The Graduate visa allows international students who’ve completed a UK degree to stay and work in the UK, giving them flexibility to gain experience, build their careers and explore longer‑term immigration options.
If you’ve completed a UK degree and want to remain to work or explore opportunities, the Graduate visa could be the right option for you. It’s designed for international students who studied at an eligible UK university or college and now want to remain in the UK to live, work, or search for jobs post-studies.
Key requirements
To qualify, you must:
- Be in the UK with valid Student or Tier 4 (General) immigration permission
- Have studied at an eligible UK higher education provider
- Successfully completed your course
- Studied a UK Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, or eligible qualification in the UK.
You can’t apply for this route from overseas, and it’s not available if you studied outside the UK. Instead, consider whether you meet the criteria for a High Potential Individual visa.
What does it allow?
The Graduate visa provides you with flexibility to work in the UK without sponsorship. You can:
- Work in most jobs, including self-employed or voluntary roles
- Look for work or change UK employers
- Stay with eligible family members who are already in the UK as dependants on your Student Visa.
Graduate visas last two years but this is changing to 18 months for graduates applying on or after 1 January 2027. PhD graduates get three years on a Graduate Visa and will continue to do so from 1 January 2027. This visa doesn’t lead directly to settlement, but time may count towards UK settlement on long residence grounds.
How do you apply?
Your student sponsor must confirm to the Home Office you have successfully completed your course in order to apply.
Apply online while in the UK before your Student visa expires. Most applicants can verify their identity using the UK Immigration ID Check app. If not, you’ll attend a UKVCAS biometrics appointment at a UKVI approved Visa Application Centre in the UK.
Fees and health surcharge
Home Office fees vary by category.
You’ll also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, calculated based on how long your visa is granted.
How can we support you?
We’ll guide you through every step, making sure your application is complete and compliant. We provide clear advice and practical solutions so you can focus on your next post-study work chapter.
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