UK Graduate Visa: Your Bridge from Study to Career

You've worked hard for years to earn your UK degree. You've invested in tuition, adapted to a new culture, and built valuable skills. But now graduation is approaching, and you're wondering: what comes next? Can you stay in the UK to work? Do you need a job offer lined up?

The UK Graduate visa (also known as the post-study work visa) is your answer. It's an unsponsored route that gives you 2 years (or 3 years with a PhD) to work in the UK without needing employer sponsorship, a job offer, or a minimum salary. It's a bridge between your studies and long-term career in the UK—but only if you use it strategically.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Graduate visa in 2026, from application requirements to maximizing your time for the transition to permanent settlement.

For a complete overview of all UK immigration routes, see our Complete Guide to Moving to the UK.

What Makes the Graduate Visa Different

Unlike most UK work visas, the Graduate visa is remarkably flexible. Here's what sets it apart:

No employer sponsorship – You don't need a sponsor licence holder to hire you No job offer required – Apply even if you're still job hunting No minimum salary – Work at any salary level, or be self-employed No skill level restrictions – Take any job, including roles below graduate level Work flexibility – Change employers freely, work multiple jobs, or start a business

The trade-off? This visa cannot be extended and doesn't directly lead to settlement. It's a temporary bridge that gives you time to find qualifying employment for a Skilled Worker visa or other settlement-eligible route.

Who Can Apply for the Graduate Visa?

The Graduate visa is exclusively for international students who have completed an eligible UK degree while on a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) visa.

You May Be Eligible If:

• You're currently in the UK on a valid Student visa or Tier 4 visa
• You've successfully completed an eligible UK degree (bachelor's, master's, or PhD)
• Your course was at a licensed higher education provider with a track record of compliance
• Your university has confirmed course completion to the Home Office
• You haven't previously held a Graduate visa or Doctorate Extension Scheme leave

Eligible Qualifications

Standard routes:

• UK bachelor's degree
• UK master's degree
• UK PhD or doctorate

Other qualifying courses:

• PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)
• Law conversion courses (GDL, LPC, BPTC)
• Professional courses at UK bachelor's level or above with reserved activities

Not eligible: Foundation courses, pre-sessional English courses, short courses below bachelor's level, or courses not taught by a licensed sponsor.

Key Requirements at a Glance

The Graduate visa has remarkably few requirements compared to other UK work routes:

✅ No English language test – Already met through your Student visa ✅ No financial maintenance requirement – No savings needed ✅ No job offer or salary threshold – Complete work freedom ✅ No sponsor required – Apply independently

What You Do Need:

1. Current Student visa – Must be in the UK with valid permission when applying
2. Course completion confirmation – Your university must notify the Home Office
3. One-time-only eligibility – You can only get this visa once in your lifetime
4. UK study period – Must have studied in UK for required duration (12 months minimum for courses longer than 12 months)

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Complete Your Course

Finish all assessed components and receive confirmation of successful completion from your institution. You cannot apply until your course is fully completed—not just submitted, but marked and confirmed.

Pro tip: Your final dissertation submission date is not your completion date. Wait for your university to officially confirm your results.

Step 2: Wait for University Notification

Your education provider must report your course completion to the Home Office through the Sponsor Management System. This is the most common bottleneck.

Timeline: Typically 1-3 weeks after results are confirmed, but can vary significantly by institution.

Action required: Contact your university's international student office to confirm when they've submitted this notification. Do not apply before this step is complete—your application will be refused.

Step 3: Gather Documents

Collect your required documents:

Mandatory:

• Valid passport with blank pages
• Current BRP (Biometric Residence Permit), if you were issued one
• Digital immigration status (if you have eVisa)

Conditional (if applicable):

• Financial sponsor consent letter (if government or international scholarship paid your fees in the last 12 months)
• TB test certificate (rare—only if you recently left and re-entered the UK)

Helpful to have:

• Degree certificate or official results letter
• CAS reference number from your Student visa
• Academic transcripts

Step 4: Apply Online

Submit your application through the UK government website. You must apply:

• While in the UK (cannot apply from overseas)
• While your Student visa is still valid
• Within 3 months of your university notifying the Home Office (this window is usually not an issue)

Complete the online form, providing your:

• Personal details
• Passport information
• Education provider details
• Current visa information

Step 5: Pay Fees

| Item | Bachelor's/Master's | PhD/Doctorate | |------|---------------------|---------------| | Application fee | £880 | £880 | | Immigration Health Surcharge | £2,070 (2 years) | £3,105 (3 years) | | Total | £2,950 | £3,985 |

The Immigration Health Surcharge gives you access to NHS healthcare. Unlike Student visas, Graduate visa holders pay the standard adult rate, not the discounted student rate.

Step 6: Prove Your Identity

You'll need to verify your identity using one of two methods:

Option 1: UK Immigration: ID Check App (faster)

• Scan your biometric passport using the app
• Take a selfie video
• Complete identity verification from home
• Available for most passport types

Option 2: UKVCAS Appointment

• Book an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services centre
• Provide fingerprints and photograph in person
• Submit documents if required

Pro tip: The app route is typically faster if your passport is compatible. Check the app compatibility before choosing.

Step 7: Wait for Decision

Standard processing time is up to 8 weeks from identity verification.

Important limitations:

• No priority processing available (unlike Skilled Worker visas)
• Cannot travel outside the UK or Common Travel Area while application is pending—doing so automatically withdraws your application
• Section 3C leave allows you to remain in the UK with the same conditions as your Student visa while waiting, provided you applied before it expired

Step 8: Receive Your Digital Immigration Status

From January 2025, new visa grants use eVisa (digital status) instead of physical BRP cards. You'll receive an email with instructions to view and prove your immigration status online.

Your Graduate visa starts from the decision date and runs for:

• 2 years for bachelor's or master's graduates
• 3 years for PhD or doctoral graduates

Total Timeline: From Graduation to Working

| Stage | Duration | Notes | |-------|----------|-------| | Course completion confirmation | 1-3 weeks | University action | | Document gathering | 1 week | Your action | | Online application | 1 day | Your action | | Identity verification appointment | 1-2 weeks | Wait for appointment | | Home Office processing | Up to 8 weeks | Standard processing | | Total | 10-14 weeks | Plan ahead |

Critical insight: Start early. Many graduates wait until just before their Student visa expires, which creates unnecessary stress. Begin the process as soon as your university confirms your results.

Work Rights and Restrictions

What You Can Do

• Work in any job at any salary level (no minimum)
• Work as an employee for any employer
• Work in self-employment or as a freelancer
• Set up and run a business
• Work as a company director
• Take multiple jobs simultaneously
• Change employers freely with no immigration restrictions

What You Cannot Do

• Claim most public funds (benefits, housing assistance)
• Work as a professional sportsperson or coach (primary activity)

Changing Jobs

Unlike Skilled Worker visa holders, you don't need to notify anyone when changing employers. Your Graduate visa gives you complete employment freedom—use it to explore different industries, roles, and employers to find the right fit.

Costs Breakdown: What You'll Pay

Government Fees (Single Applicant)

| Item | Bachelor's/Master's | PhD | |------|---------------------|-----| | Visa fee | £880 | £880 | | IHS (2 years) | £2,070 | — | | IHS (3 years) | — | £3,105 | | Total | £2,950 | £3,985 |

With Dependants

If your partner or children were dependants on your Student visa, they can apply for Graduate visa dependant status:

• Same visa fee per person: £880 each
• Same IHS rate: £1,035/year per person

Example: Applicant + partner + 1 child (2-year visa):

• Main applicant: £2,950
• Partner: £2,950
• Child: £2,950
• Total: £8,850

Important: New dependants cannot join under the Graduate route. Only those who were already your dependants on your Student visa can switch.

Hidden Costs to Consider

While the visa itself has no additional requirements, budget for:

• Travel to UKVCAS centre (if not using app): £10-50
• Professional wardrobe for job interviews: £200-500
• Job search costs (transport, networking): £100-300/month
• Recruitment agency fees (if applicable): Usually free for candidates

Maximizing Your Graduate Visa: Strategic Planning

The Graduate visa gives you a precious window to build your UK career, but 2 years goes faster than you think. Here's how to make the most of it.

Year 1: Foundation

Months 1-3: Any job is a good job

• Take roles to pay bills and gain UK work experience
• Understand UK workplace culture
• Build your professional network
• Refine your CV for UK standards

Months 4-12: Target career progression

• Apply for roles aligned with your degree
• Focus on employers with sponsor licences (if planning Skilled Worker visa)
• Gain references from UK employers
• Consider professional certifications if relevant to your field

Year 2: Transition Planning

Months 13-18: Secure your path forward

• If seeking Skilled Worker sponsorship, target licensed sponsors actively
• Research salary thresholds for your occupation (need £38,700+ or the going rate)
• Consider "new entrant" roles if you qualify (reduced threshold of £30,960)
• Alternative: build case for Global Talent endorsement if exceptional

Months 19-24: Execute your switch

• Apply for new visa before Graduate visa expires
• Ideal timing: 3-6 months before expiry
• If switching to Skilled Worker from within UK, you can start working for new employer once application is submitted

Important Milestones

Track these key dates from day one:

• Visa start date: Beginning of your 2 or 3 years
• 12-month mark: Halfway point—time to accelerate job search if needed
• 18-month mark: Must have plan in place
• 3-6 months before expiry: Apply for next visa route
• Visa expiry date: Must have switched or be ready to leave UK

The Path to Settlement: Your Long-Term Strategy

The Graduate visa does not lead directly to settlement. Time on this visa does not count toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). However, it's a crucial stepping stone to settlement-eligible routes.

Most Common Pathway: Skilled Worker Route

Timeline:

1. Year 0-2: Graduate visa (your current stage)
2. Year 2: Switch to Skilled Worker visa (requires job offer, sponsor, £38,700+ salary)
3. Year 2-7: Skilled Worker visa (5 years required for ILR)
4. Year 7: Apply for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
5. Year 8: Apply for British citizenship (12 months after ILR)

Total: 8 years from graduation to citizenship

Faster Pathway: Global Talent Route

If you're exceptional in your field (digital technology, academia, arts), consider the Global Talent visa:

Timeline:

1. Year 0-2: Graduate visa
2. Year 2: Switch to Global Talent (no sponsor needed, but requires endorsement)
3. Year 2-5: Global Talent visa (3 years for most fields)
4. Year 5: Apply for ILR
5. Year 6: Apply for citizenship

Total: 6 years from graduation to citizenship

Requirements for Skilled Worker Switch

When you're ready to transition, you'll need:

1. Job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence
2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) assigned by that employer
3. Salary threshold: £38,700/year OR occupation-specific going rate (whichever is higher)
4. Skill level: RQF Level 3+ (A-level equivalent)
5. English: B1 level (already met from Student visa)

New entrant discount: If you're switching from a Graduate visa and are under 26, you may qualify for the reduced £30,960 threshold—make sure you mention this to employers.

Job Search Strategy for Skilled Worker

To maximize your chances of securing sponsorship:

Target the right employers:

• Check the Register of Licensed Sponsors
• Large companies and those with international teams are more likely to sponsor
• Tech, finance, healthcare, and engineering sectors sponsor frequently

Communicate your status clearly:

• "I'm on a Graduate visa with 18 months remaining—no sponsorship needed now"
• "I'm eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship with the new entrant discount (£30,960)"
• "I've already completed the required English and education qualifications"

Build your case:

• Demonstrate value that justifies sponsorship costs (£239 CoS + £1,000/year Immigration Skills Charge)
• Show willingness to commit long-term
• Highlight specialized skills that are hard to find locally

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying Too Early

Mistake: Applying before your university has reported course completion to the Home Office.

Result: Automatic refusal. Your application cannot be processed until this notification is complete.

Avoid: Confirm with your university's international office that they've submitted the completion report before applying.

2. Letting Student Visa Expire

Mistake: Missing the application window because you waited too long after finishing your course.

Result: If your Student visa expires before you apply, you cannot apply for the Graduate visa—you must leave the UK.

Avoid: Apply as soon as your university confirms completion. Aim for at least 4-6 weeks before your Student visa expires to allow for processing.

3. Travelling During Application

Mistake: Leaving the UK (even briefly) while your Graduate visa application is pending.

Result: Automatic withdrawal of your application. You'll lose your fee and need to reapply.

Avoid: Stay in the UK (including Common Travel Area—Ireland, Isle of Man, Channel Islands) until you receive your decision. Plan any travel for after approval.

4. Treating It Like Permanent Status

Mistake: Not planning for the transition to a settlement-eligible visa.

Result: Reaching month 22-24 with no clear path forward, forced to leave UK.

Avoid: Start planning your next visa from month 12. Know your target salary, occupation code, and potential sponsors by month 18 at the latest.

5. Not Understanding the "One-Time-Only" Rule

Mistake: Assuming you can re-apply for Graduate visa if circumstances change.

Result: You can only hold a Graduate visa once in your lifetime. There are no second chances.

Avoid: Use this time wisely. Don't waste it in roles that don't advance your career or build toward your long-term goals.

6. Misunderstanding Work Restrictions

Mistake: Thinking you need to work in a graduate-level job or your field of study.

Result: Unnecessarily limiting your job options during your search.

Avoid: You can work in any job—take hospitality, retail, or service roles to pay bills while searching for career-track positions. There are no restrictions during the Graduate visa period.

Bringing Family: Dependants

Who Can Come

Only dependants who were already on your Student visa can switch to Graduate visa dependant status:

• Spouse or civil partner (must have been your Student visa dependant)
• Unmarried partner with 2+ years cohabitation (must have been your Student visa dependant)
• Children under 18 who were Student visa dependants
• Children born in the UK during your Student visa period

Important: New dependants cannot join you under the Graduate route. If you marry after switching to the Graduate visa, your spouse cannot join you until you switch to a different visa route.

Dependant Rights

• Can work without restriction (almost any job)
• Can study
• Access NHS via IHS payment
• Visa expires on the same date as yours

Dependant Costs

Each dependant pays the same fees:

• Application fee: £880
• IHS: £1,035/year (£2,070 for 2 years, £3,105 for 3 years)

Total per dependant for 2-year visa: £2,950

Upcoming Changes: What's Happening in 2027

Critical update: From 1 January 2027, the Graduate visa duration will be reduced:

• Bachelor's and master's graduates: 2 years → 18 months
• PhD/doctoral graduates: Still 3 years (no change)

What This Means for You

If you apply before 1 January 2027:

• You'll receive the full 2-year visa (or 3 years for PhD)
• No impact from the rule change

If you apply on or after 1 January 2027:

• Bachelor's/master's: Only 18 months instead of 2 years
• Tighter timeline to secure Skilled Worker sponsorship
• Need to start job search earlier

Strategy: If you're close to graduating in late 2026, consider your timeline carefully. The earlier you can apply, the better—you'll get the full 2 years.

Real Success Stories: Making It Work

Software Developer Path (Bachelor's Graduate)

Profile: Computer Science graduate, 22 years old Graduate Visa: Used 18 months Strategy:

• Months 1-6: Contract work with tech startups to build UK experience
• Months 7-12: Targeted licensed sponsors, networked at tech meetups
• Month 13: Job offer from fintech company with sponsor licence
• Outcome: Switched to Skilled Worker visa with new entrant discount (£32,000 salary)

Timeline: Now 3 years into Skilled Worker visa, on track for ILR in 2 more years.

Academic Researcher Path (PhD Graduate)

Profile: PhD in biotechnology, 28 years old Graduate Visa: Used 12 months Strategy:

• Months 1-6: Postdoc research contract at Russell Group university
• Months 7-12: Published 2 papers, built endorsement case for Global Talent
• Month 10: Applied for Global Talent endorsement (Royal Society)
• Outcome: Endorsed as Exceptional Promise, switched to Global Talent visa

Timeline: On Global Talent for 2 years, eligible for ILR in 3 more years (5-year total).

Business Owner Path (Master's Graduate)

Profile: MBA graduate, started consultancy Graduate Visa: Used full 2 years Strategy:

• Months 1-12: Freelance consulting, built client base
• Months 13-18: Registered limited company, scaled to £45k revenue
• Months 19-24: Applied for Innovator Founder visa with business plan
• Outcome: Switched to Innovator Founder visa

Timeline: Currently building business toward 3-year settlement milestone.

Next Steps

If you're currently a UK student approaching graduation:

1. Check your eligibility: Confirm your course and institution qualify
2. Set a reminder: Apply as soon as your university confirms completion
3. Review full requirements: View the complete Graduate Visa route
4. Plan your career strategy: Map out your 2-year timeline now
5. Research sponsor employers: Start building your target list

If you're considering studying in the UK:

Understanding the Graduate visa is crucial when evaluating the return on investment of a UK degree. Read our UK Student Visa guide to understand the full pathway from application to graduation.

If you're already on a Graduate visa:

1. Track your milestones: Create a calendar with key dates
2. Target licensed sponsors: Filter your job search strategically
3. Understand salary thresholds: Know what you need to qualify for Skilled Worker
4. Plan your switch timing: Apply for next visa 3-6 months before expiry
5. Verify with official sources: UK Government Graduate Visa guidance

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Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information based on publicly available sources. It is not legal advice. UK immigration requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the UK government website and consult qualified immigration solicitors for advice specific to your situation. The 2027 rule changes are based on the Statement of Changes published in October 2025 and are subject to parliamentary approval.

Sources:

• UK Government - Graduate Visa
• UK Government - Graduate Visa Eligibility
• UK Government - Graduate Visa Fees
• Immigration Rules - Appendix Graduate
• UKCISA - Graduate Route Guidance
• UK Government - Register of Licensed Sponsors

Last updated: February 9, 2026