International students who want to remain in the UK after finishing their studies can take the exciting step of applying for the UK Post-Study Work (PSW) visa, formerly known as the Graduate Route visa. Nonetheless, a lot of applicants are surprised to learn that their applications were turned down. You’re not the only one who has had their PSW visa denied. Every year, thousands of students deal with identical issues.
Why PSW Visa Applications Are Rejected
Applications for Graduate Route visas must meet stringent conditions set by the Home Office. The following are the most typical explanations for rejection:
1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documents
Frequently, applicants neglect to submit all necessary paperwork. Typical problems include:
- Missing BRP card or passport
- The CAS number is incorrect.
- Unconfirmed transcripts
- Mismatches in names between documents
2. Applying at the Wrong Time
It’s all about timing. A lot of applications are turned down for the following reasons: They were sent in too soon (before the university informed the Home Office that they were finished).
3. Course or University Not Eligible
Not every course is eligible for a PSW visa. Your application will be rejected if the duration, level, or institution of your course do not comply with Home Office regulations.
4. Failure to Complete Studies
Your application will be rejected by the Home Office if you withdraw, fail, or do not finish your degree.
5. Breaching Visa Conditions
Previous violations of your Tier 4 or student visa requirements, like:
- Excessive work hours
- Making use of fictitious documents
- Extending your visa
These violations can affect your PSW application outcome.
6. Issues with Fees or IHS Payment
Applications may be denied if the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) or application fee is not processed, is not paid, or is inaccurate.
7. University Reporting Delays
Sometimes it takes a long time for universities to report your degree to the Home Office. Your application may be rejected if this confirmation is not received.
8. Application Made from Outside the UK
Applications for the Graduate Route visa are only accepted within the United Kingdom. Applications sent from overseas will be automatically rejected.
Latest Updates on PSW Visa Rejections
As a result of more stringent compliance checks and a greater emphasis on eligibility requirements, the UK observed an increase in Graduate Route visa rejections in 2024–2025. Among the most significant updates are:
- Increased inspection of documents: The Home Office now does more rigorous cross-checks of documents.
- University responsibility: After students finish their courses, universities are under pressure to promptly update the Home Office. Students may suffer as a result of delays.
- A greater emphasis on overstaying: More students are being turned down when they apply after their visa has expired.
What to Do If Your PSW Visa Is Rejected
Although being rejected can be heartbreaking, there are things you can do:
1. Understand the Refusal Letter
The Home Office will explain why you were turned down. This will assist you in determining your next course of action, so carefully read it.
2. Consider Administrative Review
You can ask for an administrative review if you think the Home Office erred. This is a review of the decision rather than a new application.
3. Reapply With Corrected Documents
If your student visa is still valid, you might be able to fix any errors and reapply if the rejection was caused by inaccurate or missing information.
4. Seek Professional Legal Help
Refusals of visas are complicated, and each situation is different. Immigration attorneys can help you with new applications, appeals, and other ways to stay in the UK
Tips to Avoid PSW Visa Rejection
- When to apply: Only once your university certifies that you have finished your coursework.
- Examine your documents: Verify that the name, birthdate, and CAS number match.
- Correctly pay fees: Verify the IHS and visa payments twice.
- Respect the terms of your visa: Avoid going overboard or violating job boundaries.
- Continue to communicate with your university: Verify that they stated that you finished the course.
Conclusion
Rejection of a PSW visa can be upsetting, but it’s not the end of the story. You can increase your chances of success by being aware of the typical grounds for rejection, receiving legal counsel, and staying current with developments.
If your PSW visa has been denied and you require professional assistance, our knowledgeable immigration attorneys are available to assist you at every stage.
Adam Bernard Solicitors
Missing documentation, applying too early or too late, unpaid fees, or violating prior visa requirements are the main reasons why PSW visa applications are denied. Refusals can also occasionally result from universities’ tardiness in reporting course completion.
A Graduate Route denial is typically not appealable in the conventional sense, but if you think the Home Office erred, you can ask for an administrative review.
In certain situations, yes. You might be allowed to make corrections (to documents or fees) and reapply if your student visa is still valid. Your alternatives can be limited if your visa has expired.
You are not automatically barred from applying again after being rejected once. However, overstaying, fabricated paperwork, or repeated rejections could affect subsequent applications.
Before applying, you must wait for notification from your university to the Home Office. An early application will result in the denial of your visa. To find out whether your completion has been reported, get in touch with your university.
No, you have to apply for the Graduate Route visa from within the United Kingdom. We will not accept applications from outside the UK.
As long as you applied before your visa expired, your immigration status is protected while the Home Office processes your application or review.
The Home Office typically takes eight weeks to make a decision regarding a Graduate Route application. If further paperwork or checks are needed, there may be delays.
Yes, if you violated any of the terms of your previous student visa, such as working more than the allowed 20 hours per week during term time, your PSW (Graduate Route) visa application may be denied.
No, you forfeit your employment rights if your application is denied. Depending on your situation, you may need to appeal, reapply, or depart the United Kingdom
Yes, provided that your situation is complicated or you don’t know why your visa was denied. Attorneys are available to examine your letter of rejection, investigate your legal possibilities, and support any subsequent applications.
