Overview
The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s leading universities, colleges, and specialist schools. Every year, international students from around the world choose to study in the UK for its high-quality education, cultural diversity, and excellent career opportunities.
If you have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree in the UK and wish to remain to work or explore career options, the Graduate Route is designed for you. It allows eligible graduates to stay in the UK to work or look for work at any skill level, providing valuable time and flexibility to shape their future.
Unlike many other work visas, the Graduate Route is unsponsored. This means you can apply without a job offer, and once approved, you can change jobs, work in any field, be self‑employed, or volunteer.
- Length of stay: Two years for most graduates, or three years if you have completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification.
- Flexibility: Freedom to change employers and roles as you build your career.
- Family: Your partner and children can remain with you in the UK if they were dependants on your Student visa.
Key Advantages of the Graduate Route
- Remain in the UK after completing your studies to gain work experience.
- Work, be self‑employed, or volunteer without needing sponsorship.
- Travel freely in and out of the UK while your visa is valid.
- Live with eligible family members (dependants from your Student visa).
- Build professional networks and explore your long-term career plans.
- Switch to long term visas if you meet the requirements
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Graduate Route visa, you must:
- Be in the UK when you submit your application.
- Hold a valid Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.
- Have studied with a licensed student sponsor (an education institution) that is eligible for the Graduate Route.
- Have completed an eligible course (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD or specific professional courses) successfully.
- Have met the minimum required period of study in the UK (usually 12 months or the full length of your course, whichever is shorter).
- Have your education provider confirm to the Home Office that you have completed your course.
Get in touch now for a free consultation via email, phone or live chat or fill in our inquiry form.
How to Apply
You can apply as soon as your university or college has confirmed to the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course. You do not need to wait for your graduation or certificate. Applications must be made while your current Student visa is still valid.
Fees and Processing Times
- Application fee: UKVI Application Fees change regularly. Please check the up-to-date fees on the UK Visa Fees pages before applying.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Payable for each year you remain in the UK under this visa to contribute towards the UK’s healthcare services. The fee is different for adults and dependent children. Visit the IHS Page to calculate the costs to be prepared in advance.
- Processing time: The Home Office typically processes Graduate visa applications within 8 weeks from the date you provide your biometrics.
Dependants
Your dependants (partner and children) can continue to stay in the UK if they joined you on your Student visa. You cannot add new dependents under this route. However, if your child was born in the UK while you were on a Student visa, they are eligible to apply as a dependant on your Graduate visa, even if they were not previously listed as a dependant. Each dependant must pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Settlement and ILR
Time spent on a Graduate visa does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under most work routes. However, it can count towards the 10-year Long Residence Settlement route. When your Graduate visa expires, you must either switch to another visa route (such as a Skilled Worker or Family visa) or leave the UK.
How Immigration Connection Assists You
At Immigration Connection, we understand how important your next steps after graduation are. Our experienced advisers will:
- Review your documents and confirm eligibility.
- Complete and submit your application and evidence file.
- Provide clear guidance on fees and timelines.
- Prepare a legal representation letter if any points in your application require explanation.
- Keep you updated throughout the process.
- Additionally, we provide after-visa support for your questions regarding your visa to make sure you understand your responsibilities and the conditions of your visa.
Beyond your application, we offer ongoing consultancy services, supporting you as you plan your next steps in the UK. With over 15 years of experience explaining complex UK immigration rules to applicants and managing applications from start to finish, we are here to provide you with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
📩 Ready to take the next step? Contact Immigration Connection today and let our immigration lawyers guide you through every stage of your Graduate Visa application journey.
🌐 immigrationconnection.co.uk
📧 info@immigrationconnection.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my Graduate visa?
No. The Graduate visa cannot be extended. To stay longer, you must switch to another visa type.
What happens after my Graduate visa expires?
You will need to leave the UK or apply for a different visa route, such as a Skilled Worker visa or Family visa, depending on your circumstances.
Can I leave the UK while waiting for a decision?
You should not leave the UK or Common Travel Area while your application is being considered, as this may affect your eligibility.
Does time on a Graduate visa count towards ILR?
It does not count towards ILR under the Skilled Worker route, but it can count towards ILR under the 10-year long residence route.
Can I switch to another visa while on the Graduate Route?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria for another visa route, you can switch before your Graduate visa expires.
Can my child born in the UK while I was on a Student visa be included?
Yes. If your child was born in the UK while you held a Student visa, they can apply as a dependant on your Graduate visa, even if they were not previously listed as a dependant. Each dependant must pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
