The Graduate Visa allows international graduates to remain in the UK after completing an eligible UK course, helping employers access post-study talent without immediate sponsorship. It is useful for HR teams planning graduate recruitment before deciding whether Skilled Worker sponsorship is needed.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-14.
TL;DR
The Graduate Visa is a post-study work route for eligible Student visa holders who have completed a UK degree or other qualifying course. The application fee is £937, most applicants can stay for 2 years or 3 years with a PhD or doctoral qualification, and the usual decision time is 8 weeks because applications are made inside the UK.
£937
Application fee
2 or 3 years
Maximum stay
8 weeks
Typical decision
What is the Graduate Visa?
The Graduate Visa is for people who have completed an eligible UK course while holding Student or Tier 4 permission. It allows graduates to work, look for work, be self-employed and build UK experience after their studies.
Employers do not need a sponsor licence to employ someone on a Graduate Visa. This makes the route commercially useful for graduate hiring, trial placements and workforce planning before a Skilled Worker sponsorship decision is needed.
The route does not lead directly to settlement and cannot normally be extended. Many graduates later switch into Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder, Scale-up or another route if they meet the relevant requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the Graduate Visa.
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Eligible UK Qualification
The applicant must have completed a qualifying UK degree or other eligible course. The education provider must have told the Home Office the course was completed successfully.
💼
Current Student Permission
The application must be made from inside the UK while the applicant has, or last had, Student or Tier 4 permission. The route is not available for overseas applications.
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No Employer Sponsorship
A Certificate of Sponsorship is not required. Employers can hire the graduate without holding a sponsor licence, although right to work checks remain essential.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Graduate Visa.
✓ You Can
- Work in most roles without employer sponsorship.
- Be self-employed or look for work in the UK.
- Switch into another route if eligible before the visa ends.
- Study where the course is permitted under the route.
- Bring eligible dependants only where the rules allow.
✗ You Cannot
- Extend the Graduate Visa after the 2 or 3-year period.
- Apply from outside the UK for this route.
- Access public funds while on the route.
- Use the route for settlement directly because it is not a settlement route.
- Work as a professional sportsperson in restricted roles.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £937 per person |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year |
| Sponsorship | Not required |
| Priority services | Additional fee — check current fees |
| Financial requirement | No set savings figure |
How to Apply
Five steps from preparation to decision.
Check Course Completion
Confirm the provider has reported successful completion to the Home Office.
Prepare UKVI Account Details
Use the same identity document and UKVI account details where required.
Apply Inside the UK
Submit the Graduate Visa application before current Student permission expires.
Pay Fees and IHS
Pay the £937 fee and the healthcare surcharge shown during the application.
Receive Your Decision
Most applicants receive a decision within 8 weeks.
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Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Graduate Visa from employers and applicants.
What is the Graduate Visa UK?
The Graduate Visa is a UK post-study work route for eligible Student visa holders who have completed a qualifying course. It normally gives 2 years’ permission, or 3 years for a PhD or other doctoral qualification.
How much does the Graduate Visa cost in 2026?
The Home Office application fee is £937. Applicants also usually pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which GOV.UK lists as usually £1,035 for each year of permission.
How long does a Graduate Visa last?
Most successful applicants receive 2 years. Applicants with a PhD or other doctoral qualification can usually receive 3 years.
Can employers hire Graduate Visa holders without sponsorship?
Yes. A Graduate Visa holder does not need a Certificate of Sponsorship, so an employer does not need a sponsor licence to hire them on this route.
Can the Graduate Visa be extended?
No. The route cannot normally be extended, so the worker must switch to another eligible route before permission expires if they want to remain in the UK.
Can a Graduate Visa lead to settlement?
The Graduate Visa does not lead directly to settlement. Time on the route may help the person build experience, but they normally need to switch into a settlement route such as Skilled Worker if eligible.
Can dependants apply on the Graduate Visa route?
Dependants may be able to apply if they meet the rules, but new dependants are restricted. Existing dependants from the Student route should check the current GOV.UK rules before applying.
Can a Graduate Visa holder be self-employed?
Yes. Graduate Visa holders can generally work, look for work and be self-employed, subject to the route restrictions.
When should a Graduate Visa application be submitted?
The application must be made from inside the UK before the applicant’s current Student permission expires and after the education provider has confirmed successful course completion to the Home Office.
How long does a Graduate Visa decision take?
GOV.UK lists the typical in-country decision time for Graduate Visa applications as 8 weeks.
Need Help With Your Graduate Visa?
Our immigration specialists handle everything from sponsor licence checks to visa approval — for employers and applicants alike.