Post-Study Work Visa

What is a Post-Study Work Visa?

The Post Study Work Visa, also known as the Graduate Route, is a new visa that offers an exciting opportunity for TBC students graduating in (or after) 2021, to live and work in the UK.

Post-study work visas (PSW) are for international students who are graduating at any time, starting from the Summer of 2021. It will allow eligible students to live and work in the UK for up to two years after completing their Undergraduate or Master’s degree, or three years after their PhD. The PSW Visa will be available to international students who have a valid student visa at the time of application and have completed a degree at undergraduate level or above at an approved Higher Education Provider, such as The University of the West of England (UWE, Bristol) or Leeds Beckett University. TBC partners with both of these British Universities, and as such students have the option to transfer to one of them after completing either their foundation, first-year or bachelors degree with TBC.

Successful applicants who have completed an undergraduate or master’s degree will be able to stay and work or look for work in the UK at any skill level for a maximum period of two years. PhD graduates will be allowed an additional year and can stay for up to three years. Graduates of all levels will then have the opportunity to switch onto a skilled work visa once they have found a suitable job. This job does not need to be in any specific field, which means it is suitable for all skills sets and is ideal for any students who wish to embark on a career abroad and experience life in the UK.  

Eligibility Criteria

So who can apply? Check below for the eligibility criteria for the Post Study Work visa,  and note that in light of covid-19, the UK government has allowed certain concessions for students - meaning the difficulties of recent times, won’t get in the way of your chance to apply. 

• If you’re beginning your studies in the 2020-21 academic year, you will be able to benefit from this new visa opportunity, even if you begin your degree online in your home country due to Covid-19. 
• If you are due to complete your course in the Summer of 2021 but have been unable to travel to the UK just yet, you will still be eligible to apply for the PSW Visa when it launches, as long as you arrive in the UK before the 6th April 2021 and complete the final semester of your studies in the UK. 
• If you are starting a one-year master’s course in January 2021, you will need to arrive in the UK by 27th September 2021 and complete the final semester of your studies in the UK, to be eligible to apply for the PSW Visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still, have questions? Read below for answers to some of the most frequently asked queries, or get in touch with the team for anything that is not included.

Will the university need to sponsor my application?

No. You will not need any sponsorship to apply for the PSW Visa.

How many people can access the PSW Visa?

There will be no cap on the number of people who can benefit from the PSW Visa.

Will there be any restrictions on the work I will be able to do with a PSW Visa?

There will be no minimum salary level for the PSW Visa. You can seek advanced roles related to your degree, or develop your CV and seek experience in other positions.

What will happen if I don't find a job after my degree?

You don't need to be in work to qualify for the PSW Visa and periods of unemployment won't have any impact on the length of your post-study work visa.

What will happen when my PSW Visa expires?

At the end of the two years, you will need to leave the UK. Alternatively, you can apply for a different visa, such as a Tier 2 General work visa to continue your stay.

The Tier 2 visa does require you to have an employment offer with a minimum skill and salary level, but your time on the PSW Visa should make it much easier to work towards this.

You won't be able to apply for a second PSW Visa if you aren't eligible for a Tier 2 visa.

Will I need to apply again if I already have a Tier 4 visa?

Yes. You will need to apply for a separate PSW Visa before your Tier 4 visa expires.

Will there be a fee for the PSW Visa?

Yes. You will need to pay a separate visa fee to access the PSW Visa. You will also need to pay another Immigration Health Surcharge to cover each additional year you spend in the UK.

Is the PSW Visa affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak?

The PSW Visa remains on course to be introduced from Summer 2021. You may still be eligible if you are forced to complete part of your degree via distance learning, provided you arrive in the UK before 6th April 2021 to complete a semester of study through face-to-face learning at your university.

Where can I learn more about PSW Visa?

To learn more about PSW Visa you can visit The British College or give us a call at 01597003/+977 9801134304.