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    PSW Graduate Route April 2026: Detailed Rules and Eligibility

    By Lightning Enrolment Editorial TeamPublished Updated 10 min read

    Reviewed against official UK university and UKVI sources. See oureditorial policy.

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    The PSW Graduate Route from April 2026

    The Graduate Route, often called the PSW visa, lets international graduates stay in the UK to work or look for work after completing an eligible course. From April 2026 the rules tighten in several important ways.

    Who is Eligible

  1. You must hold a valid Student visa at the time of application
  2. You must have completed an eligible course at a track record sponsor
  3. The course must lead to a UK bachelor's, master's or PhD level qualification

    4. Duration in 2026

  4. Bachelor's and master's graduates: 18 months (reduced from 24 months)
  5. PhD graduates: 3 years (unchanged)
  6. The route remains non extendable and does not count towards settlement

    7. Application Timing

    You must apply:

  7. From inside the UK
  8. Before your Student visa expires
  9. After your university has confirmed course completion to the Home Office

    10. Costs

  10. Application fee: GBP 880
  11. Immigration Health Surcharge: GBP 1,035 per year

    12. For an 18 month grant, expect to budget around GBP 2,400 in total.

    Work Rights on the Graduate Route

  12. Work in any job at any skill level
  13. Be self employed or freelance
  14. Take internships and volunteer roles
  15. You cannot access most public funds
  16. You cannot work as a professional sportsperson

    17. Switching to the Skilled Worker Visa

    This is where many graduates plan to go next. Key 2026 thresholds:

  17. General salary floor: GBP 38,700 per year for most roles
  18. New entrant discount: available for those switching from the Graduate Route, typically 30 percent lower
  19. Job must be at RQF Level 6 or above for most occupations
  20. Sponsor must hold a valid licence

    21. Practical Strategy for 2026 Graduates

  21. Start your job search 6 months before graduation
  22. Target licensed Skilled Worker sponsors from day one
  23. Consider shortage occupations for easier salary thresholds
  24. Use the Graduate Route as a bridge, not a destination
  25. Keep payslips, contracts and HR letters organised for the switch

    26. Sectors Hiring Graduate Route Holders in 2026

  26. Technology and software engineering
  27. Healthcare and social care
  28. Engineering and construction
  29. Finance and consulting
  30. Education and academia

    31. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  31. Waiting until the Student visa is about to expire
  32. Accepting roles with non sponsoring employers without a switching plan
  33. Underestimating the new salary floor when negotiating offers
  34. Missing the in country application requirement

    35. Source: GOV.UK Graduate Route guidance, Home Office Statement of Changes April 2026, UKCISA Graduate Route briefings.

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