Post Study Work Permit in the UK

Just graduated in the UK and wondering what's next? If you want to stay and work, the Graduate visa is your answer. This is the UK's main Post-Study Work (PSW) permit, and it's designed to help you transition from student to professional. Whether your goal is to gain valuable experience or land a job with a leading UK company, this visa provides a clear pathway. For those still planning their studies, understanding this visa is crucial for mapping out your post-graduation career.

However, be aware of one key rule: You cannot get a Graduate visa if you have already been granted one (or a similar permit) in the past.

This article covers everything you need to know about applying for the Graduate visa in 2025-26.

Latest Updates on Graduate Visa in the UK in 2025-26

In early 2024, the UK's Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) conducted a major review of the Graduate visa to assess its effectiveness and impact on net migration. The comprehensive report, published in May 2024, found no evidence of widespread abuse. It concluded that the visa is crucial for attracting global talent and supporting UK universities, aligning with the country's International Education Strategy.

The MAC’s primary recommendation was to keep the Graduate visa in its current form, with its 2-year and 3-year durations. The UK government accepted this expert advice, confirming the route will remain unchanged. For students planning for 2025-26, this outcome provides significant stability and reassurance that their post-study work opportunities remain secure.

Here’s a quick timeline of the most recent changes to the policies of the Post Study Work Visa in the UK in recent times.

• As per the latest update on the official UK government website (gov.uk/graduate-visa), the application cost for the Graduate visa is £880, and the annual Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) increased for the Graduate Visa, with the fee now set at £1,035 per year (£2,070 for a 2-year visa and £3,105 for a 3-year visa).
• In 2023, the UK Government released information that the Graduate visa will remain to allow graduates to stay in the UK for 2 years and PhD graduates for up to 3 years.

Types of Work Visas in the UK for Graduates

The UK offers several work visa categories designed to support international graduates and skilled professionals in building their careers. Each post-study work visa in the UK provides unique opportunities depending on your qualifications, career goals, and job offers. 

Although there are various work visas available, such as the Skilled Worker visa, Senior/Specialist Skilled Worker visa, and Graduate visa, for fresh graduates, the only viable option is to apply for the Graduate visa.

Graduate visa

As per the UK Government’s (gov.uk) website, the Graduate visa is an unsponsored visa option that allows students to work or search for employment in the UK for up to two years after completing a bachelor's or master's degree or up to three years for doctoral graduates.

You should note that your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which you received at the time of enrolment, is vital for your eligibility to obtain the Graduate visa. This is because your CAS will have the information on the degree that you have studied, among other vital information, and the course that you have completed should be the very same which is mentioned in your CAS.

Also, if by any circumstance, you may have changed to another course mid-study, you will be eligible to apply for the Graduate visa only if you were permitted to continue to study with your initial Student visa. 

Eligibility

You can apply for a Graduate visa if:

• You are currently in the UK.
• Your existing visa is a Student visa.
• You have studied a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or another eligible course for the required duration of your Student visa.
• Your education provider has notified the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course.

Document Required

When applying for the Graduate visa, you’ll need to provide:

• A valid passport or travel document that confirms your identity and nationality.
• Your biometric residence permit (BRP), if you received one with your UK Student visa.
• Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from your Student visa application. If you can't locate your CAS reference number, contact your education provider to obtain it

How to Apply for a UK Work Permit after Study?

Transitioning from studying to working in the UK is an exciting step, and applying for a post-study work visa in the UK is a crucial part of this journey. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process smoothly.

• Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria for the Graduate visa.
• Gather Documents: Collect required documents, including your passport, biometric residence permit (if applicable), and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number.
• Complete Application: The candidates are required to apply online via the official UK government website. through a visa application centre. During your application process, you will be asked to provide details about your education, job, and financial status.
• Pay Fees: Submit the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
• Biometrics Appointment: Book and attend an appointment to provide your biometric information (photo and fingerprints) if required.
• Await Decision: Track your application status online and wait for the decision, which will be communicated via email or post.

Pro Tip: You can begin your online application and save your progress. Before you submit, double-check that your university has confirmed your course completion with the Home Office. Submitting too early is a common reason for application refusal.

Requirements to Apply for a Post-Study Work Visa

As an expansion of the eligibility criteria mentioned above, here are the points that you should be aware of regarding the requirements when you apply for a post-study work visa in the UK. Make sure to follow these guidelines so as to ensure a successful Graduate visa application:

1. Be in the UK: You must be present in the UK when applying. If you leave the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands before receiving a decision, your application will be withdrawn.
2. Complete the Required Course: You should have finished a bachelor's, postgraduate, or doctoral degree in the UK for the required duration on your Student visa.
3. Current Visa Status: You must hold a valid UK student visa that has not expired.
4. Confirmation of Completion: Your education provider (university/college that you studied at in the UK) must have informed the Home Office that you have completed your course.
5. Duration of Study: You have studied a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or another eligible course for the required duration of your Student visa.
6. English Language Proof: You are not required to demonstrate English language proficiency separately, as your UK university degree will suffice as proof of your English ability.
7. CAS Qualification: Ensure you have obtained the qualification listed on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) associated with your Student visa.

Post-Study Work Visa Rules for the UK

Understanding the post-study work visa UK eligibility is essential for international graduates aiming to start their careers in the UK. The Post study work visa in the UK is also known as the Graduate visa.

Application Timing: 

• You must apply before your current Student visa or Tier 4 visa expires and after your university has told the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course.
• You do not need to wait for your graduation ceremony.

Duration of Stay:

• Graduates: The visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 2 years after completing your course.
• Doctoral Graduates: If you have completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification, you can stay for up to 3 years.

Work Conditions:

• Employment: The UK Graduate visa, unlike sponsored routes such as the skilled worker visa, is not tied to a specific job or a specific employer. You can do multiple jobs at any skill level. The only restriction with this visa is that you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach.
• Employer Sponsorship: Not required for most roles; however, if you wish to switch to a visa that requires sponsorship, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, you need to meet its specific requirements.

Career Prospects & Sponsorship by Field:

• Health and Care Sector: Due to high demand within the UK's National Health Service (NHS) and private healthcare, graduates with relevant degrees often find a very clear path to long-term work. Because of this reason, It is typically easier for you to secure a sponsored job that qualifies for the Health and Care Worker visa, allowing for a smooth transition from your Graduate visa.
• STEM Fields: While the Graduate visa offers the same rights and duration to all graduates regardless of their subject, those with a STEM background often have an advantage in the UK job market. Because skills in science, technology, engineering, and maths are in high demand, you may find it easier to secure a role that can lead to long-term sponsorship on a Skilled Worker visa after your Graduate visa expires.
• Creative Arts: The path to long-term sponsorship after the Graduate visa can be more competitive in creative fields. This is because many roles are project-based, freelance, or may not meet the specific salary thresholds required for a future Skilled Worker visa. Thus, as a graduate, you should focus on building a strong professional portfolio and network to secure a suitable sponsoring employer.

Dependants in Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Visa)

As per the UK Government’s (gov.uk/graduate-visa/your-partner-and-children) website, your partner and children can apply as your 'dependants' if they are already in the UK as your dependants on your current Student visa. You cannot bring new dependants who were not on your Student visa. Here is a summary of the information related to the Graduate visa for your partner and children:

• Eligibility: Your partner and children must have been your dependants on your Student visa to be eligible.
• Eligible Family Members:
  • Your husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried partner.
  • Your child is under 18, including a child born in the UK during your stay.
  • Your child is over 18, if they are already in the UK as your dependant.
• Application Process: Each family member needs to submit a separate application and pay the visa fee.
• Identity Verification: Your partner and children will need to prove their identity as part of the application.
• Decision Timeline: A decision on the visa application is typically made within 8 weeks after the online application is submitted, identity is verified, and all required documents are provided.
• Visa Duration: If their visa is approved, it will have the same end date as your Graduate visa.

Financial Requirements: 

No specific maintenance funds requirement for the Graduate Visa; however, you must be able to support yourself and any dependants without recourse to public funds. Also, as mentioned earlier, the application cost for the Graduate visa is £880, and the annual Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) increased for the Graduate Visa, with the fee now set at £1,035 per year (£2,070 for a 2-year visa and £3,105 for a 3-year visa)

Time Period of Post Study Work Visa in UK

The decision on your Graduate Visa application will be communicated within 8 weeks. During this period, it is advisable to remain in the UK. If the processing time extends beyond 8 weeks, you will be notified via email. Possible reasons for a delay include the need for additional verification of your attached documents.

The Post-Study Work Visa, known as the Graduate Visa in the UK, allows international graduates to stay and work for up to 2 years after completing their studies or 3 years if they have a doctoral qualification. Extensions of this visa are not possible; however, visa holders can transition to other visa types if they wish to stay longer.

To transition to a different visa, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, you must secure a job with an approved sponsor and meet the specific criteria of that visa category.

As you graduate from your degree, if you require time to plan your next steps, be it to pursue a job and build your career or continue your pursuit of knowledge, acquiring a Post-Study Work Visa in the UK (Graduate Visa) can allow you to stay for up to 2 years (or 3 years for doctoral graduates) to gain work experience. While the visa cannot be extended, it provides a route to other visa types like the Skilled Worker Visa and other venues to further your academic and career aspirations. 

Eager to take the next step in your career with a post-study work visa in the UK? Contact AECC today to get expert guidance and support tailored to your needs. Let us help you navigate the eligibility criteria and make your career aspirations a reality!