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

What is the UK Post Study Work Visa?

The UK Graduate Visa was introduced on 1 July 2021. It is an arrangement that allows international students to stay and work in the UK for a few years after completing their degree. This opportunity It’s not just for looking for work alone. It gives you the freedom to take any job at any skill level.

Eligibility Criteria for the Graduate Visa

There are certain criteria you must meet before you will be eligible for a graduate visa. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements.

• Current Visa Status: You must be in the UK on a student visa (Tier 4).
• Graduation: You must have completed a degree (undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral) from a UK institution that the Home Office approves.
• Course Duration: If your course is more than 12 months, you need to have studied for at least 12 months in the UK. If your course is shorter, you must have completed the entire course in the UK.

Requirements for the UK Post-Study Work Visa

These are the documents needed to apply for the UK graduate visa

• Passport: In order to prove your identity, there’s a need for a passport.
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): There’s no need for this if you still have one from your student visa.
• CAS Number: This is your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies reference number from your university. If you dont have it, you could ask your university for it.
• Scholarship Letter (if applicable): If a scholarship funded you, you’ll need a letter from your sponsor or scholarship provider.

How to Obtain a CAS Letter

Step 1: Accept Your Offer

To get a CAS, you need to accept an unconditional offer from a UK university or college first. If you have a conditional offer, you must meet all the requirements to turn it into an unconditional one.

Step 2: Pay the Tuition Deposit

Most universities ask international students to pay part of their tuition fees as a deposit before they issue the CAS. Make sure you know your institution’s payment terms and deadlines.

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

• A passport that’s up to date.
• School records (like report cards and diplomas).
• Test scores show you’re good at English (such as IELTS or TOEFL).
• Bank statements or other papers that show you can pay for school and living expenses.
• Previous visa (if applicable)

Once you have everything ready, you can apply online via Gov.UK. After applying, you’ll need to prove your identity, and once that’s done, you should receive a decision within 8 weeks.

In addition to all these processes, you must apply for a Graduate Visa before your student visa expires. This is very important. However, here’s something that might surprise you: You don’t have to wait for your graduation ceremony or for your certificate to be issued. You can apply as soon as your university tells the Home Office that you’ve completed your course.

Cost of Graduate Visa

Just like the normal student visa, the graduate visa equally has its financial implications. At the same time, it may seem expensive. Please consider it an investment in your future. Here’s a breakdown:

• Application Fee: £700 per applicant for a 2-year visa (£1,948 total). The fee is different for PhD holders who can enjoy a 3- a year visa (£2,572 total).
• Health Charge: £624 per year, approximately amounts to £1,248 for 2 years or £1,875 for 3 years.

Conclusion

So, if you’ve completed your degree in the UK, don’t let this opportunity slip by. Apply for your Graduate Visa following all the required guidelines as stated, endeavor to apply on time, and take into account the cost implication of various visa types. Achieve your dreams and begin to write your success story in one of the world’s most enterprising countries.