What Can I Do After Finishing PSW?

A post-study work visa is commonly known as PSW visa and officially Graduate visa. This visa allows graduates to stay and work in the UK. This type of visa is only for students with a UK degree or other relevant qualification from an higher education provider approved by UK. A post-study work visa permits you to stay in the UK for at least two years after completing a course at a British university. But if you are a PhD graduate, you can apply for a graduate route visa for up to three years.

International students who have started their studies in 2021 or later will be eligible to apply for a graduate route visa. But many students have already applied for a Post-study work visa, or their visa is about to expire. Nowadays, the most searched questions on Google are, “What can I do after finishing PSW?” and “What comes after a graduate route visa?”

In this article, we will discuss what happens after PSW in the UK and what an international student can do after the PSW expires. So, if you are already under this type of visa, hopefully, this article will help you learn what to do after PSW in UK and how to stay in UK after PSW.

What to do after expiring the PSW in UK?

The post-study work visa for the UK allows a graduate to work, stay for at least up to two years, and look for work. But once the PSW in the UK expires, the students who want to stay longer in the United Kingdom need to apply for a skilled worker visa, a general worker visa, or any other relevant visa.

However, to get a skilled worker visa, the candidate must earn at least £38,700 annually or £11.44 per hour (whichever is higher). The national minimum wage per hour changes on April 1 every year. However, to apply for a general worker visa, you must have a confirmed job offer.

Can I apply for a graduate route visa outside the UK?

According to the UK immigration rule, to apply for a graduate route visa, you must be in the UK and have an undergraduate, post-graduation, or other relevant degree for a minimum period. Those who apply for a PSW outside of the UK will be rejected or refused entry into the UK, and they could lose their eligibility to apply for the graduate route as a whole.

Can I extend my PSW in the UK?

No, the PSW (Graduate visa) cannot be extended. It is a one-time, non-renewable visa. After 2 years (or 3 years for PhD holders), you must either switch to another visa or leave UK.

But don’t worry, there are multiple visa pathways you can switch to while your PSW is still valid. Before your PSW expires, you can switch it to another relevant visa, like skilled worker visa or student visa.

Can I apply for PR after the PSW expires?

No. You can’t apply for PR after the PSW expires. Legally, you can apply for PR in the UK after 10 years of continuous residency. But you can apply after 5 years of residency if you are under a skilled worker visa, health and care, innovator, startup or global talent visa. 

Does PSW count for PR in the UK?

No, under the current immigration rule, the graduate route visa does not count towards indefinite leave to remain (ILR) under 5 years work route. However, the two years should be counted under the 10 years continuous residency route.

Can I study after PSW in UK?

Yes, you can study in the UK after your post-study work visa (PSW) expires. But you will need to apply for a new student visa before PSW expires, to continue your studies in the UK.

Can I switch from a graduate route visa to a UK student visa?

Yes, you can apply under PSW once, but you can switch back to the student route if you want to pursue another degree in the UK. This means if your graduate route visa expires, you can’t switch your visa to a general worker visa while you’re in UK. If you still want to stay longer in the UK, you can pursue another degree. For example, you can apply for a master’s if your previous degree is at the undergraduate level. Or you can apply for a second master’s by switching your graduate route visa into a student visa again.

UK Visas You Can Switch to After Your PSW (Graduate) Visa Expires

The PSW (Graduate Route) visa cannot be extended. But you can switch to another UK visa before it expires, if you meet the rules. Below are the most popular visa options without Student Visa. Many international graduates consider these after their post-study stay:

Skilled Worker Visa

This is the most popular next step. If you get a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor, you can apply for this visa and continue living and working in the UK. Your job must be on the eligible occupation list, and you must meet the salary requirement, which is usually at least £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour. You’ll also need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer. This visa is renewable and can lead to permanent residency (ILR) after 5 years.

Innovator Founder Visa

If you want to start a business, this visa may be for you. You’ll need a new and scalable business idea, plus an endorsement from an approved UK endorsing body. You must be the founder or co-founder and meet English language standards. If your business succeeds, you can apply for permanent residency after 3 years.

Global Talent Visa

This visa is for those with exceptional talent or promise in areas like science, research, tech, or the arts. You’ll need to be endorsed by a UK-recognized body (such as UKRI) or show evidence of international awards. You don’t need a job offer to apply, and this visa can also lead to settlement in 3 years.

Health and Care Worker Visa

If you have qualifications or job offers in healthcare or social care, this visa is a great option. It’s faster and more affordable than the Skilled Worker route. You’ll need a job offer from the NHS or an approved care provider, and the role must be eligible, such as nurse, paramedic, or care assistant. This visa offers lower salary requirements and reduced visa fees.

Spouse Visa

In general, Post-study work visas can be transferred to a general worker visa or a student visa, but you can apply for a spouse visa (5 years route) if you marry a UK Citizen and you meet all the requirements for switching to a spouse visa.

Documents Needed to Switch or Reapply

When you switch from your PSW (Graduate Route) visa to another UK visa, you’ll need to prepare several important documents. These prove your identity, eligibility, and ability to meet the new visa’s requirements.

• Valid Passport: Your current passport must be valid for the entire application process. It serves as your main identity proof.
• Graduate Visa (PSW) Details: You’ll need to provide evidence of your current PSW visa status. Also your visa grant letter or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): This applies if you’re switching to a Skilled Worker visa. Your employer will provide this official document confirming your job offer and role.
• Proof of Qualifications: Copies of your academic certificates (like your degree certificate). And professional qualifications which shows, you meet the eligibility criteria for your new visa.
• Proof of Funds: Some visas require you to prove you have enough money to support yourself. This usually means recent bank statements showing the required amount.
• TB Test and English Language Proof: Depending on the visa type and your nationality, you may need to pass a tuberculosis test and prove your English skills again.

Every visa has specific documentation requirements. Check the official UK government website or consult with AIMS Education before applying to avoid delays or refusals.

Why Early Planning Is Essential

Switching visas after your PSW ends requires careful timing. If you wait until your PSW visa is nearly expired, you risk losing the chance to switch while inside the UK. This can lead to complications or forced departure.
Here’s why planning early matters:

• Start 4–6 Months Ahead: Visa applications can take weeks or even months to process. Applying early helps you avoid last-minute stress or visa gaps.
• Research Your Options: Different visas have different rules, costs, and processing times. Explore which visa suits your goals and circumstances best.
• Apply for Jobs or Courses Early: For work visas, you need a confirmed job offer and sponsorship. For study visas, you need an acceptance letter from a licensed institution. Early action increases your chances.
• Gather Documents in Advance: Collecting passports, certificates, proof of funds, and other paperwork takes time. Prepare these early to prevent delays.
• Seek Professional Advice: Immigration rules change often. Consulting qualified advisers or services ensures your application is accurate and complete.

Being proactive saves you time, money, and legal problems. It also helps you maintain your legal status in the UK without interruption, allowing a smooth transition to your next visa.

Final Words

The United Kingdom is the top-chosen study destination for international students. Every year, a huge number of students visit the UK for education purposes and apply for the Post-study work visa after completing their education. So, in this article, we tried to cover what a student can do after finishing the PSW, or Graduate route visa. But if you still have any confusion regarding this topic, you can always contact AIMS Education.

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