What Is the Graduate Route Visa (PSW) and How Long Is It Valid?
The Graduate Route is an unsponsored visa that allows international students who have completed an eligible course at a UK higher education provider to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK after their studies. It is available to those who held a valid Student visa at the time of application and successfully finished their course. The visa is granted for a period of up to 2 years for those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and up to 3 years for PhD graduates.
Who Can Apply for the Graduate Route (PSW)?
To apply, you must be in the UK, hold a current Student visa, and have completed the course for which your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) was assigned. Your education provider must confirm to the Home Office that you have successfully completed the course. There is no requirement for a job offer, and the application can be made after your course end date as confirmed by your institution. You must not have previously been granted the Graduate Route visa unless you completed a course at degree level or above and are applying after completing a new, higher-level course.
Switching from the Graduate Route (PSW) to a Skilled Worker Visa
At any point while holding a Graduate Route visa, you can switch to the Skilled Worker visa if you secure a job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor. The job must meet the skill level of RQF level 3 or above and the minimum salary requirement, which is usually £26,200 per year or the going rate for the specific occupation, whichever is higher. There are lower salary thresholds for new entrants and certain public health or education roles. You must apply from within the UK and cannot start the job until your Skilled Worker application is approved.
Important Application Details
Applications for the Graduate Route must be submitted online before your Student visa expires. You will need to provide a valid passport, your biometric residence permit, and the CAS number from your recent Student visa. You will be asked to verify your identity through the UK Immigration: ID Check app or by attending a biometric appointment. The application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge are payable as part of the process. Once granted, the visa is issued as a digital status; you will not receive a physical biometric residence permit.
Can You Extend the Graduate Route (PSW) or Bring Family?
The Graduate Route cannot be extended. However, time spent on the Graduate Route counts toward the 10-year route to indefinite leave to remain. Family members who are already in the UK as dependants on your Student visa can apply as dependants on your Graduate Route visa, but new dependants can only join if they were born during the period of your Student visa.
FAQs
Can I work on the Graduate Route (PSW) visa?
Yes. The Graduate Route allows you to work in most jobs without restriction, including self-employment and voluntary work, except as a professional sportsperson or coach.
How long does the Graduate Route (PSW) application take?
The Home Office aims to decide on most applications within 8 weeks of the date you submit your biometric information or verify your identity using the app.
What documents are required for a Graduate Route (PSW) visa application?
You must provide a valid passport, your biometric residence permit, and the CAS number from your Student visa. Your education provider must have confirmed your successful course completion to the Home Office. You do not need to show proof of funds.
How soon can I switch from the Graduate Route (PSW) to a Skilled Worker visa?
You can apply to switch as soon as you have a suitable job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer. There is no minimum time you must remain on the Graduate Route before switching.
Is the Graduate Route (PSW) visa subject to a cap?
No, there is no limit on the number of Graduate Route visas that can be issued.