level of legal support and advocacy tailored to your immigration needs.

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Schedule Your Consultation With Our immigration solicitors

Are you seeking expert immigration advice and consultation from our highly experienced and qualified team of immigration solicitors and lawyers in London? It's easy to secure an appointment with our dedicated Graduate visa specialists. Our expert team of immigration solicitors and advisors can provide detailed immigration advice and consultation, face-to-face in our offices in London and Birmingham or virtually via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, or Phone. Book your appointment today using the appointment booking link provided below:

• Book An Appointment Online With Our Immigration Solicitors in London

Our immigration experts are ready to assist you with your UK visa and immigration concerns. Book your appointment today for personalised guidance and support.

Our Fixed Fees for Switching from a Student Visa to a Graduate Visa

• Our work visa solicitors will charge a fixed fee of £800 to £1,200 (no VAT) for your application to switch to a Graduate route visa in the UK. The agreed fee will depend on the complexity of the application and the volume of work involved in switching to a Graduate visa in the UK. You can get a fixed-fee quote for your UKVI Home Office application to switch to a Graduate visa.
• Our fixed fee for your application to switch to a Graduate visa does not cover any disbursements, e.g., the UKVI fee for the application to switch to a Graduate visa, and the applicant must separately pay the UKVI fees to the Home Office.

Get a Fixed Fee Quote for Your Immigration Matter

FAQs - Graduate Visa UK

The following are various Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Graduate route visa: 

What is the Graduate Visa UK?

The Graduate Visa UK is a post-study work visa that allows international students to stay in the UK after successfully completing an eligible course. A graduate route visa is also known as a study Work (PSW) visa in the UK. This visa enables graduates to work or seek work without sponsorship.

Who is eligible for a Graduate Visa in the UK?

To qualify for a Graduate Visa UK, you must:

• Have successfully completed a UK degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD)
• Hold a valid Student visa at the time of application
• Have studied at a UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance
• Have your education provider notify the Home Office of your course completion

In summary, you can apply to switch from a Student visa to a Graduate route visa, formerly known as a PSW visa, upon successful completion of an eligible course of study in the UK at a bachelor’s degree level or above. The study must have been conducted with a higher education provider with a track record of compliance. 

How long can I stay in the UK on a Graduate Visa?

• 18 months for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree holders, if the application was made on or after 1 January 2027.
• 2 years for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree holders, if the application was made before 1 January 2027.
• 3 years for PhD or doctoral graduates

The visa is granted as a one-time opportunity and cannot be extended. However, it is possible to switch from a Graduate route visa to other visa categories, including a skilled worker visa, a student visa, or a family visa. 

Can I work on a UK Graduate Visa?

Yes, the Graduate Visa allows you to:

• Work full-time or part-time
• Be self-employed or start a business
• Take up most types of employment

However, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or apply for public funds.

Do I need a job offer to apply for a Graduate Visa?

No, you do not need a job offer. The Graduate Visa is unsponsored, meaning you can apply without securing employment beforehand.

When should I apply for a Graduate Visa?

You must apply for a Graduate route visa:

• From within the UK
• Before your Student visa expires

After your university has confirmed the successful completion of your course to the Home Office

Can I switch from a Graduate Visa to another visa?

Yes, you can switch to other visa routes, such as:

• Skilled Worker visa
• Global Talent visa
• Innovator Founder visa
• Student visa
• Family visa

Switching is a common route for those wishing to settle in the UK.

Can I bring dependants on a Graduate Visa?

You can only bring dependants if they are already in the UK as your dependants under your Student visa. New dependants cannot usually apply to join you under this route.

Can I study while on a Graduate Visa?

Yes, you can study, but your main purpose should remain work. If your course requires sponsorship, you may need to switch back to a Student visa.

What happens if my Graduate Visa application is refused?

If your application is refused, you may:

• Request an Administrative Review (if eligible)
• Submit a fresh application (if permitted)
• Seek legal advice to challenge the decision

How long does it take to get a Graduate Visa decision?

Most applications are decided within 8 weeks when applying from within the UK. If you submit your application through Priority Service, a decision is normally made within 5 working days, and if submitted through Super Priority Service, a decision is usually made within 24 hours. 

Can I apply for a UK Graduate visa through the Priority or Super Priority Service?

Yes, you can submit your Graduate route application via Priority Service or Super Priority Service. An application submitted through Priority Service is normally decided within 5 working days, and an application submitted through Super Priority Service is usually decided within 24 hours. 

Can I apply for a Graduate visa from outside the UK?

No, you cannot apply for a Graduate visa from outside the UK because the Home Office UKVI Immigration Rules only allow such applications to be made from inside the UK.

Can time spent in the UK on a Graduate visa be counted towards the ILR 10 years long residence?

Yes, time spent in the UK under a Graduate visa will count towards the 10 years of residence required to apply for ILR under the 10 years of residence category.

Can I switch from a Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK?

Yes, you can switch from a Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK if you are offered a skilled job by a UKVI-approved licence-holding employer/sponsor.

What are the eligibility requirements for a Graduate visa?

You can apply for a Graduate visa if all of the following are true:

• you are in the UK
• your current visa is a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
• you studied a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for a minimum period of time with your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
• your education provider (such as your university or college) has told the Home Office you’ve successfully completed your course

How can I apply for a Graduate visa?

You can apply for a Graduate visa online.

What can you and cannot do on a Graduate visa in the UK?

With a Graduate visa, you can:

• work in most jobs
• look for work
• be self-employed
• continue living in the UK with your partner and children, if they’re eligible
• do voluntary work
• travel abroad and return to the UK

You cannot:

• apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
• work as a professional sportsperson

If your application is successful, you will get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Graduate visa.

What is the course completion requirement for a Graduate visa?

To be eligible for a Graduate visa, you must have successfully completed the course you took with your current Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.

Whether you can apply will also depend on:

• the education provider for your course, for example, your university or college
• the kind of course you took
• how long have you studied in the UK for

If your education provider allowed you to change course without applying for a new Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa, you only need to have completed the course you changed to.

For which course of study can I become eligible for a Graduate visa?

You usually must have one of the following to apply:

• a UK bachelor’s degree
• a UK master’s degree
• a UK PhD or doctorate

You can also apply if you completed any of the following:

• a law conversion course approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
• the Legal Practice Course in England and Wales, the Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland, or a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland
• the Bar Practice Course in England and Wales, or the Bar Course in Northern Ireland
• a foundation programme in medicine or dentistry
• a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
• a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)

You may also be able to apply if passing your course would make you eligible for a job regulated by UK law or by a UK public authority. Your education provider can tell you if your course is eligible.

Can I apply for a Graduate visa while on a Student visa as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer?

You can apply for a Graduate visa if you’re on your current Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa because you’re a Student Union Sabbatical Officer.

To be eligible, you must have successfully completed one of these courses in the UK just before you started your current visa.

What is the study period requirement for a Graduate visa?

You need to have studied in the UK for either:

• at least 12 months, if your course’s total length is more than 12 months
• the total length of your course, if its total length is shorter than 12 months

You must also be in the UK when you apply for a Graduate visa.

Can I get help with switching from a Graduate Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa?

Yes, our experienced team can assist with:

• Assessing your eligibility
• Advising you on your option to apply as a new entrant
• Preparing and submitting your application

Why choose Premium Solicitors for your Graduate Visa application?