Graduate Visa UK: Stay & Work After Studying

The Graduate visa allows international students to stay in the UK for at least two years after completing an eligible course. PhD graduates can stay for up to three years. This visa provides an opportunity to work, gain experience, or switch to a long-term visa. Read on to learn about eligibility, costs, and the application process.

What Is a Graduate Visa?

A Graduate visa is a post-study work visa that allows international students to remain in the UK after completing their studies. This visa lets you work in most jobs, be self-employed, and live with eligible dependants.

Eligibility for a Graduate Visa

You can apply for a Graduate visa if:

• You are in the UK when you apply.
• You currently hold a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.
• You successfully completed an eligible UK degree or course.
• Your education provider has informed the Home Office about your course completion.

If you are unsure whether your education provider has reported your course completion, check with them before applying.

How Long Can You Stay?

• Bachelor’s or Master’s graduates: 2 years
• PhD or doctoral graduates: 3 years

Your Graduate visa starts from the date your application is approved.

Can You Extend a Graduate Visa?

You cannot extend a Graduate visa, but you may switch to another visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa.

How to Apply for a Graduate Visa

When to Apply

You must apply before your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa expires. You can apply as soon as your education provider informs the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course. You do not need to wait for your graduation ceremony or certificate.

Application Process

1. Apply online – Applications are submitted through the UK government website.
2. Prove your identity – This may involve using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app or visiting a UKVCAS service centre.
3. Submit required documents – See below for details.

You can stay in the UK while waiting for a decision, which usually takes up to 8 weeks.

Graduate Visa Fees & Costs

When applying, you must pay:

• £822 application fee.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – £1,035 per year (£2,070 for 2 years, £3,105 for 3 years).

Healthcare Workers

If you work in public sector healthcare, you may be eligible for a Health and Care Worker visa, which has lower fees and does not require the health surcharge.

What You Can & Cannot Do with a Graduate Visa

With a Graduate visa, you can:

✅ Work in most jobs.
✅ Be self-employed.
✅ Continue living with eligible dependants.
✅ Do voluntary work.
✅ Travel in and out of the UK.

However, you cannot:

❌ Access public funds (benefits).
❌ Work as a professional sportsperson.

Studying on a Graduate Visa

You can study on a Graduate visa only if your course is not eligible for a Student visa. If your course qualifies for a Student visa, you must extend your Student visa instead.

For certain subjects, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

Graduate Visa: Eligible Courses & Study Requirements

Which Courses Qualify?

To be eligible, you must have completed:

• A UK bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or doctorate
• A law conversion course approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
• The Legal Practice Course (LPC), Bar Practice Course (BPC), or Solicitors Course
• A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)
• A foundation programme in medicine or dentistry

Some courses related to regulated professions may also qualify. Check with your education provider if unsure.

How Long Do You Need to Have Studied in the UK?

• Courses longer than 12 months: You must have studied in the UK for at least 12 months.
• Courses shorter than 12 months: You must have studied in the UK for the entire course duration.

If you studied remotely due to COVID-19, special rules may apply.

Documents Needed to Apply for a Graduate Visa

You’ll need:

✔ A valid passport or other travel document.
✔ Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from your Student visa application.
✔ Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or an online proof of your immigration status.

Depending on your circumstances, additional documents may be required, such as:

• Proof of relationship for dependants.
• Letter of approval from your scholarship provider (if applicable).
• Certified translations if documents are not in English or Welsh.

Applying for a Graduate Visa with Dependants

Your partner and children can apply to stay in the UK if they were dependants on your Student visa.

Eligible dependants include:

👫 Your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner.
👶 Your children under 18.
🧑‍🎓 Your children over 18 (if they were dependants on your Student visa).

New dependants cannot apply under the Graduate visa, but they may qualify if you switch to a Skilled Worker visa.

How to Apply for Dependants

Each dependant must apply separately and provide:

• A valid passport or travel document.
• Their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or eVisa status.
• Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate or birth certificate).
• Evidence of cohabitation (for partners).

Your dependants must not travel outside the UK until they receive a decision, which usually takes 8 weeks.

What Happens After You Apply?

🔹 You will receive a decision within 8 weeks.
🔹 If successful, you will receive an eVisa as proof of your immigration status.
🔹 You may need to attend a biometric appointment at a UKVCAS service centre.

If your application is delayed, UKVI will notify you.

Read This: Skilled Worker Visa UK – Everything You Need to Know

The Graduate visa offers international graduates the opportunity to work and gain experience in the UK after their studies. While it cannot be extended, it can be a stepping stone to long-term visas like the Skilled Worker visa.

✅ Plan ahead and check your eligibility.
✅ Apply before your Student visa expires.
✅ Ensure you have the correct documents.

Source / Ref.: Gov.uk  Contains public sector information licensed under OGL v3.0.