The UK Post Study Work visa, officially known as the Graduate Route, allows international students to stay and work in the UK after completing their studies. The PSW visa offers 2 years of unrestricted work permission (3 years for PhD graduates) without requiring employer sponsorship. This guide covers eligibility requirements, the new £937 application fee from 8 April 2026, total costs of £3,007 (2-year) or £4,042 (3-year PhD), application process, and the important duration reduction from 1 January 2027 — a deadline current students must understand.
Source: Home Office Immigration Rules: Appendix Graduate + Home Office fees schedule (8 April 2026)
Understanding the UK Post Study Work Visa in 2026
The Graduate Route (commonly known as the PSW visa or post study work visa) was introduced in July 2021, replacing the former Tier 1 Post-Study Work visa that closed in 2012. It provides international graduates from UK universities with a valuable opportunity to gain work experience without needing employer sponsorship. The PSW visa is one of the most popular immigration routes, with over 100,000 applications granted annually since its introduction.
Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, the Graduate Route does not require a job offer, minimum salary threshold, or Certificate of Sponsorship. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for recent graduates who want time to explore career opportunities, gain UK work experience, or transition to other visa categories. For the underlying Student visa eligibility framework, see our UK Student visa holder.
What is the PSW Visa UK?
What does PSW visa mean and how does it work?
PSW stands for Post-Study Work. The PSW visa UK (officially called the Graduate Route) allows international students who complete eligible UK degrees to stay and work for 2 years (or 3 years for PhD holders) without employer sponsorship. It is not a Tier 2 visa — it operates under its own rules in Appendix Graduate of the Immigration Rules.
The PSW visa provides unrestricted work permission, meaning you can work in any job, at any skill level, for any employer. You can also be self-employed, start a business, or combine work with further study. The only restriction is that you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
Unlike the Student visa which has hour restrictions on work (20 hours per week during term time), the Graduate Route has no limits on working hours and no restrictions on self-employment. For full details on Student visa work rules and the contrast with the Graduate Route, see our Student visa working hours.
Is PSW a Tier 2 visa?
No, the PSW visa is not a Tier 2 visa. The Graduate Route operates under its own category (Appendix Graduate) and does not require employer sponsorship. Tier 2 was replaced by the Skilled Worker visa in December 2020, which requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor and meeting salary thresholds (now £41,700 from 22 July 2025). The PSW visa is completely separate and unsponsored.
Post Study Work Visa UK Eligibility Requirements
Who is eligible for the UK post study work visa?
To be eligible for the PSW visa, you must have successfully completed an eligible degree (bachelor's, master's, PhD, PGCE, or certain professional qualifications) at a UK higher education institution with a track record of compliance. You must apply from within the UK before your Student visa expires, and your institution must confirm your course completion to the Home Office.
The Graduate Route uses a 70-point eligibility system. You automatically score these points if you meet the core requirements: successful course completion at a compliant institution, holding or having held a valid Student visa, and being physically present in the UK during your studies for the required period.
| Eligibility Requirement | Points | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Successful Completion | 20 points | Completed eligible UK degree |
| UK Study Requirement | 20 points | Required period spent studying in UK |
| Institution Compliance | 10 points | Studied at approved HE provider |
| Valid Immigration Status | 20 points | Current or recent Student visa |
Eligible Qualifications for PSW Visa
- Bachelor's Degree: 2-year Graduate Route permission (18 months from 1 January 2027)
- Master's Degree: 2-year permission (18 months from 1 January 2027)
- Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate: 2-year permission (if equivalent to UK master's)
- PhD or Doctoral Degree: 3-year permission (unchanged in 2027 reform)
- PGCE: 2-year permission
- Law Conversion Courses: 2-year permission (GDL, LPC, SQE)
- Architecture courses leading to RIBA Part 3: 2-year permission
UK Study Requirement: How Much Must Be in the UK?
The UK study requirement varies by course length:
- Courses up to 12 months: Full course duration must be studied in the UK
- Courses longer than 12 months: Minimum 12 months of study must be in the UK
- Distance learning: Generally not eligible unless converted to in-person study with proper visa
- Permitted absences: Brief absences for vacation, family emergencies, or research permitted
Scholarship recipients with government or institutional sponsorship from the last 12 months must obtain written consent from their sponsor before applying for the Graduate Route.
PSW Visa UK Fees and Costs 2026
How much does the PSW visa cost in the UK?
The PSW visa application fee is £937 from 8 April 2026 (increased from £880). Additionally, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year — totalling £2,070 for a 2-year visa or £3,105 for a 3-year PhD visa. Total cost is £3,007 for the 2-year route or £4,042 for the 3-year PhD route. Note: the Graduate Route uses the full adult IHS rate, not the discounted student rate.
| Fee Component | 2-Year Visa | 3-Year Visa (PhD) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee (from 8 April 2026) | £937 | £937 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year) | £2,070 | £3,105 |
| Priority service (optional) | +£500 | +£500 |
| Super Priority service (optional) | +£1,000 | +£1,000 |
| Total Cost (Standard) | £3,007 | £4,042 |
For the complete fee structure across all UK visa categories including Student, Skilled Worker, and family routes, see our complete UK visa fees breakdown. If you need to budget for living costs alongside the visa fees, our Student visa maintenance funds covers the £1,529/£1,171 monthly maintenance figures for context.
PSW Visa Duration: 2 Years vs 3 Years
How long is the post study work visa valid?
The PSW visa duration is currently 2 years for Bachelor's and Master's graduates, and 3 years for PhD or doctoral degree holders. Permission starts from the date of the visa decision, not from your course completion date. The Graduate Route cannot be extended, but you can switch to other visa categories like Skilled Worker before it expires. From 1 January 2027, Bachelor's and Master's duration reduces to 18 months.
Time spent on the Graduate Route does not count toward the 5-year qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain. However, if you switch to a Skilled Worker visa, your qualifying period for settlement begins from that point. The Graduate Route also does not count toward the 10-year long residence route to ILR.
PSW after Master's in UK
Master's degree graduates currently receive 2 years on the Graduate Route. This applies to all taught postgraduate degrees including MSc, MA, MBA, LLM, and MRes programmes. The 2-year period provides sufficient time to gain professional experience and potentially secure sponsored employment for a Skilled Worker visa if you wish to remain longer.
PSW after PhD in UK
PhD and doctoral graduates receive 3 years on the Graduate Route — unchanged by the January 2027 reform. This longer duration recognises the extended training of doctoral graduates and provides time to secure postdoctoral positions, academic appointments, or transition to research-focused Skilled Worker roles.
How to Apply for PSW Visa UK
The Graduate Route application is made online from within the UK. You must apply before your Student visa expires and after your institution has confirmed your course completion to the Home Office. The process is straightforward, but timing is critical — applying too early (before completion confirmation) is one of the most common reasons for refusal.
- Valid passport or travel document
- Current Student visa (must be valid at time of application)
- Course completion confirmed by your institution to UKVI
- Application fee (£937 from 8 April 2026)
- Immigration Health Surcharge payment (£1,035/year × visa duration)
- Biometric appointment (or ID check via UK Immigration: ID Check app)
- Scholarship sponsor consent letter (if applicable, last 12 months)
Application Process Steps
- Wait for completion confirmation: Your institution must report your successful course completion to UKVI before you apply
- Complete the online form: Apply at gov.uk/graduate-visa
- Pay fees: £937 application fee plus IHS (£2,070 for 2 years or £3,105 for 3 years)
- Verify identity: Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app (preferred) or attend a UKVCAS biometric appointment
- Wait for decision: Standard processing is 8 weeks (or 5 working days with priority service at +£500)
- Receive eVisa: Approved decisions issue an eVisa accessible via your UKVI online account
Section 3C Leave: While your Graduate Route application is pending, your existing Student visa conditions automatically continue under Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971. You can keep working within your Student visa permitted hours (20 hours/week term-time, full-time vacation) until a decision is made.
If your application is refused, common reasons include applying before completion confirmation, not meeting the UK study requirement, or having previously used the Graduate Route. For broader insights into common refusal grounds, see our UK visa refusal reasons guide.
PSW Visa New Rules 2026-2027
The UK government announced these changes as part of broader immigration reforms aimed at reducing net migration. The shortened Graduate Route period means students graduating from January 2027 onwards will have less time to secure sponsored employment or alternative visa routes — making early career planning essential for current students.
What This Means for Current Students
If you are currently studying or planning to complete your degree before the end of 2026, ensure you apply for the Graduate Route before 31 December 2026 to secure the full 2-year permission. Students who apply from 1 January 2027 onwards will receive only 18 months. Strategic timing of completion confirmation by your university can determine whether you fall under the 2-year or 18-month regime.
Alternative Routes After PSW
The Graduate Route does not lead directly to settlement, but several pathways allow you to remain in the UK long-term:
- Skilled Worker visa: Requires sponsored employment at RQF Level 6 (degree level) meeting £41,700 general threshold (or £33,400 New Entrant rate)
- Global Talent Visa: For leaders or potential leaders in academia, arts, digital technology
- Innovator Founder visa: For starting an innovative, viable, and scalable business — see our Student visa entrepreneurship rules for the pathway from study to entrepreneurship
- High Potential Individual Visa: For graduates from top global universities (within 5 years of graduation)
- Scale-up Visa: For sponsored work at fast-growing UK businesses
- Family routes: If you marry or partner with a British citizen or settled person
PSW Visa Dependants
If you had dependants on your Student visa (spouse/partner or children), they can apply to extend their stay alongside your Graduate Route application. However, they must have been your dependants during your Student visa — you cannot bring new dependants on the Graduate Route. For full eligibility on the underlying Student dependant route, see our bringing dependants on Student visa.
Dependant partners must meet the requirements in Appendix Relationship with Partner. Children must be under 18 at the time of application. Dependants must pay their own application fee (£937 from 8 April 2026) plus the full IHS rate (£1,035/year) — they do not benefit from any student discount. A 2-year dependant application therefore costs £3,007, the same as the main applicant.
Graduate Route dependants can work without restrictions (except as professional sportspersons), study, and access most public services. Their visa expires when the main applicant's Graduate Route permission ends. Note that since January 2024, only PhD/research students or government-sponsored postgraduate students could bring dependants on the underlying Student visa — so most current Graduate Route applicants who pursued taught master's degrees will not have dependants to bring forward.
If you completed a course shorter than 6 months and weren't on a full Student visa, you would have been on a STSV — this route does NOT lead to the Graduate Route. Only Student visa holders are eligible.
- Duration: 2 years (Bachelor's/Master's) or 3 years (PhD), no extensions
- From January 2027: Duration reduces to 18 months for non-doctoral graduates
- Application fee: £937 from 8 April 2026 (was £880)
- IHS: £1,035/year — full adult rate, not student discount
- Total cost: £3,007 (2-year) or £4,042 (3-year PhD)
- No sponsorship needed: Work any job, any salary, any sector except professional sport
- Self-employment allowed: Unlike Student visa, you can run a business
- Apply from inside UK: Before Student visa expires, after course completion confirmed
- Processing: 8 weeks standard (or 5 working days with priority +£500)
- Does NOT count toward ILR — switch to Skilled Worker for settlement progression
Frequently Asked Questions
UK Post Study Work Visa: FAQs
What is the PSW visa UK and how long does it last?
The PSW (Post-Study Work) visa, officially called the Graduate Route, allows international students to stay and work in the UK after completing their degree. Bachelor's and Master's graduates receive 2 years of permission, while PhD holders receive 3 years. The visa is unsponsored, meaning you don't need a job offer or employer sponsorship. You can work in any role, at any level, for any employer (except as a professional sportsperson). From 1 January 2027, Bachelor's and Master's duration reduces to 18 months.
How much does the PSW visa cost in the UK for 2026?
The PSW visa fee is £937 from 8 April 2026 (increased from £880). You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year — the full adult rate, not the student discount of £776. This totals £2,070 for a 2-year visa or £3,105 for a 3-year PhD visa. Total cost for a 2-year Graduate Route is £3,007, and £4,042 for the 3-year PhD route. Dependants pay the same fees separately.
Is the PSW visa a Tier 2 visa?
No, the PSW visa (Graduate Route) is not a Tier 2 visa. The Graduate Route operates under its own category in Appendix Graduate of the Immigration Rules. Tier 2 was replaced by the Skilled Worker visa in December 2020, which requires employer sponsorship at RQF Level 6 and minimum £41,700 salary. The Graduate Route is completely unsponsored — you don't need a job offer to apply.
Can I extend my PSW visa after 2 years?
No, the Graduate Route cannot be extended. You can only use it once, and the duration (2 or 3 years) is fixed. However, before your Graduate Route expires, you can switch to another visa category such as the Skilled Worker visa (if you secure sponsored employment), Global Talent visa, Innovator Founder visa, High Potential Individual visa, Scale-up visa, or a spouse/partner visa if you marry a British citizen or settled person.
What are the new PSW rules for 2027?
From 1 January 2027, the Graduate Route duration will be reduced from 2 years to 18 months for Bachelor's and Master's degree holders. PhD graduates will continue to receive the full 3-year permission. If you apply on or before 31 December 2026, you will receive the current 2-year permission — the deadline is the application submission date, not the decision date. This change is part of the UK government's broader immigration reforms to reduce net migration.
Can I bring my family on a PSW visa?
If you already had dependants on your Student visa, they can apply to extend their stay alongside your Graduate Route application. However, you cannot bring new family members on the Graduate Route. Dependants must pay their own application fee (£937 from April 2026) plus the full IHS rate of £1,035/year (not the student discount). They can work without restrictions during their stay, except as professional sportspersons.
Does PSW visa time count toward settlement (ILR)?
No, time spent on the Graduate Route does not count toward the 5-year qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). However, if you switch to a Skilled Worker visa, your qualifying period for settlement begins from that point. The Graduate Route also does not count toward the 10-year long residence route to ILR. This is why many graduates plan to switch to Skilled Worker before their Graduate Route expires.
How long does the PSW visa application take to process?
Graduate Route applications typically take up to 8 weeks to process. Priority service is available for an additional £500 (decision in 5 working days), and Super Priority for £1,000 (next working day). While waiting for a decision, you can continue working and studying in the UK under Section 3C leave (your existing Student visa conditions automatically continue). You must apply from within the UK, before your Student visa expires, and after your institution has confirmed your course completion.
Can I be self-employed on the Graduate Route?
Yes. Unlike the Student visa which strictly prohibits self-employment, the Graduate Route allows you to be self-employed, freelance, run a business, or hold company directorships. This is one of the key advantages of switching from Student to Graduate Route — you gain full freedom to operate as a sole trader, consultant, or business owner. The only excluded category is professional sportsperson or sports coach work.
Can I attend a credibility interview for the Graduate Route?
UKVI may flag Graduate Route applications for interview if there are concerns about course completion authenticity, the UK study requirement, or eligibility points. The interview format is similar to the underlying Student visa credibility interview — see our UK Student visa interview guide for preparation tips. Most Graduate Route applications proceed without an interview if documentation is complete and consistent.