Applying for a PSW or Graduate Visa in the UK as an Indian Student

Planning to stay and work in the UK after completing your studies? The Post-Study Work (PSW) visa, officially known as the Graduate visa, offers Indian students the chance to gain real-world experience in one of the world’s most competitive job markets.

At LEAMSS, we help students like you understand and navigate the UK Graduate visa process—right from eligibility to application.

What is the Graduate Visa?

The Graduate visa allows international students to remain in the UK for up to two years (or three years for PhD holders) after successfully completing an eligible course. The best part? You don’t need a job offer or sponsor to apply.

This visa gives you time to explore your career options, build professional networks, and even switch jobs or industries.

Why the Graduate Visa Matters

Introduced in July 2021, the Graduate visa has quickly become a preferred route for Indian students. In 2023 alone, over 114,000 main applicants and 29,000+ dependents were granted Graduate visas—India led the list of top nationalities.

Average salary for Indian Graduate Visa holders in 2023: £25,465

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the Graduate visa, you must:

• Be in the UK during application.

• Hold a valid Student visa.

• Have completed an eligible course (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or others listed below).

• Have been reported to the UK Home Office by your education provider as having successfully completed your course.

Eligible Courses Include:

• Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD

• Law conversion courses

• Legal Practice Course (LPC)

• Bar Practice Course

• Foundation programmes in medicine or dentistry

• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) / Diploma (PGDE)

• Other courses leading to regulated professions

Study duration requirements:

• If your course was longer than 12 months: you must have studied for at least 12 months in the UK.

• If your course was less than 12 months: you must have completed the entire course in the UK.

Changed Your Course?

If you switched your course after arriving in the UK (without applying for a new Student visa), you’re still eligible—as long as your university approved the change and you completed the new course.

When & How to Apply

You can apply once:

• You receive your final results

• Your university confirms course completion to the UK Home Office

📌 Important:
Apply while your Student visa is still valid. Do not leave the UK until you receive your Graduate visa decision.

Required Documents

When applying online via Gov.uk, prepare:

• Valid passport

• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

• CAS reference number (from your Student visa)

• Proof of relationship (for dependents)

• Sponsor letter (if applicable)

Can My Dependents Apply?

Yes! If your spouse/partner or children were in the UK as your Student visa dependents, they can apply to extend their stay under your Graduate visa.

Graduate Visa Fees

What You Can and Cannot Do

Studying Further?

If you want to pursue another degree (e.g., Master’s after a Bachelor’s), you’ll need to apply for a new Student visa. The Graduate visa is only for post-study work.

Planning to Stay Longer?

Once your Graduate visa ends, you must switch to another visa to continue living in the UK. Popular next steps:

1. Skilled Worker Visa

• Requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor

• Must meet minimum salary and English proficiency

• Valid for up to 5 years with pathway to permanent residency

Top industries hiring:

• Healthcare & Social Work

• IT & Communications

• Finance

• Engineering

• Manufacturing

Skilled Worker Visa Costs:

• Application Fee: £719 to £1,639

• Healthcare Surcharge: £1,035/year

• Maintenance Funds: £1,270 (unless exempt)

2. Innovator Founder Visa

Want to start a business? This visa is ideal if you have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea backed by an approved endorsing body.

Why Choose the Graduate Visa Route?

Especially for Indian students, this visa offers:

• 2–3 years of work opportunity post-graduation

• No employer sponsorship needed

• Full work rights for dependents

• Freedom to explore any sector

• A clear pathway to long-term stay

Need Help with Your UK Visa?

Whether you're applying for a Graduate visa, switching to a Skilled Worker visa, or planning your entire UK education and career pathway—LEAMSS is here to help.

We provide:

• Personalized counselling

• Visa application guidance

• Documentation support

• Career planning in the UK

📞 Call us today at - 1800-210-2427
📧 Email: info@leamss.com
🌐 Website: www.leamss.com

Take the next step in your UK journey with confidence—LEAMSS is with you all the way!