Hurmat, you got it right: A post-study work visa and a graduate visa are not different; instead, they are referred to as alternate versions of each other. I have decided to illustrate a few characteristics of PSW and graduate visas so you can better understand them from every angle.
Similarities
Here are the points that make post-study work and graduate visas the same.
· Purpose: Post-study work visas and graduate visas are the immigration procedures by which international students can live and work in the UK after they complete their education.
· Duration: Post-study work and graduate visas allow students to live in the United Kingdom for two years. However, the visa duration extends to three years if a higher degree, such as a PhD or doctorate, is required.
· Eligibility: Even the eligibility criteria for obtaining a post-study work or graduate visa are almost identical. For example, the applicant must be an international student of the UK, have a UK-qualified degree, live in the UK, and be an active or valid study visa holder.
Differences
As such, no factors exist to distinguish post-study work visas from graduate visas. However, the change in policies makes them separable.
For instance, UK immigration discontinued post-study work visas in 2012. Remember, they were available under the Tier 1 category. On the other hand, a Graduate Route is a new scheme that has replaced the PSW visa and was introduced in 2021 under the Tier 4 category. Primary notable differences are:
· Existence
· PSW visa discontinued in 2012
· Graduate visa in introduced in 2021
· Graduate Route is the latest scheme that allows students to work in the UK for two years.
I hope your confusion will be cleared after reading this. If you would like more information, you can leave your question here to get a transparent and clear explanation.
