A Post Study Work Visa is a Visa that allows international students who have graduated to work and live in a country after their studies. The graduate will have to apply for it and also have a job offer to back it up.
In the body of this article, we will be exploring the post-study work visa for the United Kingdom and the United States Of America.
We will also describe those eligible for the post-study work visa as well as how long the post-study work visa lasts.
Endeavour to go through the areas that interest you carefully.
What Is Post Study Work Visa? (United Kingdom)
PSW visa stands for ‘Post-Study Work’ visa. In the UK, they officially call the PSW visa the Graduate Route.
Under the graduate route, international graduates on completing an undergraduate degree or a master’s degree at a qualifying institution can apply for a PSW visa to stay in the UK for a fixed period of either two or three years after the completion of their degree studies, depending on their level of study.
International students completing a PhD at a qualifying institution are also able to stay in the UK to work or look for work for a fixed period of three years after they have completed their studies.
A Rapid Review Into Post Study Work Visa
In March 2024, the UK Government commissioned a ‘rapid review’ of the Graduate route to be conducted by the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).
The MAC has been directed to consider five key areas:
- Whether there is any proof of abuse of the route.
- Insight into who is using the route and which universities they attended.
- Insight into the demographics and trends of students switching from the student to graduate route.
- Insight into the activities of student visa holders who switch to the graduate route and whether they are contributing to the economy.
This means applicants must:
- Hold a valid student visa at the time of their application for a PSW visa from a UK higher education provider on the list of registered sponsors “with a track record of compliance.”
- Have completed their degree at the undergraduate level or above.
- Have stayed in the UK for the duration of their study.
- Not have previously been granted the PSW visa.
- Pass security, identity and criminality checks.
- Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
Which Courses Are Eligible Under The Post Study Work Visa?
To be eligible, applicants must have completed a course awarding either:
- A bachelor’s degree in the UK.
- A PhD or A Master’s Degree in the UK.
- The Legal Practice Course (LPC) in England and Wales.
- The Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland.
- A Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland.
- The Bar Practice Course (BPTC) in England and Wales.
- A foundation program in Medicine or Dentistry.
Applying For The Post Study Work Visa
The PSW visa application should be made online from within the UK. Students can apply for a graduate visa as soon as their sponsoring institution or college notifies the Home Office that they have finished and passed their program.
How Much Is The Graduate Visa?
The PSW visa application costs £715. Applicants will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is currently £624 per year of leave in the UK.
The two-year period is granted if you have completed an undergraduate degree or a master’s degree, and the three-year period if you have completed a PhD.
Who Can Apply?
Not all students will be eligible for the post-study work visa, especially if they have used their ‘wrap-up’ leave to repeat referred/deferred modules. If a student is not eligible, there are other post-study work visa route options available, which include:
- The Graduate Visa is open to students who have a valid Student/Tier 4 visa at the point of application.
- Those on a part-time student or Tier 4 visa will be able to apply.
- Student Union Sabbatical Officers with student or Tier 4 leave will also be able to apply.
- Students in receipt of a Chevening Scholarship are not eligible to apply for the Graduate Visa.
What About Dependents?
Students whose dependents are already with them in the UK on a student dependent visa are allowed to apply as dependents under the post-study work visa.
However, no new dependents can come to the UK to join you under this route.
When Can You Apply?
You must apply before your current student visa expires but don’t rush to apply as soon as you have completed it.
You can apply after your education provider (such as your university or college) has told the Home Office that you’ve successfully completed the course you took with your student or Tier 4 (general) student visa.
Just because you have finished your studies doesn’t mean you can apply immediately.
Do not apply until:
- You have completed and successfully passed your eligible course.
- Your final award has been ‘locked’ on your student record.
- The University has confirmed to the Home Office via their secure portal that you have passed.
The university will not confirm you have successfully completed your course of study until your award is locked. If you apply before the University has confirmed your award, your application could be rejected.
How Long You Can Stay?
A Graduate visa lasts for 2 years. If you have a PHD or other doctoral qualification, then these will last for 3 years. Note that you cannot extend the post-study work visa.
What You Can And Cannot Do
With A Post Study Work Visa You Can:
- Apply for most jobs
- Look for work. Students are able to work flexibly, spend the entire two years looking for work and spend time developing their skills.
- Continue living in the UK with your partner and children, if they’re eligible.
- Pursue self-employment ventures.
- Contribute to society through voluntary work.
- Travel internationally and return to the UK.
You Cannot:
- Apply for most benefits (public funds) or the State Pension.
- Work as a professional sportsperson.
Benefits Of The Post-study Work Visa For International Students
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2-Year Post-Study Work Visa
With a post-study work visa, international students studying undergraduate and postgraduate courses at UK universities can look for work in the UK for up to 2 years after graduation.
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3-Year Post-study Visa Extension For PhD Students
With the post-study work visa, highly skilled PhD students in the UK are now eligible for a 3-year post-study visa extension as part of the UK Government’s Global Talent Drive.
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Extended Time In The UK For Postgraduate Students
The UK Government has proposed to remove the study time limit for postgraduate students while also extending the period of time for which students can come to the UK before the start of their course from 3 to 6 months.
The Application Process Involves:
- Gathering the necessary documents.
- Certificate of sponsorship reference number.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- A copy of a passport or identity document.
- Details of the job title and annual salary.
- Occupation code for your job.
- Name of your employer and their sponsor license number.
- Proof of personal savings (bank statements) for financial support.
- Tuberculosis test results if from a listed country.
- Certificate of criminal records.
- Proof of relationship with partner or children if they are dependents.
- Valid ATAS certificate.
Upon successful approval, you’ll receive a detailed guide specifying the specific activities permitted and restricted under the post-study work visa.
What Is Post Study Work Visa? (The United States Of America)
A post study work visa in the United States is offered to students who have completed a U.S. educational program.
This type of visa allows graduating students, who have obtained their degree within the last 60 months, to remain in the U.S. and apply for employment opportunities related to their field of study.
Applying For A Post Study Work Visa In The USA
Applying for a post study work visa in the USA can be a smooth transition if you know all the important information required.
The necessary steps to complete the application include having proof of financial stability, finding an approved sponsor and providing all necessary documents that are proof of your educational criteria and work experience.
An F-1 visa for international students expires once they graduate. Graduates can remain in the US to finish an internship or obtain practical learning through short-term work experience by applying for a Post Study Work Permit. Every student with a F-1 or M-1 study visa is qualified for a post-study employment permit in the United States.
If the students in the US with study visas are qualified for a CPT while they’re enrolled in the program, then working off campus is forbidden. However, to legally stay back in the US to work for up to 12 months, you need to have an OPT or STEM OPT extension.
You can apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during your course, and OPT can be completed before or after graduation. International students are only eligible for 12 months of practical training in total. So, if a student uses all of their OPT or CPT while they are still enrolled, they will not be eligible for this type of F-1 visa extension. The duration of a Study Work Permit in the USA for non-stem programs is one year, and for stem programs, it is three years.
What Are The Benefits Of Having A US Post Study Work Visa ?
- Students who get this type of visa are eligible to gain assistance in securing suitable work placements.
- These students will be able to gain experience in their chosen career field.
- They will also be able to obtain legal work status.
- They will be able to access valuable resources as well, such as diverse employment and education opportunities.
- They will also be allowed to travel throughout the United States for as long as they stay, without any limit.
How Long Does A US Post-Study Work Visa Last?
An individual who wishes to continue staying in the USA after completing their studies can apply for a US post-study work visa. This is a great option, as this visa enables you to stay and work in the country for up to three years, offering an opportunity to gain valuable experience in a field you desire and have chosen. As an added bonus, you also get certain privileges that come with the visa, such as living and working without sponsorship.
Conclusion
It would be a wonderful opportunity to get a post-study work visa in the United States or the United Kingdom. You could decide to settle there and even kick-start and further your career.
Outside the borders of your country home lie numerous golden opportunities, which many would call greener pastures.
When studying there, you are given the time to explore job opportunities and find diverse works that hold your interests and ones that you have qualifications for.
