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Graduate Visa - Complete Immigration Plan

Category: post study_work

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Not Legal Advice— This is informational guidance only

Overview

The Graduate visa (also known as the post-study work visa) is an unsponsored route that allows international students who have successfully completed an eligible UK degree or qualifying course to remain in the United Kingdom to work, look for work, or start a business. It does not require a job offer, employer sponsor, or minimum salary threshold. The visa is granted for 2 years (bachelor's or master's degree) or 3 years (PhD or other doctoral qualification), and cannot be extended. While it does not lead directly to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), it provides a valuable bridge to switch into a settlement-eligible route such as the Skilled Worker visa.

Typical Profile: International students who have recently completed a UK bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree at a licensed higher education provider with a track record of compliance. Common applicants include recent graduates seeking their first UK professional role, those wanting time to secure employer sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, doctoral researchers transitioning to industry or academic positions, and graduates wishing to gain UK work experience before returning home.

Detailed Eligibility Requirements

Hard Requirements (Mandatory)

Nationality:

Open to all non-UK nationals who hold or last held a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa. Irish citizens do not need a visa. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals without pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may use this route if they studied on a Student visa.

Age Limits:

Minimum: 18 years

Income Threshold:

Varies (see notes below)

There is no minimum salary or income threshold for the Graduate visa. Holders may work in any job at any salary level, be self-employed, or start a business.

Work Allowed:

Yes

No job offer required. No restrictions on the type, level, or sector of work. Holders may work in employment, self-employment, or as a company director. No minimum skill level or salary requirements. Cannot access most public funds.

Accommodation:

Not required

No formal accommodation requirement for the visa application.

Health Insurance:

Not required

No private insurance required. Applicants pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which grants access to the National Health Service (NHS) on the same basis as UK residents. Graduate visa holders pay the standard adult IHS rate, not the discounted student rate.

Additional Considerations (Discretionary)

Common Exceptions:

COVID-19 concessions: any period of distance learning between 24 January 2020 and 30 June 2022 as part of a course lasting longer than 12 months does not prevent the applicant meeting the minimum UK study period requirement. Students who began a course of 12 months or less before 21 June 2021 and entered the UK by 27 September 2021 may also benefit from this concession.

Discretionary Factors:

Applications are assessed primarily against objective criteria rather than discretion. However, the Home Office may consider: immigration compliance history, genuineness of previous study, and any suitability concerns.

Alternative Proofs:

The Home Office primarily relies on the education provider's confirmation of course completion via the Sponsor Management System. The applicant does not typically need to submit extensive documentary evidence, as the Home Office cross-references information electronically with the sponsoring institution.

Common Edge Cases:

Students who completed their course but whose university has not yet reported completion to the Home Office (timing gap). Students whose Student visa is about to expire before the university confirms completion. Students who studied part of their course overseas (must meet minimum UK study period). Students on joint or dual-award programmes with overseas institutions. Students who deferred or interrupted their studies.

Complete Document Checklist

Mandatory Documents (3)

  • Valid Passport or Travel Document

    Current passport with at least one blank page. Must be valid for the duration of intended stay.

    You will need your passport to prove your identity, either via the UK Immigration: ID Check app (for eligible passport types) or at a UKVCAS service point.

    Official source →

  • Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

    Your current BRP issued when you were granted your Student visa or Tier 4 visa.

    Required if you were issued a BRP. From 1 January 2025, new grants use eVisa (digital status) rather than physical BRP cards. If your BRP has expired, you may still be able to use the app-based identity verification.

    Official source →

  • Confirmation of Course Completion

    Your education provider must have notified the Home Office via the Sponsor Management System that you have successfully completed your course.

    This is an electronic notification from your university to the Home Office — you do not submit it yourself. You should confirm with your university that they have reported your completion before applying. Do not apply before this notification has been made, as your application will be refused.

    Official source →

Conditional Documents (5)

  • Financial Sponsor Consent Letter

    Required if: Required if your course fees and living costs were paid by a government or international scholarship in the last 12 months

    If you received financial sponsorship from a government or international scholarship agency, you must provide a letter from your sponsor confirming they approve your Graduate visa application.

    Official source →

  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate

    Required if: Required if you are from a country listed as requiring a TB test

    Certificate from an approved clinic confirming you are free from infectious TB. Valid for 6 months from issue date. Most applicants already in the UK on a Student visa will not need this, but it may be required if you briefly left the UK.

    Official source →

  • Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate

    Required if: Required if applying with a partner as dependant

    Must prove genuine and subsisting relationship. For unmarried partners, evidence of 2+ years cohabitation is required.

  • Birth Certificates for Children

    Required if: Required for child dependants

    UK birth certificate if the child was born in the UK during the applicant's Student visa period. Overseas birth certificate (with certified translation if not in English) for other children.

  • Evidence of Sole Parental Responsibility

    Required if: Required if bringing a child without the other parent

    Court order, death certificate, or other evidence that you have sole parental responsibility. Both parents must normally be coming to or be in the UK for a child to qualify as a dependant.

Optional Documents (3)

These documents may strengthen your application

  • Degree Certificate or Official Results Letter

    While the Home Office primarily relies on your university's electronic confirmation, having your degree certificate or results letter can be useful if any queries arise.

  • Academic Transcript

    Full transcript showing modules completed and grades awarded. May be useful for future employment or switching to other visa routes.

  • CAS Reference Number

    Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from your Student visa application. The Home Office can cross-reference this but having it to hand is helpful.

Step-by-Step Process

Before Arrival in the UK (7 steps)

  1. 1

    Complete Your Course Successfully

    Finish all assessed components of your eligible UK course (bachelor's degree, master's degree, PhD, or other qualifying programme). Ensure you receive confirmation of successful completion from your institution. This is a prerequisite — you cannot apply until your course is fully completed.

    UK
  2. 2

    Wait for University to Notify the Home Office

    Your education provider must report your successful course completion to the Home Office via the Sponsor Management System (SMS). This is an essential step that you cannot control directly. Contact your university's international student office or immigration team to confirm when this notification has been made. Do not apply before this step is completed.

    3 weeksUK (university action)
    Official source →
  3. 3

    Gather Required Documents

    Collect your passport, BRP (if issued), and any conditional documents such as financial sponsor consent letters. Ensure your passport is valid and your BRP is accessible. If applying with dependants, gather relationship evidence (marriage certificates, birth certificates).

    1 weekUK
  4. 4

    Complete Online Application and Pay Fees

    Submit your application online through the UK government website. Pay the application fee (£880) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year of visa duration: £2,070 for 2-year visa or £3,105 for 3-year PhD visa). You must apply while your Student visa is still valid and while you are in the UK.

    1 day£880.00Online (must be in the UK)
    Official source →
  5. 5

    Prove Your Identity

    Verify your identity either by using the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app to scan your biometric passport, or by attending a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph. The app-based route is quicker if your passport is compatible.

    1 weekAppointment requiredUK (via app or UKVCAS centre)
  6. 6

    Wait for Decision

    The Home Office typically processes Graduate visa applications within 8 weeks from the point of identity verification. No priority or super priority processing service is available for this route. While waiting, you can remain in the UK on section 3C leave (same conditions as your Student visa) provided you applied before your Student visa expired. Do not travel outside the UK or the Common Travel Area while your application is pending, as this will automatically withdraw your application.

    2 monthsUK
    Official source →
  7. 7

    Receive Decision and Digital Immigration Status

    If approved, from 1 January 2025 you will receive a digital immigration status (eVisa) rather than a physical Biometric Residence Permit. You can view and prove your immigration status online. Your Graduate visa permission begins from the date of the decision and runs for 2 years (bachelor's/master's) or 3 years (PhD/doctorate).

    1 dayUK
    Official source →

After Arrival in the UK (4 steps)

  1. 1

    Begin Work or Job Search

    You are free to work in any job, at any skill level, for any employer, or be self-employed. There is no requirement to find work related to your degree. You can also start a business. No employer sponsorship is needed during the Graduate visa period.

    UK
  2. 2

    Register for National Insurance Number (if not already held)

    If you did not already obtain an NI number during your Student visa (e.g., from part-time work), apply for one. You need it for working and paying taxes in the UK. You can start work before receiving your NI number.

    4 weeksUK (online/phone)
    Official source →
  3. 3

    Register with GP (General Practitioner)

    Register with a local GP surgery to access NHS healthcare if you have not already done so during your studies. Your IHS payment entitles you to NHS services on the same basis as UK residents.

    2 weeksUK
  4. 4

    Plan Your Next Immigration Step

    The Graduate visa cannot be extended and does not lead to settlement. Before it expires, you should either: secure a Skilled Worker visa (requires employer sponsorship, job at RQF Level 3+, and meeting salary thresholds — you may qualify as a 'new entrant' for a reduced threshold), switch to another eligible visa route (Global Talent, Innovator Founder, etc.), or leave the UK. Begin job searching and networking early to maximise your time.

    UK

Timeline & Validity

Typical Processing Time:

56 days

The Home Office typically processes Graduate visa applications within 8 weeks from the point of identity verification. There is no priority or super priority processing service available for this route. During peak graduation periods (summer months), there may be additional delays due to high volumes of applications and university reporting backlogs.

Recommended Lead Time:

60 days

Start your application this early before planned travel

Permit Validity:

24 months

Duration of your initial permit

Renewal Possible:

No

The Graduate visa cannot be extended or renewed. It is a one-time grant of 2 years (bachelor's/master's) or 3 years (PhD/doctorate). To remain in the UK after it expires, you must switch to a different visa route before the Graduate visa expires.

Regional Variations:

Processing times are generally consistent as applications are handled centrally within the UK. However, delays may occur if the applicant's university is slow to report course completion to the Home Office. Some universities report completion within days of results being confirmed, while others may take several weeks.

Common Bottlenecks:

University delay in reporting course completion to the Home Office via the Sponsor Management System (most common bottleneck). UKVCAS appointment availability for biometrics (if not using the app). Peak summer graduation period causing higher application volumes. Section 3C leave timing if Student visa is close to expiry when applying.

Fees & Costs Breakdown

Estimated Total Cost

£6,135

Government fees and mandatory costs only

Government Fees

  • Graduate Visa Application Fee

    Per applicant. Fee updated from April 2025 (previously £822). Same fee applies regardless of whether the visa is for 2 or 3 years.

    £880.00
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — 2-year visa

    For bachelor's/master's graduates. Calculated at £1,035 per year for 2 years. Paid upfront at application. Grants access to NHS healthcare. Graduate visa holders pay the standard adult rate, not the discounted student rate.

    £2,070.00
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — 3-year visa

    For PhD/doctoral graduates. Calculated at £1,035 per year for 3 years. Paid upfront at application.

    £3,105.00

Service Fees (Optional)

  • UKVCAS Biometrics Appointment

    The standard appointment is free. Optional premium services (enhanced appointments, out-of-hours) are available at UKVCAS centres for an additional fee. Prices vary by location and service level.

    £0.00
  • Administrative Review (if refused)

    If your application is refused, you may be eligible to request an administrative review. The fee is refunded if the review finds in your favour.

    £80.00

Other Mandatory Costs:

No significant additional mandatory costs. Unlike other visa routes, there is no English language test fee, no financial maintenance evidence requirement, and no sponsor-related costs. Potential minor costs include: travel to UKVCAS centre (if not using app), and any document translation/certification (if needed for dependant applications).

Common Risks & Pitfalls

Common Rejections:

Applying before the university has notified the Home Office of course completion (most common reason). Student visa expired before application was submitted. Applicant not physically in the UK at the time of application. Previously held the Graduate visa or Doctorate Extension Scheme leave (one-time-only route). Course not eligible (not at UK bachelor's degree level or above, or institution not a Track Record sponsor). Minimum UK study period not met (less than 12 months in UK for courses longer than 12 months, or not full course for shorter courses). Breach of previous Student visa conditions (overstaying, excessive work hours, non-attendance).

Frequent Errors:

Applying too early before the university has reported completion to the Home Office. Not confirming with the university's international office that the completion report has been submitted. Travelling outside the UK (or Common Travel Area) while the application is pending, which automatically withdraws the application. Applying from outside the UK. Applying on a visa other than the Student or Tier 4 visa. Incorrect fee payment (insufficient funds, wrong amount). Not accounting for the gap between finishing exams and the university formally reporting completion.

Documents Often Requested Later:

The Graduate visa application is relatively streamlined compared to other routes. The Home Office relies heavily on electronic cross-referencing with the sponsoring institution. Additional evidence is rarely requested, but may include: clarification on course completion status, evidence of continuous UK residence, or resolution of identity discrepancies.

Red Flags:

Previous breaches of Student visa conditions (working more than permitted hours, poor attendance record). Significant periods of absence from the UK during studies (may affect minimum study period requirement). Previous visa refusals or overstays. Applying very close to Student visa expiry with no university confirmation yet. Inconsistencies between Student visa details and course completion information.

Consulate-Specific Notes:

This visa can only be applied for from inside the UK — there is no overseas application option. Applications submitted from outside the UK will be automatically refused. While waiting for a decision, the applicant must not travel outside the Common Travel Area (UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, Channel Islands), as doing so will automatically withdraw the application.

Official Sources & References

Government Links

Law References

Official Documents

Important Notice

This plan is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and requirements can change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official sources and consult with a qualified immigration attorney for your specific situation.

Generated on February 15, 2026