Finished Your Studies? Explore the UK Graduate Visa (PSW)
You worked hard to complete your studies. If you are in the UK on an eligible Student visa, the Graduate Visa may allow you to stay and take the next steps after graduation. Start by checking the key requirements and the timing of your application.
What is the Graduate Visa?
The Graduate route is an unsponsored UK immigration route for eligible people who successfully complete a qualifying course and meet the relevant study and immigration conditions. You must be in the UK when applying.
When can you apply?
Your education provider must have informed the Home Office that you successfully completed your course. The application must be submitted before your eligible Student permission expires. You do not necessarily need to wait for a graduation ceremony.
Graduate Visa duration
Under the rules checked in October 2026, qualifying non-doctoral applications submitted by 31 December 2026 usually receive two years; qualifying applications from 1 January 2027 normally receive 18 months. Eligible PhD or other doctoral qualifications can receive three years. Recheck current rules before publishing.
Important things to know
- Graduate permission cannot normally be extended.
- Some students may later qualify to switch to another immigration route.
- New dependants are generally restricted; existing eligible Student dependants may be able to apply.
- The applicant must meet the required course, provider and immigration conditions.
Our initial enquiry process
Tell us your course level, university, current visa expiry date and whether your provider has confirmed successful completion to UKVI. Please avoid uploading academic or identity documents before a secure review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for PSW from India?
No. The Graduate Visa must be applied for while you are in the UK and meet the route’s existing immigration requirements.
Do I need a job offer?
The Graduate Visa is unsponsored, so a job offer is not normally required for this route.
Can I extend my Graduate Visa after it expires?
No. The route cannot ordinarily be extended, but a different immigration route may be possible if you qualify.
Is PSW the official visa name?
The formal name is Graduate Visa. PSW is a widely used informal term meaning post-study work.