Stay and Work in the UK with a Graduate Visa
UK Graduate Visas
International students who successfully complete their studies in the UK may be eligible to apply for a Graduate Visa, which allows them to stay in the country for up to two years, or three years for PhD graduates, after finishing their qualification. This route is designed to support graduates in gaining valuable work experience and contributing to the UK workforce.
To qualify for a Graduate Visa, applicants must have completed a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or another eligible course, and must hold a valid Student or Tier 4 (General) visa at the time of application. The Graduate Visa offers flexibility, allowing holders to work in most roles, travel freely, and bring eligible dependants, including a partner and children.
The application process involves submitting the relevant documentation, meeting all eligibility requirements, and paying the applicable fees. Unlike other work routes, the Graduate Visa does not require sponsorship, making it an accessible and attractive option for international graduates seeking career opportunities in the UK. This visa route provides an excellent platform to build professional experience and establish long-term career prospects in the UK.
For many graduates, the Graduate Visa also serves as a stepping stone to longer-term UK immigration routes, such as the Skilled Worker visa. By gaining UK work experience during this period, individuals can improve their employability, build strong professional networks, and enhance their chances of securing sponsored employment for future settlement options.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Graduate Visa in the UK, applicants must satisfy specific requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). These criteria ensure that only genuine graduates who have successfully completed an approved course and maintained lawful immigration status can apply under this route.
Applicants must have successfully completed an eligible UK qualification, such as a bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or another approved professional course. The qualification must be awarded by a licensed Higher Education Provider, and the successful completion must be officially reported to the Home Office by the educational institution.
In addition, applicants must hold a valid Student or Tier 4 (General) visa at the time of application and must apply from within the UK. Unlike many other visa routes, the Graduate Visa does not require proof of maintenance funds, making it more accessible for international graduates to transition into the UK job market without financial pressure.
Application Process
Qualification Requirements
To apply for a UK Graduate Visa, applicants must have successfully completed an eligible course at a recognised UK higher education institution. Eligible qualifications include:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A master’s degree
- A PhD or other doctoral qualification
The qualification must be awarded by a licensed education provider, and the successful course completion must be officially confirmed to the Home Office by the institution. Applicants must have studied in the UK while holding a valid Student or Tier 4 (General) visa and must apply for the Graduate Visa from within the UK.
Financial Requirements
Applicants are required to pay the Graduate Visa application fee of £822. In addition, they must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is currently charged at £624 per year of permission granted. This surcharge provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during the visa period.
Unlike many other UK visa routes, the Graduate Visa does not require applicants to show a minimum savings balance or maintenance funds, making it a highly accessible option for international graduates transitioning into work.
Maintenance Funds
There is no separate maintenance funds requirement for the Graduate Visa, provided the applicant has already met the financial requirements under their Student visa. This means applicants do not need to show bank statements or proof of personal savings at the time of applying.
Application Process
UK Graduate Visas
Required Documents
To apply for a UK Graduate Visa, applicants must provide a valid passport or travel document and their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), if issued with their previous visa. They must also submit proof of course completion and academic qualifications. Additional documents may be requested depending on individual circumstances.
Application Timeline
Graduate Visa applications are usually processed within a few weeks. Applicants should apply as early as possible after completing their course. Once submitted, the application can be tracked online, and any further document requests must be responded to within the given deadline.
Biometrics Appointment
Applicants are required to attend a biometrics appointment to provide their fingerprints and photograph. Appointment details are sent after the application is submitted, and applicants must attend in person with their passport and application confirmation.
Biometrics Appointment
While the Graduate Visa application process involves several steps, proper preparation and accurate documentation can significantly improve the chances of success. Professional guidance can also help ensure a smooth and hassle-free application process.
Visa Conditions , Extension & Settlement
Visa Conditions
The UK Graduate Visa comes with flexible and graduate-friendly conditions, allowing holders to live, work, and travel freely in the UK during the validity of their visa.
Work Permissions
Graduate Visa holders can work in any job role, for any employer, including self-employment and freelance work. They can also change employers freely without needing a new visa. The visa is granted for up to two years (or three years for PhD graduates).
Study Restrictions
Graduates are permitted to undertake further study, such as short courses or professional training. However, they cannot access public funds and cannot switch to a Student visa from within the UK.
Travel Regulations & Dependants
Graduate Visa holders can travel in and out of the UK without restrictions during their visa period. Eligible dependants, including a partner and children, can join or remain in the UK, provided they apply separately and meet the relevant requirements.
Visa Extension & Settlement
The UK Graduate Visa is non-extendable and is granted for two years (or three years for PhD graduates). However, before the visa expires, holders may be able to switch to another immigration route, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, provided they meet the relevant eligibility criteria, including securing a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence.
The Graduate Visa does not directly lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). However, time spent in the UK may support a future settlement application under other routes such as the Skilled Worker or Innovator Founder Visa, subject to meeting residence, salary, and language requirements, as well as passing the Life in the UK Test.
While the Graduate route itself does not provide settlement, it offers a valuable stepping stone to long-term UK immigration options through skilled employment and career progression.
Summary
The Graduate Visa offers a high level of flexibility, making it an excellent option for international graduates seeking UK work experience, further training, and international mobility.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
To be eligible for the UK Post-Study Work (Graduate) Visa, applicants must have successfully completed an eligible degree at a recognised UK institution and hold a valid Student or Tier 4 visa at the time of application. The education provider must have reported course completion to the Home Office, and the applicant must apply from within the UK. There is no separate English language or maintenance funds requirement at this stage, as these are already assessed under the Student visa.
The current application fee for the UK Graduate Visa is £822. In addition, applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £624 per year. Fees are subject to change, so applicants should always confirm the latest costs through official UK immigration guidance.
Yes, Graduate Visa holders can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa from within the UK if they secure a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor and meet the minimum skill and salary requirements set by the Home Office.
There is no strict absence limit attached to the Graduate Visa itself. However, long periods spent outside the UK may affect future settlement applications if you later switch into a route that leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Yes, in most cases, applicants can continue working legally under the conditions of their Student visa while their Graduate Visa application is being processed, provided they have completed their course and applied before their Student visa expires.
The Graduate Visa does not directly lead to settlement. However, it can act as a stepping stone to settlement, as holders may later switch to routes such as the Skilled Worker Visa or Innovator Founder Visa, which can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after meeting the required residence period.
