The Graduate Visa, often referred to as the Graduate Route, allows eligible international students to remain in the UK after successfully completing their studies.
Unlike many other work-related immigration routes, the Graduate Visa does not require employer sponsorship. Graduates can work, change jobs, become self-employed or establish a business while they decide on their long-term plans in the UK.
The visa was designed to help retain talented graduates and provide a bridge between education and employment.
To qualify for a Graduate Visa, you must meet several key eligibility requirements.
You must have successfully completed an eligible qualification in the UK, including:
You will require confirmation from your sponsoring education provider that you have successfully completed your course.
At the time of application, you must:
You can apply once you receive notification of completion from your university or educational institution. You do not need to wait until your graduation ceremony.
Applicants are expected to have complied with the conditions of their Student Visa and satisfy all relevant Graduate Route requirements.
Applying for a Graduate Visa is completed online through the UK Government website.
Applications are made through the GOV.UK website using the Graduate Visa apply page.
You will need to prove your identity by providing your biometric information, this can be done by either:
The Home Office will advise which option applies to your circumstances.
As of July 2026, applicants must pay:
Once you have submitted your application, verified your identity and provided any required documents, you will usually receive a decision within 8 weeks, following the current guidance for waiting times from the Gov.uk website.
The length of permission granted depends on your qualification and the date of application.
|
Qualification |
Applications Submitted on or Before 31 December 2026 |
Applications Submitted on or After 1 January 2027 |
|
Bachelor's Degree |
2 years |
18 months |
|
Master's Degree |
2 years |
18 months |
|
PhD / Doctoral Qualification |
3 years |
3 years |
The upcoming reduction to 18 months for most applicants forms part of wider UK immigration reforms affecting international graduates. For a broader overview, see our article on UK Immigration Rule Changes 2025: Visa and Settlement Reforms Explained.
One of the most significant changes affecting international students is the planned reduction in the length of the Graduate Visa.
From 1 January 2027:
These changes make early career planning more important than ever, particularly for graduates hoping to secure sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.
One of the main benefits of the Graduate Visa is flexibility.
Graduate Visa holders can:
There is no sponsorship requirement and no minimum salary threshold specific to the Graduate Route. However, employers must still comply with UK employment law, including National Minimum Wage requirements.
Graduate Visa holders can also:
Unlike some business immigration routes, there are no endorsement or investment requirements.
Many graduates decide to remain in the UK by switching into another immigration category before their Graduate Visa expires.
Possible sponsored options include:
Depending on your circumstances, you may also consider:
Each route has separate eligibility criteria and application requirements which can be found on GOV.UK.
Related Reading:
The Skilled Worker Visa remains the most common route for graduates who wish to continue living and working in the UK long term.
To qualify, you will typically need:
Unlike the Graduate Visa, the Skilled Worker route can provide a pathway towards settlement, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.
The Graduate Visa remains one of the most attractive immigration routes for international students seeking UK work experience after graduation.
However, with the planned reduction from two years to 18 months from January 2027, graduates should take proactive steps to understand their long-term immigration options and begin planning their transition into another visa category where appropriate.
Whether your goal is to gain experience, secure sponsored employment, start a business or explore a route to settlement, understanding your options early can help you make informed decisions about your future in the UK.
You can apply once your education provider has notified the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course. You do not need to wait for your graduation ceremony or receive your degree certificate.
The application fee is £937. Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is usually £1,035 per year of permission granted.
Yes. Graduate Visa holders can work for most employers without sponsorship and at any skill level.
Yes. Graduate Visa holders can become self-employed, undertake freelance work or establish a business in the UK.
In certain circumstances, dependants who are already in the UK as your dependants may be eligible to remain with you, subject to the applicable immigration rules.
Yes. Many graduates move from the Graduate Route to the Skilled Worker route once they secure a qualifying job offer from a licensed sponsor.
No. Time spent on a Graduate Visa does not count towards the residence requirements for settlement.
No. The Graduate Visa cannot be extended. You will need to switch into another immigration category if you wish to remain in the UK after your permission expires.
For most graduates, applications submitted on or after 1 January 2027 will receive 18 months of permission instead of two years. PhD and doctoral graduates will continue to receive three years.