The United Kingdom has always been the "dream hall" for students from all over the world, but in recent years more and more students are choosing to study in the United Kingdom.Study in the UKBehind the "study-work-work" program are not only the famous schools and teachers, but also the "study-work-work" program, which is the best way to get a job.immigrants"This realistic and feasible path. So, is it possible to stay and work in the UK after graduation?How exactly do you apply for a PSW visa? From PSW to permanent residence (PR) and which steps to take? This article will help you sort it out in the most practical way.
What is PSW, the first springboard to stay in the UK?
PSW (Post Study Work), officially known asGraduate Route, a graduate work visa introduced by the UK government in 2021.
Applicable objects:
-
Completion of an undergraduate degree, master's degree or doctorate at a formal university in the UK
-
Graduated while on Tier 4 student visa
Validity period:
-
Bachelor's/Master's: 2 years
-
PhD: 3 years
**Biggest Advantage:** No employer sponsorship, no minimum wage restriction, free to find a job, change jobs or start a business.
II. PSW Application Process｜Extraordinary Simplicity
-
Graduation with grades/letters of completion
-
Online submission of applications from within the country (cannot be operated from home)
-
Upload scanned copy of passport + BRP card
-
Payment of fees: Visa fee £700, IHS medical surcharge £936/year
-
awaiting approval: Generally 2-8 weeks for visa issuance
✅ No proof of funds required
✅ No need to retake IELTS
✅ Unrestricted type of work and salary level
What to do after PSW? Converting to "work visa" is the core
PSW is just a "transitional visa", the real key to permanent residence is to convert toSkilled Worker Work Visa (formerly Tier 2)The
Skilled Worker Requirements:
-
Get a CoS (letter of sponsorship) from a UK employer
-
Jobs fit the list of technical positions
-
Salary below **£26,200** Generally not approved
-
English B1 level (IELTS or proof of degree recognized by UKVI)
Work visas are available for a maximum of 5 years, with each year counting towards future permanent residence status.
How to get the permanent residence (ILR)?
To apply for UK PR (Indefinite Leave to Remain), you generally have to fulfill:
| sports event | request |
|---|---|
| Length of residence | 5 years continuous residence in the UK on a work visa |
| Wage requirements | Meeting industry "market rates" |
| English & Life in the UK | Passed the British Nationality Test (written test of general knowledge of life) |
| emigration control | Not more than 180 days/year for 5 years |
PS: UK PSW timeNot countablePermanent residence is 5 years, and only the time after transferring to a work visa begins to "accrue".
V. Recommendations for popular jobs in the UK (suitable for Chinese students)
| sector | Recommended Positions | Competitive advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Finance/Commerce | Data analyst, audit, consulting | Math and Science skills + Chinese language advantage |
| IT technology | Software Engineer, Product Manager | Skill shortages abound |
| Educational translation | Chinese language teachers, local translators | Scarcity of Chinese-English bilingualism |
| New media and trade | E-commerce operation, marketing | Familiar with the bilateral market between China and the UK |
VI. How to improve the "success rate of staying in the UK"?
-
More internships in advanceGaining work experience in the UK
-
Actively participate in school recruiting and Career Fair
-
Focusing on companies with Sponsor License status(Official website available)
-
Consider transitioning to a smaller company before jumping to a larger one.
VII. Conclusion
Studying in the UK is not only a journey of study, but also a springboard to a world-class workplace and a European lifestyle. The transition from a student visa to a PSW gives you up to two years of "buffer" to find a job in the UK; and as long as you seize the opportunity to get a Skilled Worker contract, you will have the chance to get a permanent residence or even a passport after working for five years.The UK will still be a worthwhile place to work hard in after 2025.
