Possible Things to Do After PSW

For thousands of international graduates, the clock is ticking. The Graduate Route (PSW) is a one-time visa that cannot be extended. If you do not switch to a different immigration route before your current visa expires, you will become an “overstayer” and face a potential re-entry ban.

The “New Entrant” Discount

The standard salary threshold for a Skilled Worker visa is now a steep £41,700 per year. However, if you are switching from a Graduate visa, you are classified as a “New Entrant.” This means you can be sponsored on a lower salary of £33,400 (or 70% of the job’s going rate) for up to 4 years.

Official Resource: For more information, visit the official UK government guidance on the Graduate visa.

Your 5 Best Options to Stay in the UK

1. Skilled Worker Visa (The Standard Route)

• Best for: People with a secure job offer.

• The Rule: You need a licensed sponsor. As a “New Entrant” switching from the Graduate route, your minimum salary requirement is discounted to £33,400 for up to 4 years.

• 2026 Update: You now need Level B2 English (Upper Intermediate) to qualify.

2. Scale-Up Visa (The “Flexible” Route)

• Best for: High-earners seeking career freedom.

• The Rule: You need a job offer from a “High Growth” company paying at least £36,300.

• The Big Benefit: You only need to be sponsored for 6 months. After that, you are free to work for anyone (or yourself) without needing a new visa.

3. Global Talent Visa (The “Gold Ticket”)

• Best for: Leaders in Tech, Arts, or Research.

• The Rule: No job offer is needed. Instead, you need an endorsement from a body like Tech Nation or the Arts Council proving you are a leader or a “Promising Leader” in your field.

• The Benefit: Total freedom to change jobs or start a business.

4. Innovator Founder Visa

• Best for: Serious Entrepreneurs.

• The Rule: You must have an “innovative, viable, and scalable” business idea approved by an endorsing body. It must be a unique concept, not a standard retail shop.

5. Switch Back to Student Visa (Master’s / PhD)

• Best for: Those who want to upskill or need more time.

• The Catch: You cannot work full-time (only 20 hours/week during term time), and this time does not count toward the 5-year route to Settlement (ILR).

• The Strategy: This buys you another 1–2 years in the UK to network and find a sponsor for after your second graduation.