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    UK Graduate Route (PSW) 2026: New Rules Explained

    By Lightning Enrolment Editorial TeamPublished Updated 8 min read

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

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    UK Graduate Route (Post Study Work) 2026: The New Rules

    The Graduate Route, often called the PSW visa, is the bridge between graduating and starting your UK career. In 2026 the core route is preserved, but several rules have tightened. Here is the full picture.

    Quick Summary

  1. Duration: 2 years (Bachelor's and Master's), 3 years (PhD)
  2. Sponsorship needed: No
  3. Work allowed: Any job, any salary, including self-employment
  4. Switching allowed: Yes, to Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder, Global Talent
  5. Extendable: No, the Graduate Route cannot be extended

    6. Who Is Eligible in 2026

    You can apply if you:

  6. Hold a valid Student visa at the time of application
  7. Successfully completed an eligible course (degree level or above) at a Track Record sponsor
  8. Are inside the UK when you apply
  9. Your university has notified the Home Office that you completed the course

    10. What Has Changed for 2026

    1. Track Record Sponsor Requirement Tightened

    Only universities holding a Track Record of Compliance (most established UK universities) can sponsor students whose graduates qualify for the route. New, smaller or non-compliant providers are excluded. Always verify your university is on the Register of Licensed Sponsors before accepting an offer.

    2. Compliance and Attendance

    The Home Office has signalled stricter monitoring of attendance and academic progression. Universities must report dropouts and non-engagement promptly. Students removed from a course before completion lose Graduate Route eligibility.

    3. Application Fee and IHS

  10. Application fee: £880 (2026)
  11. Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year for the duration of the visa
  12. For a 2-year visa, expect to pay around £880 + £2,070 IHS = £2,950 total

    13. 4. Salary Expectations for Switching to Skilled Worker

    If you want to switch from Graduate Route to Skilled Worker before the 2 or 3 years end, the general salary threshold is now:

  13. £38,700 general threshold
  14. New entrant rate: £30,960 (available for up to 4 years if you switch from Graduate Route)
  15. Going rate for the specific occupation code applies if higher

    16. The new entrant discount is the most important lever for graduates.

    5. Dependants

    Dependants who joined you on a Student visa cannot extend on the Graduate Route unless they were originally a dependant of a research postgraduate student. Plan finances accordingly.

    How to Apply, Step by Step

  16. Wait until your university confirms course completion to the Home Office
  17. Apply online at GOV.UK before your Student visa expires
  18. Pay the fee and IHS
  19. Verify identity using the UK Immigration ID Check app or attend a UKVCAS appointment
  20. Decision usually within 8 weeks

    21. What You Can Do on the Graduate Route

  21. Work for any employer, any sector
  22. Be self-employed or freelance
  23. Volunteer
  24. Travel in and out of the UK
  25. Switch into a sponsored route at any point

    26. What You Cannot Do

  26. Access most public funds
  27. Extend the Graduate Route
  28. Apply from outside the UK
  29. Work as a professional sportsperson

    30. Strategy: Use the 2 Years Wisely

  30. Months 1-3: Apply broadly, use university careers services, target Tier 2 sponsors
  31. Months 4-12: Get into a role that meets the Skilled Worker salary or has a clear path to it
  32. Months 12-18: Plan the switch to Skilled Worker before Graduate Route expires
  33. Last 6 months: Submit Skilled Worker application early, employers must hold a sponsor licence

    34. Useful Resources

  34. GOV.UK Graduate Route page
  35. Register of Licensed Sponsors (Workers)
  36. Your university international careers team

    37. Source: GOV.UK Graduate Route guidance, Home Office Statement of Changes HC 590, MAC Rapid Review 2024, Immigration Rules Appendix Graduate.

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