The graduate visa application allows eligible international graduates to remain in the UK after completing their studies and work without employer sponsorship. The Graduate visa route is designed as a flexible post study work visa, allowing eligible graduates to work, look for employment or become self-employed while planning their next immigration step.
In this guide, we explain who can apply for graduate visa, which courses qualify, application process, what documents you may need, and the costs involved. We also cover Graduate Visa validity, dependant rules and options for moving to another immigration route, including the skilled worker route.
The rules are changing from 1 January 2027. Applications made by 31 December 2026 can receive two years of permission, while eligible applications made from 1 January 2027 will receive 18 months. PhD and other doctoral graduates will continue to receive three years.
Understanding the Purpose of the Graduate Visa UK
The Graduate Visa UK was launched as part of the UK Government’s strategy to retain skilled talent within the country after they complete their higher education.
This post-study work route, also known as the graduate route, allows international students who have completed a bachelor’s degree or above from a recognised UK institution to stay and work in the UK without needing sponsorship from an employer.
The visa serves two major purposes:
- It gives graduates a chance to gain real-world work experience
- It supports the UK workforce by attracting skilled international graduates.
From a legal perspective, this visa is not tied to a specific job or employer. You can work for any company, become self-employed, or even explore freelance opportunities. The only restriction is that you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach.
Key Benefits of the Graduate Visa UK
- No Sponsorship Needed: Unlike skilled worker visas, no employer sponsorship is required.
- Flexible Employment Options: Graduates can work full-time, part-time, or on a freelance basis.
- Stay Duration: Two years for undergraduate and master’s graduates; three years for PhD holders.
- Career Exploration: Allows graduates to explore diverse career paths by trying different roles and industries before applying for a long-term visa.
- Pathway to Settlement: While this visa doesn’t directly lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), it provides a solid base to transition to other immigration routes.
Important Update: For graduate visa applications made on or after 1 January 2027, the duration for undergraduate and master’s graduates will be 18 months as per government notification. The three-year duration for PhD or doctoral graduates remains unchanged.
Graduate Visa Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for graduate visa, understand the eligibility criteria set by the UK Home Office.
Graduate Visa Eligibility Criteria
- Graduate visa applicants must hold a valid Student route visa or Tier 4 visa.
- Applicants must have studied in the UK for a minimum period based on their course length. You must have studied in the UK for at least 12 months in general.
- You must have successfully completed an eligible course such as a bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or other approved postgraduate qualification.
- You must apply before your Student Visa expires and be in the UK when applying for the visa.
- Your UK higher education provider must confirm your successful course completion to the Home Office.
Once you’ve met the graduate route eligibility and visa gets approved, you’ll be granted permission to stay and work in the UK.
Eligible Courses and Institutions
You can apply for the Graduate route Visa if you have completed:
- A UK bachelor’s degree, a qualification at UK bachelor’s degree level, or a postgraduate degree (such as a master’s degree)
- A PhD or doctorate (including any doctoral qualification or other doctoral qualification) from a licensed higher education provider; note that doctoral students and PhD students are eligible for a longer stay (three years) under the Graduate Visa route
- A validated law conversion course (such as the GDL), a legal practice course, a bar practice course, or a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE)
- Other relevant qualification or prescribed professional qualifications at degree level or above, as recognized under UK law or by a UK public authority, and listed in official regulations
Your higher education provider must have a valid sponsor licence and a strong track record of compliance at the time you complete your course. If your institution loses its sponsor licence before you finish, your eligibility may be affected.
Graduate Visa Application Process Step-by-Step
After confirming eligibility, applicants should proceed to the graduate visa application. The process is designed to be digital and user-friendly, but it’s vital to provide accurate information and upload all required documents on time to avoid unnecessary delays or refusals.
Step 1: Apply Online through the Official GOV.UK Website
All applications for the Graduate Visa UK are submitted online from within the UK. You must use your existing UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account or create one if you don’t already have it. When filling in the application form, ensure that:
- All your details match your passport and academic documents.
- You are applying while physically present in the UK.
- You provide accurate course completion details as given by your university.
Step 2: Pay the Application Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
When applying, you must pay:
- Graduate visa application fee: £937 (applicable in 2026)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year
The annual immigration health surcharge is a mandatory fee that provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) for both principal applicants and dependents. A two-year Graduate Visa costs £2,070 in total, while a three-year Graduate Visa costs £3,105.
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
You need to verify your identity during the application process either by:
- Using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app if you have a biometric passport, or
- Attending a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre for biometrics.
You’ll be informed during the application process which method applies to you.
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents
All documents, including your degree completion confirmation, passport, and BRP, must be uploaded digitally. You may also need to provide:
- A letter or email from your university confirming you’ve successfully completed your course.
- Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number (if requested).
It’s crucial that the documents are clear, valid, and legible.
Step 5: Await a Decision
After submitting your Graduate Visa application, you can usually expect a decision within 8 weeks. You will be contacted by UKVI if any further documents or clarifications are required. Once approved, your visa details will be shared digitally, and your biometric residence permit (if applicable) will be sent by post.
Documents Required for Graduate Visa Application
Before applying, you must ensure graduate visa documents are complete and accurate for a smooth approval process. The Home Office uses these documents to verify your eligibility, confirm your academic qualifications, and validate your current immigration status. Any missing or incorrect information can result in delays or, in some cases, visa refusal.
1. Valid Passport or Travel Document
A valid passport or another official travel document is required to confirm your identity and nationality.
- The passport must be valid at the time of application.
- It should clearly display your personal information, photo, and visa stamps from your Student Visa or Tier 4 Visa.
If your passport is due to expire soon, it’s advisable to renew it before beginning your Graduate Visa application.
2. Confirmation of Qualification from Your University
Your education provider (university or college) must have notified the Home Office that you have successfully completed your eligible course with a relevant qualification that matches the course you studied in the UK.
You do not need to submit your degree certificate if the Home Office already has confirmation directly from your institution.
However, you may provide:
- Your official degree certificate, or
- An academic transcript showing your final results and course completion date, or
- An official letter from your university confirming successful completion of your degree.
Make sure your relevant qualification was obtained from a licensed Student Visa sponsor and that your course is one of the eligible qualifications listed by the Home Office (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate).
3. Current Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
If you were issued a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) during your previous Student Visa, you’ll need to provide this document when applying.
It helps the Home Office verify your immigration history and biometric data already on file.
4. Proof of Identity through the UK Immigration ID Check App
If you are applying from within the UK, you can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to confirm your identity digitally by scanning your BRP or uploading your biometric information.
This process replaces the need for physical appointments in most cases.
5. Proof of Relationship for Dependants (If Applicable)
If your dependants (spouse, partner, or children) are applying with you, you must include:
- Marriage certificate or proof of durable relationship (for partners).
- Birth certificates (for children).
- Proof of cohabitation such as tenancy agreements, bank statements, or utility bills showing shared addresses.
6. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Payment Receipt
You must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your application.
The IHS gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
The typical IHS cost is £1,035 per year for the Graduate Visa, which will be charged for two or three years depending on your qualification level.
7. Application Payment Confirmation
You must also include proof of application fee payment, currently set at £880 (in 2026).
Payments are made online, and a confirmation email or digital receipt serves as acceptable evidence.
8. Any Additional Supporting Evidence
In some cases, the Home Office may request additional documents to verify your eligibility, such as:
- Previous immigration records.
- Letters of explanation for any name changes.
- Police registration certificates (if applicable).
Always ensure your documents are in English or accompanied by certified translations.
Graduate Visa Processing Time, Validity and Key Rules
Understanding the Graduate Visa processing time and length of permission can help you plan employment, travel and your next immigration step. A graduate visa application must be made from inside the UK while you still have valid student leave, and you must have successfully completed your eligible UK qualification. The Home Office normally makes a decision within 8 weeks after you have applied, proved your identity and provided the required documents.
How Long Is the Graduate Visa Valid?
The Graduate Visa validity depends on the qualification and the date of your application. If you apply on or before 31 December 2026, a qualifying undergraduate or postgraduate degree or another eligible qualification will normally result in two years of permission.
For applications made on or after 1 January 2027, this period will reduce to 18 months. Graduates who successfully complete a PhD or other doctoral qualification can receive three years of permission.
The Graduate Route cannot be extended. Before your graduate visa expires, you should therefore consider whether you qualify to switch to another route, such as the Skilled Worker route. There is no minimum salary requirement for jobs undertaken while you hold Graduate permission, although any later sponsored application will need to meet the separate requirements of that route.
Graduate permission also gives considerable flexibility in employment. You can generally work full-time or part-time, change employers and undertake self-employment, subject to the conditions of the route. You cannot access most public funds or claim the State Pension while holding this immigration permission.
Dependants and Graduate Visa Rules
Eligible dependants can also remain in the UK under the Graduate Route where they meet the relevant requirements. Successful applications grant dependants permission until the main visa expires. Existing Student visa dependants can apply, while there are specific provisions for children born in the UK during the relevant Student or Graduate permission.
Learn more about graduate dependent visa in our detailed guide.
Because the Graduate Route is temporary and cannot itself lead directly to settlement, planning your next immigration permission early can be important. Graduates who secure suitable sponsored employment may, for example, consider switching to the Skilled Worker route before their Graduate permission ends.
Graduate Visa Application Timeline
A typical graduate visa application timeline involves confirming that your university has reported successful course completion, preparing your documents and CAS reference, submitting the online application before your current Student Visa expires, completing the required identity checks and waiting for the Home Office decision.
You should allow enough time to complete each stage before your valid student leave ends.
Switching to Other Visa Categories
The Graduate Visa application is designed to give international students valuable post-study work experience, but many use it as a bridge to other visa categories. Once you secure a job that meets eligibility criteria, you can switch to:
- A Skilled Worker Visa, if your employer is a licensed sponsor.
- A Global Talent Visa, if you meet the high-potential talent requirements.
- An Innovator Founder Visa, if you wish to start a business.
By transitioning into these routes, you can continue your stay in the UK and work toward permanent settlement.
Need Help With Your Graduate Visa Application?
A graduate visa application can have important consequences for your right to work and your future immigration options in the UK. At Axis Solicitors, our immigration team can assess your eligibility, review your documents and guide you through the application process, while also advising on suitable options if you plan to move to the Skilled Worker route or another immigration category.
From eligibility checks and application preparation to advice following a refusal, we provide tailored UK immigration legal support based on your circumstances.
FAQs About Graduate Visa Application
What are the requirements to apply for a Graduate Visa?
To apply, you must be in the UK with valid Student or Tier 4 (General) permission and have successfully completed an eligible course with a qualifying higher education provider. Your provider must have notified the Home Office of your successful completion before you make the application.
How do I apply for a Graduate Visa?
You must apply online from inside the UK before your current Student Visa expires. During the process, you will need to prove your identity, provide the required documents and pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
What is the deadline to apply for a Graduate Visa?
You must submit your application while you still have valid Student permission and before your current visa expires. The date you submit your application also affects the length of permission: applications made by 31 December 2026 normally receive two years, while applications from 1 January 2027 generally receive 18 months for eligible bachelor’s and master’s graduates.
How long does a Graduate Route visa application take?
The standard Graduate Visa processing time is usually 8 weeks. This timeframe applies once you have submitted the online application, proved your identity and provided the required supporting documents.
Do I need sponsorship for a Graduate Visa?
No. You do not need an employer, job offer or Certificate of Sponsorship to make a Graduate Visa application. The Graduate Route allows eligible graduates to work for an employer, look for work or undertake self-employment without employer sponsorship.
