Graduate Visa

Book a Quick Assessment
Quick links
  1. What is the UK Graduate visa?
  2. How long can I stay in the UK on a Graduate visa?
  3. Who is eligible for the Graduate visa?
  4. Do I need a job offer to apply for the Graduate visa?
  5. Can I apply for the Graduate visa if my Student visa has expired?
  6. What types of courses qualify me for the Graduate visa?
  7. Does my university need to be on a specific list?
  8. How long do I need to have studied in the UK?
  9. When is the earliest I can apply for the Graduate visa?
  10. Is the application process online?
  11. How do I prove my identity for the application?
  12. What documents will I need to apply?
  13. Can I travel outside the UK while my Graduate visa application is being processed?
  14. How long does it usually take to get a decision on a Graduate visa application?
  15. How much does the Graduate visa application cost?
  16. Do I need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
  17. Do I need to show proof of funds for the Graduate visa application?
  18. Can I work any job on a Graduate visa?
  19. Can I have more than one job while on the Graduate visa?
  20. Does the Graduate visa lead to permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain)?
  21. Can my partner and children join me on a Graduate visa?
  22. Do dependants need to pay separate application fees and IHS?
  23. What happens after my Graduate visa expires?
  24. Can I switch from a Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker visa?
  25. What are the key differences between the Graduate visa and the Skilled Worker visa?
  26. What are common reasons for Graduate visa refusal?
  27. What if my university takes a long time to report my successful completion to the Home Office?
  28. Can I leave the UK and re-enter on my Graduate visa once it's granted?
  29. Is there an appeal process if my Graduate visa application is refused?
  30. What are the potential future changes to the Graduate visa (May 2025)?

What is the UK Graduate visa?

The Graduate visa, also known as the Post-Study Work visa, allows international students who have successfully completed an eligible course at a UK higher education institution to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK for a period after their studies.

How long can I stay in the UK on a Graduate visa?

Currently, you can stay for 2 years. For PhD or other doctoral graduates, it’s 3 years. However, a recent government White Paper proposes reducing this to 18 months for all graduates. This proposal is not yet law.

Who is eligible for the Graduate visa?

You must have successfully completed an eligible bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD/doctorate (including GDL, LPC, BPTC, PGCE, PGDE) at a UK higher education provider with a record of accomplishment of compliance, and you must have held a Student visa (formerly Tier 4) while studying.

Do I need a job offer to apply for the Graduate visa?

No, a job offer is not required to apply for the Graduate visa. This is one of its key benefits, offering flexibility to explore employment opportunities.

Can I apply for the Graduate visa if my Student visa has expired?

No. You must apply for the Graduate visa while you are still in the UK on your Student visa, and before it expires.

What types of courses qualify me for the Graduate visa?

Eligible courses include UK bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, PhDs or doctorates, and other specific professional qualifications like the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), Legal Practice Course (LPC), Bar Practice Training Course (BPTC), Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), and Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).

Does my university need to be on a specific list?

Yes, your university must be a UK higher education provider with a “track record of compliance” as listed on the Register of Student Sponsors.

How long do I need to have studied in the UK?

You must have studied in the UK for at least 12 months for a course longer than 12 months, or for the full length of your course if it was shorter than 12 months.

Get the best Immigration advice on successfully getting your Graduate Visa

Don’t let immigration rules stand between you and your future in the UK. Whether you’re just starting to think about your options or are ready to apply, Morgan Smith Immigration is here to support you every step of the way. Our expert team can help you understand the requirements, prepare your application, and ensure you have the best possible chance of success. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you build your future in the UK.

When is the earliest I can apply for the Graduate visa?

The earliest you can apply is after your university has confirmed to the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course, and your results have been officially published. It’s advisable to check with your institution when they expect to make this notification.

Is the application process online?

Yes, you must apply online for a Graduate visa.

How do I prove my identity for the application?

You will either use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document or have your fingerprints and photo taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point. The application process will tell you which method to use. Our Lawyers will help you with the options applicable to you.

What documents will I need to apply?

You will typically need your passport or other travel document, your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from your Student visa application, and evidence that you have successfully completed your course (e.g., degree certificate or official transcript).

Can I travel outside the UK while my Graduate visa application is being processed?

No, you must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man while your application is pending. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

How long does it usually take to get a decision on a Graduate visa application?

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity, and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

How much does the Graduate visa application cost?

As of April 2025, the application fee for the Graduate Route is £880 per applicant.

Do I need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?

Yes, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your application. This grants you access to the National Health Service (NHS). The IHS fee is currently £1,035 per year. For a 2-year visa, this would be £2,070, and for a 3-year visa, it would be £3,105. Although this is subject to change.

Do I need to show proof of funds for the Graduate visa application?

Unlike the Student visa, you do not need to show proof of funds for the Graduate visa application itself if you have successfully completed an eligible course. if in doubt talk to our Lawyers today.

Can I work any job on a Graduate visa?

Yes, the Graduate visa offers broad work permissions. You can work in any sector and at any skill level, apart from working as a professional sportsperson or coach. You can also be self-employed.

Contact your Lawyer to get help with your Graduate Visa at Morgan Smith Immigration.

Thinking about what’s next after studying in the UK can feel tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. The Graduate visa is a fantastic way for international students like you to stay here and kickstart your career once you’ve finished your course. At Morgan Smith Immigration, we really understand how UK immigration rules work. Our goal is to give you clear, easy-to-understand advice so you can reach your goals.

Can I have more than one job while on the Graduate visa?

Yes, you can hold multiple jobs while on the Graduate visa, as it is not tied to a specific employer.

Does the Graduate visa lead to permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain)?

No, the Graduate visa does not directly lead to permanent residency. You would need to switch to another eligible visa route, such as the Skilled Worker visa, to work towards settlement.

Can my partner and children join me on a Graduate visa?

If your dependants (partner and children) were already in the UK as your dependants on your Student visa, they can usually apply to extend their stay as your dependants on the Graduate route. New dependants cannot join you on this route unless they were born in the UK during your study period and are applying as your child.

Do dependants need to pay separate application fees and IHS?

Yes, each dependant will need to pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

What happens after my Graduate visa expires?

Before your Graduate visa expires, you will need to either switch to another eligible UK visa route (e.g., Skilled Worker visa, Innovator Founder visa, or Family visa) or leave the UK.

Can I switch from a Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes, you can switch from a Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker visa if you meet the Skilled Worker visa requirements, which include having a job offer from a licensed sponsor, meeting salary thresholds, and English language requirements.

What are the key differences between the Graduate visa and the Skilled Worker visa?

The Graduate visa offers flexibility to find work and is not tied to a specific job, but it has a fixed duration (2 or 3 years, with a proposed reduction to 18 months). The Skilled Worker visa requires a sponsored job offer, has specific salary thresholds, and can lead to settlement.

What are common reasons for Graduate visa refusal?

Refusals are often due to not meeting eligibility criteria (e.g., not completing an eligible course or applying late), providing incomplete or incorrect information, or issues with identity verification.

What if my university takes a long time to report my successful completion to the Home Office?

There is no set timeline for universities to report completion. You should contact your institution directly to understand their process and estimated timeframe, especially if your Student visa is expiring soon. The Home Office guidance indicates that applications should not be refused solely because the sponsor hasn’t notified them, but they may need to check with your sponsor, which could cause delays.

Can I leave the UK and re-enter on my Graduate visa once it’s granted?

Yes, once your Graduate visa is granted, you can travel in and out of the UK.

Is there an appeal process if my Graduate visa application is refused?

Generally, there is no right of appeal for a Graduate visa refusal. You may be able to apply for an Administrative Review if you believe the Home Office made an error in their decision. Otherwise, you may need to submit a new application if you can address the refusal reasons.

What are the potential future changes to the Graduate visa (May 2025)?

As of May 2025, a UK government White Paper has proposed reducing the Graduate visa duration from 2 years (or 3 years for PhDs) to 18 months for all graduates. This is currently a proposal and not yet enacted law, but it’s a significant potential change to be aware of.

How can Morgan Smith Immigration Help?

Call Now
Call Now
Scroll to Top