London, April 30, 2025 — In a recent case highlighting the importance of immigration compliance, a UK Home Office decision has led to the rejection of a Post-Study Work (PSW) visa application filed by an Indian student, citing illegal employment during his academic tenure in the country.
Ravi Kumar Reddy, a 26-year-old postgraduate student from Andhra Pradesh, India, had recently completed his MSc in Data Science from a university in the Midlands. He applied for a Graduate Route visa—commonly known as a PSW visa—which allows international students to remain in the UK for two years after graduation to work or look for work. However, his application was turned down after it was discovered he had breached visa conditions by working beyond the legally permitted hours as a Tier 4 (Student) visa holder.
According to UK student visa rules, international students are typically allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time. An immigration review found that Mr. Reddy had been employed full-time for several weeks during the academic year in a warehouse job, exceeding the legal limit.
The Home Office issued a formal notice stating, “The applicant breached the conditions of their leave to remain by engaging in unauthorized employment. As such, their application under the Graduate Route has been refused.”
The decision has drawn concern among student support groups, who warn that many international students are not fully aware of the strict work limitations attached to their visas. However, immigration experts point out that the rules are clearly communicated by universities and visa sponsors.
Mr. Reddy, who expressed shock over the decision, claimed he took on extra shifts to cover rising living expenses amid the UK’s cost-of-living crisis. “I didn’t know it would cost me my future here,” he said.
The case serves as a cautionary tale for thousands of Indian students pursuing studies in the UK, especially as the Graduate Route continues to be a popular pathway for gaining post-study employment experience.
Legal experts advise that visa compliance is critical and violations—even those made unknowingly—can have serious, long-term consequences on immigration status and future UK visa applications.
https://www.ukstudenttimes.co.uk/news/2025/04/30/indian-student-psw-visa-rejected-illegal-work