Graduate Visa UK Guide

The Graduate visa is part of the UK’s points-based immigration system and is designed to allow eligible international students to remain in the UK to work, look for work, or start their own business after successfully completing an eligible course of study. It offers a flexible post-study period without the need for employer sponsorship, making it an attractive option for those who want to gain professional experience or explore career opportunities in the UK after graduating.

What this article is about
This guide provides a detailed overview of the UK Graduate visa, including who it is for, eligibility requirements, how to apply, the conditions of stay, and how the route fits into wider immigration planning. We also explain the key limitations of the route, how it can support your career ambitions, and the options available when the visa comes to an end. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of the process, requirements, and potential future pathways, helping you make informed decisions about your post-study plans in the UK.

The Graduate visa route is particularly valuable for those who have completed a UK degree-level or higher qualification at a recognised higher education provider with a track record of compliance. It is not extendable and does not lead directly to settlement, but it can be used as a stepping stone to other visas such as the Skilled Worker visa or Innovator Founder visa. As at 11 August 2025, the route remains open; the Migration Advisory Committee’s 2024 rapid review recommended keeping the route in its current form.

When used strategically, the Graduate visa can give you the breathing space to develop your professional profile, secure a qualifying role for sponsorship, and prepare for a longer-term immigration route. However, failing to plan ahead could mean facing a situation where you must leave the UK when your visa expires. This article will guide you through the rules, processes, and options to ensure you have clarity on your rights and responsibilities throughout your stay.

Section A: Graduate Visa Overview

The Graduate visa is one of the more flexible work routes under the UK immigration system, intended for international students who have recently completed eligible higher education studies in the UK. Introduced in July 2021, the route reinstated a post-study work option that had been unavailable for several years. It aims to give graduates the opportunity to gain UK work experience, explore career opportunities, and contribute to the economy without the immediate need for sponsorship from an employer.

Unlike most other UK work visas, the Graduate visa does not require a job offer, a specific salary level, or sponsorship by an employer. This makes it particularly attractive to those wishing to enter the labour market in a flexible way, whether through permanent employment, short-term contracts, self-employment, or even establishing their own business. The route also accommodates individuals who want to take time to find work or explore career directions before committing to a sponsored role.

1. What is the Graduate Visa?

The Graduate visa allows eligible applicants to remain in the UK for a fixed period after successfully completing an eligible course. The length of stay is two years for those awarded a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and three years for those awarded a doctoral qualification. This fixed duration is not extendable under the Graduate route, but holders may switch into another visa category before it expires. Your visa starts from the day your application is approved.

2. Who is it for?

The visa is available only to those who have completed an eligible qualification in the UK at a recognised higher education provider that holds a track record of compliance with the Home Office. Applicants must hold a valid Student visa at the point of application and be in the UK when they apply. They must also have studied in the UK for the minimum required period for their course.

3. Key benefits

• No employer sponsorship requirement, allowing freedom to work for any employer or be self-employed
• No minimum salary threshold for employment
• Permission to work in most roles, at any skill level, and to take voluntary work (subject to the rules on unpaid voluntary work)
• Opportunity to gain valuable UK work experience to strengthen a future Skilled Worker or other work visa application
• Right to continue living in the UK with eligible dependants who were already dependants under the Student route

Section Summary
The Graduate visa is a flexible post-study immigration option designed to help eligible international graduates remain in the UK and participate fully in the labour market. Its absence of sponsorship and salary requirements makes it one of the most accessible work visas available. However, its fixed and non-extendable duration means that forward planning is essential to maximise its value, especially for those wishing to stay in the UK beyond the Graduate visa period.

Section B: Eligibility Criteria

To apply successfully for a UK Graduate visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements set out under the Immigration Rules. These requirements focus on the applicant’s qualification, their immigration status at the time of applying, and compliance with UK study rules. Meeting all the criteria is essential, as applications that do not satisfy these requirements will be refused.

1. Course and institution requirements

Applicants must have completed an eligible qualification in the UK, which typically means:

• A UK bachelor’s degree
• A UK master’s degree
• A UK doctoral degree
• Certain specified professional courses, including law conversion courses approved by the SRA, the LPC/BPC (or equivalents), and PGCE/PGDE, among others your provider confirms as eligible

The course must have been completed at a recognised UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance. The qualification awarded must match what was stated on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) used for the Student visa.

2. Visa status requirements

Applicants must hold a valid Student visa (or previously Tier 4 (General)) and be physically in the UK when applying. The application is made from within the UK only. In most cases you must have studied in the UK for the minimum required period:

• If the course is longer than 12 months, at least 12 months must have been spent studying in the UK
• If the course is 12 months or less, you must have studied the entire course in the UK

Limited COVID-19 concessions apply for specified periods in 2020–2022.

3. Other eligibility rules

You must apply after your education provider has informed the Home Office that you’ve successfully completed your course and before your Student permission expires. Your provider sends this confirmation directly to the Home Office.

Dependants may also be eligible, but only if they are already in the UK as your dependants under the Student route (or Tier 4). New dependants generally cannot join you on the Graduate route; a UK-born child during your Student/Graduate permission can apply as a dependant. Each dependant must make a separate application and pay the relevant fees.

Section Summary
Eligibility for the Graduate visa is tightly defined and depends on having completed an eligible UK qualification at a compliant institution, holding a valid Student visa, and applying from within the UK before current leave expires. The rules around dependants are restrictive, and the study-in-UK requirement is enforced strictly, with limited exceptions. Meeting each element of the criteria is essential for a successful application.

Section C: Application Process & Fees

Applying for the Graduate visa is a straightforward process if you meet the eligibility requirements and prepare the correct documentation in advance. However, it is important to understand the process, the deadlines, and the associated costs to avoid unnecessary delays or refusals.

1. When and how to apply

Applications must be made online, from within the UK, and before your current Student permission expires. You can apply once your education provider has told the Home Office you have successfully completed your course; you do not need to wait for your graduation ceremony or certificate. As part of the process you will prove your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or at a UKVCAS appointment, depending on your nationality and document type.

2. Required documents

You will typically provide:

• A valid passport or other travel document
• Your current Student visa details
• Confirmation from your education provider that you have completed your course (sent directly to the Home Office)
• Biometric and identity evidence via the app or UKVCAS, as instructed

The Home Office may request further information if they need to verify eligibility.

3. Costs

There are two main costs:

• Application fee: £880
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year of permission (total £2,070 for a 2‑year grant; £3,105 for a 3‑year grant)

Both charges are paid at submission. The IHS gives you access to NHS services during your stay.

4. Processing times

Once you have applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you will usually receive a decision within 8 weeks. You can remain in the UK while you wait, provided you applied before your Student permission expired. In some cases you may be able to pay for a priority or super priority decision, depending on service availability at the time you apply.

Section Summary
The Graduate visa application is completed online and must be submitted before your Student permission expires. Ensure your provider has reported successful completion before applying. Fees consist of a £880 application charge plus the IHS at £1,035 per year, and decisions are usually within 8 weeks, with faster paid services sometimes available.

Section D: Conditions, Work Rights & Future Immigration Options

The Graduate visa comes with broad work rights, but also certain restrictions that applicants need to be aware of. It is designed as a temporary post-study route, meaning that it cannot be extended and does not directly lead to settlement. However, it can serve as a valuable stepping stone to other long-term immigration options.

1. Conditions of stay

Holders of a Graduate visa are allowed to:

• Work in most jobs, at any skill level
• Be self-employed or set up a business
• Take unpaid voluntary work
• Travel in and out of the UK freely

Restrictions include:

• No access to public funds or the State Pension
• No work as a professional sportsperson
• Study permitted only where the course is not eligible for the Student route; otherwise a Student visa is required

Permission is granted for two years if you completed a UK bachelor’s or master’s degree, or three years if you completed a UK doctoral degree.

2. Switching routes

You cannot extend a Graduate visa, but you may be able to switch to a different immigration category from within the UK before your visa expires. Common options include:

• Skilled Worker visa, with sponsorship from a licensed employer and a qualifying role meeting salary and skill rules
• Innovator Founder visa, for those starting an innovative business with an endorsement
• Other work routes such as Health and Care Worker, Scale-up Worker, or Global Talent, subject to eligibility

Switching into these categories allows you to move onto routes that can lead to settlement.

3. Path to settlement

Time spent in the UK under the Graduate visa does not count towards the qualifying residence period for Indefinite Leave to Remain. If your long-term aim is settlement, you will need to switch into a route that leads to ILR and complete the relevant qualifying period, usually five years, under that route. Strategic planning is essential to make the most of the Graduate period, including using the time to secure a qualifying Skilled Worker role.

Section Summary
The Graduate visa offers generous work rights and flexibility, but it is strictly time-limited and does not directly contribute towards settlement. Its value lies in the opportunities it provides to secure long-term employment or prepare for an alternative immigration route before it expires. Without planning, holders risk losing the chance to remain in the UK after their visa ends.

FAQs

Can I apply for the Graduate visa from outside the UK?
No. The Graduate visa is only open to applications made from within the UK by applicants who currently hold Student (or Tier 4) permission and are physically present in the UK when they apply.

How soon after my course ends should I apply?
You can apply once your education provider has told the Home Office that you have successfully completed the course you took with your Student/Tier 4 visa. You do not have to wait for your graduation ceremony. Apply before your Student permission expires.

Can my dependants join me on a Graduate visa?
Only if they are already in the UK as your dependants under your Student (or Tier 4) permission, or if a child was born in the UK during your Student/Graduate permission. Each dependant must make a separate application and pay the relevant fees.

Does the Graduate visa count towards ILR?
No. Time on the Graduate visa does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain. To work towards settlement, you must switch into a route that leads to ILR and complete the qualifying period in that route.

Can I start my own business on a Graduate visa?
Yes. You may be self‑employed or set up a business while on a Graduate visa, provided you do not work as a professional sportsperson.

What happens if my application is refused?
You may be able to request an administrative review if you believe a caseworker error was made. Otherwise, consider alternative visa routes before your current permission ends.

Conclusion

The Graduate visa provides a valuable opportunity for eligible international graduates to remain in the UK and take advantage of its diverse employment market without the immediate need for employer sponsorship. With the freedom to work in most roles, be self-employed, or start a business, it offers a period of flexibility to explore professional opportunities and gain practical experience after completing your studies.

However, the route is strictly time-limited and does not lead directly to settlement. This means that while it can be an important stepping stone, it requires forward planning to ensure you can transition smoothly into a long-term immigration category before your visa expires. Many graduates use this time to secure a Skilled Worker visa, launch an innovative business, or explore other routes such as the Global Talent visa.

To make the most of your Graduate visa, use the period to strengthen your employability, build professional networks, and research the visa routes that align with your career ambitions and immigration goals. By acting early, you can avoid the risk of your time in the UK coming to an abrupt end and position yourself for a stable future in the UK.

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Gill Laing

Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law. Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing & Content Agency for the Professional Services Sector.

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