What is a Post-Study Work Permit in the UK?

As of June 2025, the UK issued over 4,30,000 sponsored study visas. This marks a 52% increase compared to 2019, highlighting the growing interest of international students in pursuing higher education in the country. For many, studying in the UK is not just about completing a degree; it also opens doors to valuable career opportunities. One key route for students to remain in the country after graduation is through the Graduate Visa, often referred to as the “post-study work permit”. In this article, we’ll explore what a post-study workpermit for the UK is, who is eligible, how to apply for it, and the practical benefits it offers.

What Is the Graduate Visa (also known as the post-study work permit)?

The Graduate Visa is designed for international students who have successfully completed a recognised qualification in the UK and wish to stay temporarily to work or look for employment. The visa typically lasts:

• Two years for bachelor’s and master’s graduates
• Three years for PhD and other doctoral graduates

During this period, graduates can live and work in the UK without restrictions on employment type, allowing them to gain professional experience, explore career options, or even start their own business. While the post-study graduate Visa for the UK does not directly lead to permanent settlement, it provides a valuable opportunity to transition from academic life to the professional world.

The Graduate Visa is managed by the Home Office, which is the UK government department responsible for immigration, security, and law enforcement. The Home Office processes applications, ensures compliance with immigration rules, and issues visas like the Graduate Visa to eligible students.

Who is eligible for a UK post-study work permit?

To qualify for post-study work permit for the UK, applicants must:

• Already be present in the UK on a valid student visa
• Have successfully completed an eligible course such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programme
• Ensure that their university or college has formally reported their course completion to the Home Office

It’s also important to note that dependants who joined a student during their course cannot automatically get Graduate Visas for themselves. They may need to explore separate options if they want to remain in the UK.

By meeting these requirements, students can transition smoothly from being a full-time learner to being a graduate with the right to work, while still remaining in compliance with immigration rules.

How to apply for PSW visa in the UK?

The Graduate visa application process takes place entirely within the UK. Here’s how it works in practice:

• Check eligibility – Before starting, ensure your university has reported your course completion to the Home Office. Without this confirmation, you cannot proceed.
• Apply online – Applications are submitted through the official UK government website while you are still on your valid student visa. It’s essential to apply before your visa expires.
• Prepare documents – Make sure all your records are up-to-date and organised. Having everything ready in advance will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free application process.
• Pay the required fees – The Graduate visa has an application fee, along with the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the UK’s National Health Service during your stay.
• Biometrics and decision – In some cases, you may be asked to provide biometrics again through the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS). Once processed, you’ll receive confirmation of your visa, usually electronically.

Processing times for the post study work visa for the UK can vary, but applications are generally processed within 8 weeks.

Documents Required for a Graduate Visa Application

When applying for a Graduate Visa in the UK, applicants must provide specific documents to confirm their identity, previous student status, and eligibility. Having these ready in advance helps make the process smoother.

Essential documents:

• Valid passport or travel document – showing your identity and nationality.
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number – issued by your education provider when you first applied for your Student or Tier 4 (General) visa.
• Proof of a valid Student or Tier 4 visa – this can be shown through:
• a biometric residence permit (BRP), which remains valid for 18 months beyond the expiry date printed on it
• an online immigration status share code, if you have an eVisa

If you cannot locate your CAS reference number, your education provider can re-confirm it for you.

Additional documents (if applicable):

Depending on your situation, you may also need to submit:

• Proof of relationship if your partner or children are applying with you.
• Letter of approval from your scholarship or sponsorship provider, if they covered both tuition fees and living expenses in the past 12 months
• Certified translations for any documents not in English or Welsh.

Preparing both the mandatory and potential additional documents in advance ensures there are no last-minute delays in your application process.

Cost of Applying for a Graduate Visa

Applying for an after study work permit in the UK involves two main expenses: the application fee and the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS).

Application fee:

• A one-time fee of approximately £880 is payable when you submit your Graduate Visa application.

Immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS):
This is a mandatory charge that allows you to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. The amount depends on the length of your visa:

• 2-year Graduate Visa: approximately £2,070
• 3-year Graduate Visa (for PhD graduates): approximately £3,105

Refund option for healthcare workers:
If you take up eligible public sector healthcare work after paying the IHS, you may be able to apply for a refund.

What You Can and Cannot Do while on a Graduate Visa

The UK Graduate Visa offers international students flexibility to work and explore career opportunities after completing their studies. However, like any visa, it comes with specific conditions that applicants must follow.

What You Can Do

With a GraduateVisa, you are allowed to:

• Work in most jobs across sectors.
• Look for new employment opportunities without restrictions on job type or salary.
• Be self-employed and start your own business, provided it is within permitted sectors.
• Continue living in the UK with eligible dependants, such as your partner or children, if they meet the requirements.
• Travel abroad and return to the UK freely during the visa validity period.
• Undertake voluntary work, provided it is unpaid and with an approved organisation such as:
• A registered charity
• A voluntary organisation or its fundraising body
• A statutory body (e.g., Historic England)

What You Cannot Do

The Graduate Visa restricts certain activities. You cannot:

• Apply for most public funds or the State Pension, as these are not accessible under this visa category.
• Work as a professional sportsperson, including roles such as coach or player.
• Switch to certain visa types directly, unless you meet their specific eligibility criteria.

By being aware of these do’s and don’ts, students can make better career decisions and remain compliant with UK immigration rules throughout their post-study stay.

Conclusion

The Graduate Visa allows international students to stay in the UK after graduation to work and gain professional experience. It provides valuable time to explore career opportunities and plan next steps.

For many Indian students and families, planning higher education in the UK goes beyond securing admission; it includes financial preparation and future opportunities like the Graduate Visa. Credila’s overseas education loans can help students cover tuition and living costs with flexible repayment plans. With your finances taken care of, you can focus entirely on your studies and make the most of the opportunities available after graduation in the UK.