The final step in securing your post-study work rights in the UK is to successfully navigate the online Graduate visa application. The entire process, from completing the form to verifying your identity, is handled digitally from within the UK. While this is designed for convenience, it involves several crucial stages where accuracy and adherence to the rules are essential for a positive outcome.
Our team of specialist immigration advisors provides an expert, end-to-end service for Graduate visa applications. We guide you through every step of the online journey, ensuring your application is submitted correctly, on time, and without the stress of navigating the system alone, setting you up for a successful transition to your post-study career.
The Application Process: From Starting Your Form to a Final Decision
The journey to securing your Graduate visa can be broken down into clear, manageable steps.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents and Information
Before you begin the online form, it is vital to have all your key information and documents ready. This includes your passport, your current Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or eVisa details, and, crucially, the CAS reference number from your most recent Student visa. Having these prepared in advance will make the application process much smoother.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form
You must complete the official application form on the GOV.UK website. This form will ask for your personal details, information about the course you have just completed, and your immigration history.
- Convenience and Flexibility: You do not have to complete the form in one go. The online system is designed to let you save your progress and complete it later. This allows you to double-check your information and ensure everything is accurate before you submit.
- Expert Review: As part of our comprehensive service, we conduct a full, meticulous review of your completed form before it is submitted. This crucial step catches any potential errors or omissions that could cause delays or jeopardise your application.
Step 3: Prove Your Identity
This is a mandatory part of the process where you officially verify your identity with the UK Home Office. The method you will use is determined by your nationality and the type of passport you hold. The online system will automatically tell you which route you must follow.
- Route 1: The ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ App (The Digital Route): This is the most common and modern route for Graduate visa applicants. If you are eligible, you will be prompted to use this secure smartphone app to scan your biometric passport and your face. The main advantage is that it is a fully digital process, and you will not need to attend an in-person appointment.
- Route 2: The UKVCAS Service Point Appointment (The In-Person Route): If you are not eligible to use the app, you will need to book an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre. At this appointment, you will have your fingerprints and a photograph taken (your biometric information).
Step 4: Wait for Your Decision
After you have submitted your online form, paid the fees, and verified your identity, your application is under consideration by a Home Office caseworker.
- Standard Decision Time: You can typically expect to receive a decision on your application within 8 weeks.
- Potential Delays: You will be contacted if your application is complex and may take longer to process. This can happen if your supporting documents need extra verification or due to your personal circumstances.
Crucial Warning: Once you have submitted your application, you must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until you receive a decision. If you do, your application will be automatically withdrawn, and you will lose your application fees.
Your Application is Successful: Receiving Your eVisa
If your application is approved, you will be notified by email. This decision letter is a vital document.
- You Will Receive an eVisa: Your new immigration status will be a fully digital eVisa, which is a secure online record. You will no longer receive a physical BRP card.
- Accessing Your Status: The decision email will explain exactly how to access your eVisa. This will involve creating a secure UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) account, which you can then use to view and share proof of your right to work and live in the UK.
How Our Experts Make Your Application Seamless
The Graduate visa application has a strict, unforgiving deadline. Our specialist service removes any risk of missing out due to administrative errors or confusion with the online system.
- We manage the entire online process, ensuring every question is answered accurately.
- We provide clear instructions for using the ID Check app or booking your UKVCAS appointment.
- We offer support and guidance throughout the 8-week waiting period.
- We ensure your transition from a Student to a Graduate visa is smooth, timely, and successful.
Your post-study opportunity is too valuable to risk. Contact our expert Graduate visa team today for a comprehensive consultation and apply with complete confidence.
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.