UK government has announced 2 years post study work permit for talent acquisition and retention. This work visa requires applicants to pay a fee of GBP 715 (INR 76,824.87). This category of visa is now officially termed as graduate route and allows applicants with jobs in UK in sectors like:

  • short and fixed-term projects
  • smaller businesses and start-ups
  • consultancy work

2 year post graduate visa UK doesn’t require any form of sponsorship or endorsement by an employer or by your institution. In addition to the application fee, applicants are also required to pay the healthcare surcharge which accounts for GBP 624 each year (INR 67,047.16). Graduate route visa has a validity of 2 years for graduates in MS or UG. However, for applicants with a PhD or other doctoral degree, the graduate route visa has a validity of three years. PSW visa cannot be extended, applicants are required to apply for a different type of visa.

Overview of 2 Year Post Study Work Visa UK

Graduate route or 2 years psw UK (post study work) grants applicants with the permission to remain in UK. It allows applicants the opportunity to get employed at any skill level for a minimum of 2 years post completing their graduation. Candidates can apply for UK 2 years post study visa based on their UK student visa and relevant terms.

Eligibility Criteria for 2 Year Post Study Work Visa UK

2 years post study work visa UK has the mentioned eligibility criteria that applicants must fulfill:

  • Residing in UK with UK student Visa
  • Current visa is Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
  • Holder of a bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for a minimum period
  • Intimation from educational provider to the Home Office on successful completion of the course
  • CAS Letter number issued by the concerned university

Application Process

UK 2 years work permit requires applicants to apply online or offline from within the UK. Similar to UK Student visa interview questions, applicants are required to answer certain questions. Mentioned below are the steps that applicants must follow to acquire a UK two years post study visa:

Check for eligibility

  • Graduated from a UK university with a degree at undergraduate level or above.
  • A valid Tier 4 (General) student visa.
  • Completed your course of study and was awarded your degree.
  • Must have a clean criminal record.
  • Submit necessary documents
  • Pay the application fee of GBP 715 (INR 76,824.87)
  • Submit your application.
  • Submission of application can be considered online or by post.
  • If submitting an application online, applicants must create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
  • Attend your biometrics appointment involving provision of fingerprints and a photograph
  • Decision is notified via mail within a timeline of 8 weeks

Documents Required for Two Year Post Study Work Visa UK

Documents required for 2 years post study visa UK have been listed below:

  • Passport
  • Tier 4 (General) student visa
  • Degree certificate
  • Criminal record check
  • Letter from concerned university confirming that about completion of course of study
  • Letter from concerned employer confirming that about the job offer in the UK

When to Apply for Graduate Route Visa?

Application for UK 2 years post study visa must be considered prior to the expiration of UK student visa or Tier 4 visa.

Applicants can apply after their education provider (such as their university or college) has informed the Home Office about their completion of the course under Student or Tier 4 (General) student visa. Application can be considered during the course of study under a UK student visa.

Decision and approval timeline for concerned visa is 8 weeks and applicants can reside in UK during the course of decision approval.

Post Study Work Visa UK Dos and Don'ts

Graduate work visa allows applicants with a number of allowances and restrictions at the same time. Mentioned below are the dos of 2 year post graduate visa UK:

  • Numerous job opportunities in UK
  • Explore different work opportunities
  • Consider self-employment
  • continue living in UK with partner and children, if they’re eligible
  • Indulge in voluntary work
  • travel abroad and return to the UK

Mentioned below are the don’ts of 2 year psw in UK (post study work):

  • Restricted from applying for public funds, or the State Pension
  • Restricted from involvement as a professional sports person

Applicants are provided with a complete list of activities and works which they can or cannot consider upon receiving two years post study visa UK.

A number of resources are available over the internet that can guide applicants on 2 years post study work visa UK. Candidates must consider the application for a UK 2 year post study visa from within the UK itself. PSW (post study work) visa processing time accounts for a total of 8 weeks.

FAQs

Ques: What is the 2-year post-study work visa?

Ans: The 2-year post-study work visa (PSW visa) is a visa that allows international students who have graduated from a UK university to stay in the UK and work for up to 2 years after graduation.

Ques: Who is eligible for the 2-year post-study work visa?

Ans: To be eligible for the PSW visa, you must have graduated from a UK university with a degree at undergraduate level or above. You must also have a valid Tier 4 (General) student visa.

Ques: What are the benefits of the 2-year post-study work visa?

Ans: The PSW visa offers a number of benefits, including:

  • The ability to stay in the UK and work for up to 2 years after graduation.
  • The opportunity to gain work experience in the UK.
  • The chance to network with potential employers.
  • The possibility of applying for a longer-term visa, such as a Tier 2 visa.
  • How do I apply for the 2-year post-study work visa?
  • You can apply for the PSW visa online or by post. If you are applying online, you will need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

Ques: What documents do I need to apply for the 2-year post-study work visa?

Ans: You will need to provide the following documents to apply for the PSW visa:

  • Your passport
  • Your Tier 4 (General) student visa
  • Your degree certificate
  • A criminal record check
  • A letter from your university confirming that you have completed your course of study
  • A letter from your employer confirming that you have a job offer in the UK
  • What is the application fee for the 2-year post-study work visa?
  • The application fee for the PSW visa is £715.

Ques: How long does it take to process a 2-year post-study work visa application?

Ans: The decision on a PSW visa application is usually made within 8 weeks.

Ques: Can I extend the 2-year post-study work visa?

Ans: The PSW visa is not extendable. However, if you have a job offer in the UK, you may be able to apply for a longer-term visa, such as a Tier 2 visa.

Ques: What are the requirements for a Tier 2 visa?

Ans: To be eligible for a Tier 2 visa, you must have a job offer in the UK from a skilled employer. You must also meet certain English language requirements.

Ques: Where can I get more information about the 2-year post-study work visa?

Ans: You can find more information about the 2-year post-study work visa on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.