While the Graduate visa is one of the more straightforward UK immigration routes, a successful application still depends on providing the correct documents in the right format. The Home Office has a precise list of required evidence, and a simple mistake, such as not being able to find a key reference number, can delay or jeopardise your application at a critical time.
This guide provides a clear and comprehensive checklist of every document and piece of information you will need. To ensure a completely stress-free process, our team of specialist immigration advisors offers a meticulous Document Checking Service. We verify that you have everything you need before you apply, guaranteeing your application is complete, accurate, and ready for a successful outcome.
Essential Documents for Every Graduate Visa Applicant
These are the core documents and information that you absolutely must have ready before you start your online application.
1. Your Valid Passport or Travel Document:
- You must have your current, valid passport that confirms your identity and nationality. This is the primary document used to link your application to you.
2. Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or eVisa:
- You need to prove your current immigration status as a student. You will do this by providing the details from either:
- Your physical Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card.
- Your eVisa, by generating a ‘share code’ through the online service to give the Home Office access to your digital immigration status.
3. Your Original CAS Reference Number:
- This is a crucial and often overlooked piece of information. You must provide the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number that was used for your most recent Student or Tier 4 visa application – the one that covered the course you have just completed.
- Where can you find your CAS? This reference number was sent to you by your university or college when you were accepted onto your course. It is usually found in your offer letter or a separate CAS statement email.
- What if you can’t find it? If you cannot locate your CAS number, you should contact your university’s student visa advisory or international office immediately. They will be able to retrieve it for you. You cannot complete your application without it.
Additional Documents You Might Need in Specific Circumstances
Depending on your personal situation, you may also be required to provide the following evidence.
- Proof of Relationship for Dependant Family Members:
- If your partner and/or children are applying with you to extend their stay as your dependants, you must provide official documents to prove your relationship. This will typically be your marriage or civil partnership certificate for your partner, and your children’s birth certificates.
- Consent from Your Financial Sponsor (if applicable):
- This is a very important requirement if your studies were recently sponsored. If an official financial sponsor (such as a government or international scholarship body) paid for both your course fees and your living costs within the last 12 months, you must provide a formal letter from them. This letter must give their unconditional consent for you to remain in or return to the UK on a Graduate visa. An application submitted without this consent will be refused.
A Note on Document Formatting
Translations: It is a strict Home Office rule that any document you provide that is not originally in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a full, certified translation. This translation must be prepared by a professional translator and include their credentials and a statement confirming its accuracy.
Why a Professional Document Check is Your Best Investment
The Graduate visa application window is tight, and you only get one chance to apply. A simple documentary error can lead to a refusal, meaning you lose this valuable opportunity to work in the UK. Our expert Document Checking Service provides complete peace of mind.
- We ensure you have the correct CAS number and all your personal details are accurate.
- We review your dependant’s documents to ensure your family’s applications are also flawless.
- We provide expert guidance on obtaining sponsor consent, ensuring the letter meets the Home Office’s specific requirements.
- We give you the confidence that your application is complete and correct, ready for a swift and positive decision.
Don’t leave your post-study career to chance. Contact our specialist Graduate visa team today for a comprehensive consultation and document review.
About the Author:
Farzad Ghods is an international lawyer specialising in UK immigration law. He is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Immigration Advisors Authority (IAA) in the United Kingdom, and is also a member of the Iran Bar Association. He brings over fourteen years of professional legal experience to his practice.