The UK Graduate visa allows international students to remain in the UK after completing their studies for up to two years, or three years for doctoral graduates. It provides a flexible post-study option for graduates to work, look for work, or explore further opportunities in the UK.
Applicants considering the Graduate route should understand the eligibility rules and application process. It is critical to apply before current Student permission expires, as overstaying would breach immigration law and carry serious consequences.
In May 2025 the Government announced its intention, in a White Paper, to reduce the Graduate visa validity to 18 months. However, this remains a policy proposal only. Current Immigration Rules continue to provide for two years for bachelor’s and master’s graduates, and three years for doctoral graduates.
This guide sets out the current requirements to qualify for a Graduate visa, together with details on the process, costs, timing, and rights under this route.
Section A: What is the UK Graduate Visa?
The Graduate visa is a post-study immigration route for overseas students who have successfully completed a degree at UK bachelor’s level or higher with a Home Office-approved higher education provider. It allows graduates to remain in the UK to work, or to look for work, after their studies.
As an unsponsored route, there is no requirement for a confirmed job offer, minimum salary level, or employer sponsorship. Holders are free to work in most roles at any skill level, or to be self-employed or undertake voluntary work. For those with a PhD or doctoral qualification, permission is granted for three years; for all other eligible graduates, permission is granted for two years.
The Graduate visa benefits both graduates and UK employers. Graduates can gain work experience and explore career options, while businesses can recruit international talent without sponsorship obligations. The visa supports both full-time and part-time work, enabling flexibility and contributing to the diversity of the UK workforce.
Although the Graduate visa is not a route to settlement, it can provide a platform for individuals to switch to other visas, such as the Skilled Worker visa, which may lead to indefinite leave to remain.
Section B: Graduate Visa Eligibility Requirements
The Graduate route is designed for international students who have completed eligible study in the UK and wish to stay on to work or seek employment. Unlike sponsored work visas, applicants do not need a job offer, do not have to meet financial maintenance requirements, and do not need to demonstrate English language ability again. These requirements were already satisfied under the Student visa.
However, there are clear eligibility rules under Appendix Graduate of the Immigration Rules. Applicants must secure 70 points, awarded for meeting the successful completion, qualification, and study in the UK requirements.
1. Successful Completion Requirement
The applicant must have last been sponsored by a Student sponsor which is a higher education provider with a track record of compliance at the date of application. They must have successfully completed the course undertaken under their Student visa, and by the time of application the education provider must have notified the Home Office that the course has been completed to the required standard.
This means eligibility is linked directly to the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) used in the Student visa, or to a permitted course change that did not require a fresh application. Completion must be confirmed by the sponsor before the Graduate visa application can be submitted.
2. Qualification Requirement
The qualification must be at UK bachelor’s degree level or above, awarded by an approved higher education provider. Eligible qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s and master’s degrees
- PhDs or other doctoral qualifications
- Validated law conversion course
- Legal Practice Course (LPC) for solicitors
- Bar Practice Course (BPC) for barristers
- Foundation programmes in Medicine or Dentistry
- Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Education (PGCE/PGDE)
- Other professional courses regulated by UK law or a UK public authority
Applicants may apply once their provider confirms successful completion, even if they have not yet formally graduated or received their certificate.
3. Study in the UK Requirement
The applicant must have studied the relevant qualification in the UK for a minimum period of time as a Student visa holder. This requirement is subject to limited exceptions for approved study abroad programmes. The rules are:
- If the course was 12 months or less, the full duration must have been spent in the UK.
- If the course was longer than 12 months, the applicant must have studied for at least 12 months in the UK.
These requirements ensure that the Graduate visa applies only to those who have undertaken significant study physically in the UK.
Section Summary: To qualify for a Graduate visa, applicants must satisfy the successful completion, qualification, and study in the UK requirements, together making up the 70 points under Appendix Graduate. This ensures that only those who have genuinely completed recognised UK study are eligible for this route.
Section C: How to Apply for a Graduate Visa
Applications for a Graduate visa must be made online, and the applicant must be in the UK with valid Student permission at the time of applying. It is not possible to apply from overseas. Applicants must also not have previously been granted leave under the Doctorate Extension Scheme or the Graduate route.
An application can be submitted once the education provider has informed the Home Office that the course has been successfully completed. It is not necessary to wait until graduation or receipt of a certificate. The CAS number from the current Student visa is used to link the application to the course studied.
Applicants must also prove their identity. Depending on eligibility, this may be done using the ‘UK Immigration ID Check’ app, re-using biometrics from the Student application, or by attending a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to enrol biometrics in person. The Home Office will confirm which route applies when the online application is started.
If the application is approved, graduates with a PhD or doctoral qualification will be granted three years’ permission, while those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree will be granted two years.
Supporting Documents
Applicants will usually need to provide the following documents when applying:
- A valid passport or other travel document
- The CAS number used in the Student visa application
- Confirmation from the higher education provider that the course was successfully completed
- Proof of current Student or Tier 4 (General) Student visa status
- Evidence of relationship if dependants are included (e.g. marriage or birth certificates)
- Proof of payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Additional documents may be required depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances, but tuberculosis test certificates, police registration certificates, or photographs are not normally required for Graduate visa applications.
Section Summary: Graduate visa applications are made online while the applicant is still in the UK with valid Student leave. A CAS number, confirmation of course completion, and proof of identity are essential. The process may involve re-using biometric details via the ID Check app or attending a UKVCAS appointment, with permission granted for two or three years depending on the qualification level.
Section D: Graduate Visa Fee & Processing Times
1. How much does the Graduate Visa cost?
The fee to apply for a Graduate visa is £880. This applies equally to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral applicants, even though doctoral graduates receive a longer visa period.
Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS is currently £1,035 per year of permission granted and must be paid in full at the point of application. This charge entitles the visa holder to access the National Health Service (NHS) on broadly the same basis as UK residents during their stay.
2. How long does the Graduate Visa take to process?
Once the online application has been submitted, the fee and IHS paid, and identity verified either through the ID Check app or at a UKVCAS appointment, the standard processing time is up to 8 weeks. Applicants can remain lawfully in the UK while awaiting a decision.
The exact start point of the 8-week period depends on the method of identity verification:
- If using the ID Check app, the 8 weeks begin when identity is confirmed and documents are uploaded.
- If attending a UKVCAS service point, the 8 weeks begin from the date of the appointment.
Successful applicants are normally issued with digital immigration status (an eVisa). In some cases, particularly for visa nationals, a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) may also be provided for travel purposes. To evidence their right to work, Graduate visa holders must provide employers with a share code for verification using the Home Office online Right to Work Checking Service.
Section Summary: The Graduate visa costs £880 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge, payable upfront. Processing usually takes up to 8 weeks from the point of identity verification. Applicants will receive digital immigration status, and in some cases a BRP, with employers required to check work rights through the Home Office online system.
Section E: Graduate Visa Dependants
Under the current Immigration Rules, only dependants who already hold permission as dependants on the Student route can apply to remain in the UK under the Graduate route. New dependants cannot join a Graduate visa holder through this visa category.
Dependants who are eligible to apply include a partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner) and dependent children who meet the relationship and age or care requirements. Evidence of the relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate, must be provided with the application.
The application fee for each dependant is £880. In addition, dependants must each pay the Immigration Health Surcharge at the applicable annual rate for the full length of permission requested.
If a dependant application is successful, their visa will be granted for the same duration as the main Graduate visa holder. For children, permission will end on the same date as whichever parent’s visa expires first.
Section Summary: Graduate visa dependants are limited to those who were already in the UK as Student dependants. Each dependant must apply separately, pay the application fee and IHS, and provide evidence of their relationship. Their permission will be tied to the expiry date of the main Graduate visa holder.
Section F: Rights & Restrictions
1. Work Rights
Graduate visa holders are permitted to work at any skill or salary level. They can take up full-time, part-time, or temporary roles, ranging from graduate-level positions to entry-level jobs. This flexibility allows visa holders to gain UK work experience across different industries and to develop their careers.
The Graduate visa also permits self-employment and voluntary work, offering further flexibility for entrepreneurial or charitable pursuits. The only restriction is that visa holders cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach.
2. Study Rights
Graduate visa holders can undertake further study in the UK, provided the course does not require a Student visa. This means short courses, professional training, and non-Student visa study pathways are permitted, but enrolling on a course requiring sponsorship under the Student route is not allowed.
3. Self-Employment and Volunteering
The Graduate visa allows for self-employment, meaning graduates can establish their own business, work as freelancers, or join the gig economy. They may also volunteer with charities and community organisations, gaining valuable experience and contributing to UK society.
4. Restrictions
While the Graduate visa is flexible, it does have limitations. It cannot be extended, and holders cannot access public funds such as benefits or social housing. Once the visa expires, individuals must switch to another category if they wish to stay in the UK lawfully.
In addition, professional sporting roles are prohibited, and the route does not itself provide a pathway to settlement.
5. Pathways After the Graduate Visa
Many graduates use this route as a springboard to longer-term visas. The most common option is switching to the Skilled Worker visa if they secure a qualifying job offer from a licensed sponsor. The Skilled Worker visa can lead to settlement after five years of continuous residence.
Employers are required to conduct repeat right to work checks when an employee’s Graduate visa is due to expire. This ensures continued compliance and allows time to prepare for a Skilled Worker application or another suitable visa route.
Section Summary: The Graduate visa offers broad work rights, allows further study outside the Student route, and permits self-employment and volunteering. However, it cannot be extended, does not provide access to public funds, and is not a direct route to settlement. To remain in the UK long term, graduates must switch to a visa such as the Skilled Worker visa.
Section G: After your Graduate Visa Expires
The Graduate visa cannot be extended and does not itself lead to settlement. Once permission under this route expires—after two years for degree-level graduates or three years for doctoral graduates—the visa holder and any dependants must take action to remain lawfully in the UK.
The main option is to switch into another immigration category before the Graduate visa expires. The most common route is the Skilled Worker visa, which requires the applicant to have a confirmed job offer from an employer licensed to sponsor migrant workers. The role must be genuine, eligible under Appendix Skilled Worker, and meet the minimum salary threshold for the route. Employers must also have a sponsorship licence in place.
Switching into the Skilled Worker route creates a pathway to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence. This makes the Graduate visa an important stepping stone for those looking to build a long-term future in the UK.
For dependants, eligibility under the Skilled Worker route or any other visa will need to be reassessed. Dependants must meet the relationship, age, and financial requirements of the new visa route applied for.
Employers must be mindful of compliance duties. Right to work checks must be repeated when a Graduate visa is due to expire, and employment can only continue if the worker has secured further valid immigration permission. Failure to ensure this could expose the employer to civil penalties and enforcement action by the Home Office.
Section Summary: The Graduate visa is time-limited and does not lead directly to settlement. Graduates wishing to stay in the UK must switch to another visa, most commonly the Skilled Worker visa, before expiry. This requires employer sponsorship and compliance with eligibility and salary thresholds, and it provides a route to long-term settlement.
Section H: Advice for Employers to Maximise Graduate Visa Recruitment
The Graduate visa provides UK employers with access to a pool of international graduates who have completed higher education in the UK. As an unsponsored route, employers do not need a sponsorship licence to hire Graduate visa holders. This reduces administrative burdens and costs, making the route attractive for employers seeking diverse talent.
1. Benefits of Hiring Graduate Visa Holders
Graduates who hold a Graduate visa have already demonstrated academic achievement and adaptability by completing their studies in the UK. They often bring international perspectives, multilingual skills, and global networks which can add value to UK businesses. Because the visa allows employment in any role at any skill level, employers can use this flexibility to fill both immediate and developmental positions.
2. Simplified Recruitment Process
Unlike other immigration routes, there is no sponsorship requirement. Employers are not responsible for visa applications, compliance monitoring, or Home Office reporting duties. Graduate visa holders apply for their own visas and are free to work for any employer in the UK once permission is granted. Employers only need to conduct standard right to work checks.
3. Leveraging the Graduate Visa for Long-Term Recruitment
Although the Graduate visa is limited to two or three years, it offers employers an opportunity to assess the skills and suitability of graduates for permanent roles. Employers can then plan for retention by sponsoring eligible employees under the Skilled Worker route or other long-term visas. This approach provides continuity and stability while helping businesses retain valuable talent.
4. Compliance and Legal Considerations
Employers must still comply with right to work requirements. Checks must be carried out at the start of employment and repeated before a Graduate visa expires. Employers should also stay informed of changes to immigration policy, such as the Government’s 2025 proposal to shorten the visa period, which could affect workforce planning.
5. Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion
Hiring international graduates contributes to workforce diversity, which can drive creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. A diverse workforce also improves adaptability in global markets and strengthens a company’s reputation as an inclusive employer.
Section Summary: For employers, the Graduate visa offers a cost-effective way to recruit international graduates without sponsorship obligations. With careful planning, it can be used strategically to identify talent for long-term retention under routes like the Skilled Worker visa, while also enhancing workforce diversity and inclusion.
Section I: Need Assistance?
The UK immigration system is subject to frequent change, and understanding the Graduate visa requirements can be complex for both applicants and employers. Ensuring applications are submitted on time, with the correct supporting documents, is essential to avoid refusals or the risk of overstaying.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, the application process, or how to plan for future visa transitions, professional immigration advice can help. Employers may also benefit from specialist guidance on workforce planning, compliance with right to work checks, and supporting employees in switching to long-term visa routes such as the Skilled Worker visa.
Section J: Graduate Visa FAQs
What is a Graduate Visa?
The Graduate visa is an unsponsored post-study work route that allows overseas graduates to remain in the UK to work or look for work after completing an eligible UK degree at bachelor’s level or above with an approved higher education provider.
How do you qualify for a Graduate Visa?
To qualify, applicants must secure 70 points under Appendix Graduate by meeting the successful completion, qualification, and study in the UK requirements. They must also apply from within the UK with valid Student permission at the time of application.
Can a Graduate Visa be refused?
Yes. A Graduate visa application may be refused if the applicant does not meet the validity or eligibility rules. For example, applicants must apply from inside the UK, hold (or have last held) permission as a Student, and have confirmation from their education provider that they successfully completed their course.
How do I apply for the Graduate Visa?
Applications are submitted online through the official UK government website. Applicants must provide personal details, details of their course, and supporting documents such as a passport and confirmation of course completion. They must also pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
What documents are required for the Graduate Visa application?
Required documents typically include a valid passport, the CAS number used in the Student visa application, confirmation of successful course completion, evidence of current Student visa status, and relationship evidence if dependants are applying. Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
How long does it take to process the Graduate Visa application?
The standard processing time is up to 8 weeks from the point of identity verification, either online through the ID Check app or at a UKVCAS appointment. Applicants can stay in the UK lawfully while their application is pending.
Can I work with a Graduate Visa?
Yes. Graduate visa holders can work in any job at any skill level, on a part-time or full-time basis, and may also be self-employed or volunteer. The only restriction is that they cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach.
What are the restrictions on the Graduate Visa?
The Graduate visa cannot be extended and does not lead directly to settlement. Holders cannot access public funds, and professional sporting roles are prohibited. To remain in the UK beyond the visa period, individuals must switch to another visa category.
Can I switch to another visa after my Graduate Visa expires?
Yes. Before the Graduate visa expires, holders can apply to switch to another visa category, such as the Skilled Worker visa, if they meet the requirements. This provides a potential pathway to indefinite leave to remain.
Is the Graduate Visa a pathway to permanent residency?
The Graduate visa itself does not lead to settlement. However, the work experience gained can help graduates secure roles that qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, which is a route to indefinite leave to remain after five years.
Section K: Glossary
| Graduate Visa | A post-study work visa allowing international students who have completed a UK degree to stay and work, or look for work, for two or three years depending on qualification level. |
| Eligibility Criteria | The specific requirements applicants must meet to qualify for a Graduate visa, including successful course completion, qualification, and study in the UK. |
| Application Process | The steps involved in applying for the Graduate visa, including the online form, fee payment, and identity verification. |
| Required Documents | The supporting evidence applicants must provide with their Graduate visa application, such as passport, CAS number, and confirmation of course completion. |
| Application Fees | The charges payable to apply for a Graduate visa, currently £880 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge. |
| Processing Times | The standard Home Office timeframe for deciding Graduate visa applications, usually up to 8 weeks. |
| Work Rights | The entitlements of Graduate visa holders to work in the UK at any skill level, including self-employment and voluntary work, with some restrictions. |
| Restrictions | Limitations on Graduate visa holders, such as no access to public funds, prohibition on professional sports roles, and no direct route to settlement. |
| Home Office | The UK government department responsible for immigration, visas, and enforcement of the Immigration Rules. |
| Immigration Rules | The legal framework governing who can enter and remain in the UK, including the Graduate visa under Appendix Graduate. |
Section L: Additional Resources
| UK Government: Graduate Visa Guidance | Official government guidance on eligibility, application process, costs, and requirements for the Graduate visa. |
| UKCISA | Support and advice for international students in the UK, including visa and immigration guidance. |
| Universities UK International (UUKi) | Policy updates and research on immigration and visas affecting international students. |
| British Council | Resources and advice for students preparing to study and live in the UK, including visa requirements. |
| Immigration Rules | The official collection of UK Immigration Rules, including Appendix Graduate. |
| DavidsonMorris: Graduate Visa Guide | Practical advice and information for graduates on eligibility, applications, and switching into long-term routes. |
| Xpats.io: Graduate Visa UK | Detailed content for international graduates on the UK Graduate visa process, requirements, and options after expiry. |
