Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Details of your completed course
- Fees and related costs
- Required supporting documents
- Application process
- Dependants (partner and children)
Successfully completing your degree in the UK is a major achievement, and the Graduate visa is your golden opportunity to launch your career. This post-study work visa allows you to stay in the UK for a significant period after your studies to work, look for work, or gain valuable experience in your chosen field. It offers unparalleled flexibility, as you do not need a job offer or a sponsoring employer to apply.
The application process is more straightforward than many other routes, but it has strict eligibility rules and a critical application window that cannot be missed. Our team of specialist immigration advisors provides a comprehensive service for Graduate visa applications, ensuring your application is submitted correctly and on time, allowing for a seamless transition from student to professional life in the UK.
Are You Eligible for the Graduate Visa? The Core Requirements
To qualify for a Graduate visa, you must meet all of the following conditions without exception:
- You must be in the UK: You can only apply for this visa from inside the UK.
- You must have a valid Student Visa: Your current visa must be a Student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa.
- You must have successfully completed an eligible course: This typically means a UK Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or another qualifying course.
- Your University must notify the Home Office: Your education provider must formally tell the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course.
You do not need to wait until your official graduation ceremony to apply. You can apply as soon as your university has sent this successful completion notification to the Home Office.
How Long Can You Stay? Visa Duration Explained
The length of your Graduate visa depends on the level of your qualification.
- For Bachelor’s and Master’s Graduates: The visa lasts for 2 years.
- Important Future Change: For applications made on or after 1 January 2027, this will be reduced to 18 months.
- For PhD / Doctoral Graduates: The visa lasts for 3 years.
Your visa starts from the day your application is approved. It is important to note that the Graduate visa cannot be extended. It is a one-time opportunity. Once it expires, you must switch to another visa category (like the Skilled Worker visa) or leave the UK.
The Application Process: Timing is Everything
- When to Apply: This is the most critical rule. You must apply before your current Student visa expires. There is no flexibility on this point. Missing this deadline means losing your chance to apply.
- How to Apply: You must apply online from within the UK. The process involves completing the form, paying the fees, and verifying your identity.
- Decision Timeline: After submitting your application and proving your identity, you can usually expect a decision within 8 weeks. You are permitted to stay in the UK while you await the decision.
Understanding the Costs: Application Fees and Healthcare Surcharge
When applying for your Graduate visa, you will need to pay two main fees:
- The Application Fee: The standard fee for a Graduate visa is £880.
- The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): You must also pay the IHS, which is £1,035 for each year of your visa’s duration. For a 2-year visa, this will be £2,070.
The Freedom and Flexibility of a Graduate Visa
The Graduate visa is highly sought-after because of the incredible freedom it offers compared to other work visas.
With a Graduate visa, you CAN:
- Work in most jobs: You can work for almost any employer, in any role, at any skill level.
- Look for work: You can use the time to search for the perfect graduate role without the pressure of needing sponsorship.
- Be self-employed: You can start your own business or work as a freelancer.
- Travel abroad and return to the UK.
- Do voluntary work.
- Live in the UK with your eligible partner and children if they were previously your dependants on your Student visa.
You CANNOT:
- Claim most benefits (public funds) or the State Pension.
- Work as a professional sportsperson.
Why Expert Guidance for Your Graduate Visa Application is a Smart Choice
While the Graduate visa is less complex than a Skilled Worker visa, the “all or nothing” nature of the application window means there is no room for error. A mistake in timing or a misunderstanding of the eligibility can mean missing out on this incredible post-study opportunity entirely.
Our expert immigration advisors will:
- Liaise with your university to confirm when they have notified the Home Office, ensuring you apply at the optimal time.
- Manage the entire online application process to ensure it is accurate and submitted well before your Student visa expires.
- Provide a clear breakdown of all costs and requirements.
- Advise on your next steps, helping you plan how to transition from the Graduate visa to a long-term work visa like the Skilled Worker route.
Your UK education is a valuable investment. Make the most of it. Contact our specialist Graduate visa team today for a comprehensive consultation and secure your post-study future in the UK.
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.