Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa & Graduate Immigration Route Guide for Nepali

If you’re a student from Nepal aspiring to study in the UK, you’re probably looking forward to more than just a degree. You might be considering staying in the UK after your studies to gain work experience and explore career opportunities. The good news is that the Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa, also known as the Graduate Immigration Route, allows international students like you to stay in the UK for an extended period after completing your course. This article will guide you through the key details of this route, including eligibility, benefits, and the application process.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of how the PSW visa works and how it can help you gain practical experience and a better foothold in your career. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

The Graduate Immigration Route (GIR), or Graduate Visa, is a post-study work visa for international students who have completed an eligible course in the UK. It gives you a chance to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates) after finishing your studies.

Key Benefits of the Graduate Immigration Route

• Stay and Work: You can work, or look for work, at any skill level.
  
• No Sponsorship Required: Unlike some other work visas, you don’t need a sponsor or a job offer to apply.
  
• Work Flexibility: You can work in any role or switch jobs freely.
  
• Career Boost: This route allows you to build your career and gain valuable UK work experience.
  

This route is perfect if you want to explore different job opportunities and establish your career before transitioning to a long-term work visa, like the Skilled Worker Visa.

Who is Eligible for the Graduate Visa?

To qualify for the Graduate Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Completion of a UK Course: You must have completed an eligible course at a recognized UK higher education institution.
  
• Valid Student Visa: You should be on a valid student visa when applying for the Graduate Visa.
  
• Apply from within the UK: You must apply while you are still in the UK. You cannot apply from Nepal or any other country.
  

If you meet these criteria, you’re eligible to apply for the Graduate Visa, regardless of whether you have a job offer lined up.

Duration of the Graduate Visa

• Bachelor’s and Master’s Graduates: Stay for up to 2 years.
  
• PhD Graduates: Stay for up to 3 years.
  

This gives you ample time to search for work and gain hands-on experience in your field. You can use this time to explore different industries, apply for internships, or even start your own business.

How to Apply for the Graduate Visa

The application process for the Graduate Visa is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Complete Your Course: First, ensure that you’ve completed an eligible course at a recognized UK institution.
   
2. Apply Online: You can apply for the Graduate Visa through the official UK government website. You’ll need to provide your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number and other relevant documents.
   
3. Submit Required Documents:
   
   • Valid passport
     
   • Biometric Information (you’ll need to provide fingerprints and a photo)
     
4. Pay the Application Fees:
   
   • Graduate Visa Fee: £715
     
   • Immigration Health Surcharge: £624 per year
     
5. Please wait for a Decision: Typically, it takes around 8 weeks to receive a decision on your application.

Common Questions About the Graduate Immigration Route (PSW Visa)

1. Can I apply for the Graduate Visa from Nepal?

• No, you must be in the UK to apply for the Graduate Visa. You cannot apply for this visa from Nepal.
  

2. Do I need a job offer to apply for the Graduate Visa?

• No, you do not need a job offer. You can apply for the Graduate Visa without securing a job first.
  

3. How long can I stay in the UK after completing my studies?

• You can stay for 2 years if you’ve completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or 3 years if you’ve completed a PhD.
  

4. Can I bring my family to the UK on the Graduate Visa?

• Yes, your partner and children can apply to stay with you if they were your dependents during your studies.
  

5. What type of jobs can I do on the Graduate Visa?

• You can work at any skill level in any job. There are no restrictions on the type of work you can do.
  

6. Can I switch to another type of visa while on the Graduate Visa?

• Yes, if you secure a job that meets the requirements, you can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa.
  

7. Is the Graduate Visa the same as the Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa?

• Yes, the Graduate Visa is often referred to as the PSW Visa. It provides similar benefits, allowing international students to stay and work in the UK after completing their studies.
  

8. Can I study while on the Graduate Visa?

• Yes, you can study, but your primary purpose must be working.
  

9. How much does it cost to apply for the Graduate Visa?

• The application fee is £715, and you’ll also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £624 per year.
  

10. Can I apply for permanent residence after the Graduate Visa?

• The Graduate Visa doesn’t lead directly to permanent residence, but it can be a stepping stone toward applying for a Skilled Worker Visa or other long-term work visas.

Transitioning from the Graduate Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa

The Graduate Visa is an excellent opportunity to explore career options and gain work experience. However, if you wish to stay longer in the UK, you can transition to a Skilled Worker Visa once you find a qualifying job. This route leads to permanent settlement in the UK, so it’s a natural next step for those who want to build a long-term career in the UK.

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