UK Post study Work Visa (Graduate Route)

A golden opportunity for international student

The UK’s Post study work (PSW) Visa, officially known as the Graduate Route, is a fantastic opportunity for international students to stay, work and build a future in the UK after completing their studies. This visa opens doors to professional growth, global networking, and career advancement in one of the world’s most dynamic job markets.

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1. What is the graduate Route?

Introduced on July 1, 2021, the Graduate Route allows international students to stay and work in the UK for upto 2 years (or 3 years for Phd graduates) after successfully completing a degree. The best part - its an unsponsored visa, meaning students do not need a job offer to apply giving them full freedom to explore career options and even start their own business.

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2. Why is this Visa a great Opportunity?

Work without restrictions - No job level restrictions, allowing flexibility in job choices.

• No sponsorship needed: unlike the skilled worker visa, no employer sponsorship is required.
• Freedom to explore: Graduates can work in any industry, start their own business or gain UK work experience to boast their global career prospects.
• Pathway to permanent Residency: This visa can be a stepping stone to securing a skilled worker visa or other long-term routes, leading to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.

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3. Who is eligible?

International students can apply for the Graduates Route of they meet the

following criteria:

- Completed a degree from a recognized UK University (Bachelor, Masters or

Phd)

- Held a valid student visa (Tier 4 or student Route) while studying

- Completed their studies successfully, confirmed by their university.

- Stayed in the UK fir the required duration of their course.

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4. How to apply? (A simple process)

Applying for thee Graduates Route is a smooth and straight forward process.

1. Apply online via the UK Home Office website before your student visa

expires.

2. Upload Required Documents, including

• Valid Passport
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
• Confirmation of Acceptance for studies (CAS) number
• Proof of course completion

3. Pay the Application Fee (£ 822)

4. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IFHS) (£1,035 per year) which provides full access to the UK world-class healthcare system

5. Submit Biometric Information via the UKVCAS service.

Processing Time: Around 8 weeks

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5. Career and work opportunity

The UK job market is full of exciting opportunities and this visa allows graduates to: 

• Work in any industry, whether in tech, finance, healthcare, arts or business.
• Gain valuable UK work experience, boosting their professional growth.
• Start a business - there are no restrictions on self employment
• Switch to a skilled worker visa, leading to long-term residency in the UK.

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Graduates who secure a skilled worker visa can later apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), a step toward permanent settlement in the UK.

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6. Future Pathways After the Graduates Route

• After the Graduate visa period, students have multiple options to stay and continue their journey in the UK. 
• Skilled Worker Visa - If you secure a job with a UK employer offering sponsorship, you can transition to this visa.
• Start up or Innovator Visa - For those with entrepreneurial ambitions, this route allows you to establish a business in the UK.
• Global Talent Visa - For highly skilled individuals in research, technology or the arts. 
• Health and Care Workers Visa - for those working in healthcare or social care professions.

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The UK actively welcomes skilled professionals making it possible for talented graduates to settle permanently and build a successful future.

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7. A positive step towards your global career

The UK Graduates Route us a golden opportunity for international students to kick start their careers in one of the world’s most thriving economics. With flexibility, career growth and long-term prospects this visa is designed to empower graduates to achieve their dreams.

For ambitious students, this is more than just a visa - it's a gateway to success in the UK and beyond!

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