UK Graduate Route Visa (Post-Study Work): 2-Year Visa Eligibility & Cost
The UK Graduate Route (commonly referred to as the Post-Study Work or PSW visa) provides international students with an unsponsored permission to stay and work in the UK for at least two years (three years for PhD graduates) following degree completion.
Key Highlights of the Graduate Route:
- No Employer Sponsorship Needed: You do not need a job offer or a sponsor license to apply.
- Work at Any Skill Level: You can work full-time, part-time, switch employers, or freelance.
- Duration: 2 years for Bachelors and Masters graduates; 3 years for Doctoral/PhD graduates.
- Pathway to Settlement: While the Graduate Route does not directly count toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR 5-year route), you can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa at any point during your grant.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you must:
- Be currently in the UK on a valid Student Visa.
- Have successfully completed your eligible undergraduate, master's, or doctoral course.
- Your university must have formally notified UKVI of your course completion before you submit the visa application.
Application Costs (2026 Rates)
- Visa Application Fee: £822 per applicant.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year (£2,070 for a standard 2-year visa).
- Total Initial Outlay: Approximately £2,892.