The Graduate Route, commonly referred to as the Post-Study Work visa or PSW, allows international students who have successfully completed an eligible UK degree at a Home Office-approved higher education provider to remain in the UK to work or look for work. Applications must be submitted from inside the UK before your Student visa expires. The Graduate Route is an unsponsored visa, meaning you do not need a job offer, and there is no minimum salary requirement or restriction on the type of work you can do.
For applications submitted on or before 31 December 2026, the visa is granted for two years for bachelor's and master's graduates, and three years for PhD and doctoral graduates. From 1 January 2027, bachelor's and master's graduates will receive 18 months rather than two years. This makes timing important for graduates completing their studies in late 2026. The Graduate Route cannot be extended and does not count towards settlement, but it can be used as a platform to find sponsored employment and switch to the Skilled Worker route or another long-term visa before it expires.
NARA Solicitors can help you assess whether you meet the eligibility requirements, advise on timing your application correctly, and support your transition to a longer-term visa when the Graduate Route period comes to an end. If your goal is to build a pathway to permanent residence in the UK, planning that transition well before your Graduate visa expires is the most important step you can take.