Graduate visa (post-study work)

Work

The Graduate route lets you stay and work in the UK after an eligible degree, without a sponsor. It does not count towards indefinite leave.

This page is general information about UK immigration routes. It is not advice on your case. Rules and fees change. Confirm the current position before you pay a Home Office fee.

Who this is for

• You are in the UK and your Student visa is still valid.
• You have completed, or are about to complete, an eligible course and your university will confirm that.

What this route is

The Home Office calls this the Graduate route. Students still say PSW. You apply from inside the UK before the Student visa expires. You can work in any role, be self-employed, or run a company.

Time on this visa does not count towards the five-year settlement clock. Most refusals have no appeal. Administrative review is available only if the decision letter grants it. How long the visa lasts, including any shorter period for applications caught by later rule changes, must be checked on the date you apply.

Requirements we check

• A qualifying UK degree, or the PhD period where that rule applies.
• Notification from the student sponsor.
• An application made in the UK before the Student visa expires.
• Scholarship consent where a government sponsor requires it.

Evidence that usually matters

• CAS or student record details.
• Passport and current visa.
• Scholarship letters if a funder was involved.

How we work

1. Read the position. We confirm the university has reported, or will report, successful completion.
2. List the gaps. We check scholarship conditions.
3. Prepare the application. We prepare the in-country Graduate application.
4. Check before filing. We file before the Student visa expires.

Where applications go wrong

• Applying after the Student visa has expired.
• Assuming the years count towards ILR.
• Missing a scholarship consent letter.