Graduate VISA

Graduate Visa Overview

The Graduate Visa, formally known as the Graduate Immigration Route, enables international students to remain in the UK after completing an eligible degree. While it is sometimes mistakenly still referred to as the Post-Study Work Visa (PSW), this visa actually replaced the old PSW visa, which was discontinued in 2012. Introduced in 2021, the Graduate Visa is part of the UK government’s strategy to attract and retain global talent by allowing graduates to stay in the UK to work, seek employment, or start their a business without the need for a job offer or sponsorship.

Graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree can stay in the UK for up to two years, while those who have completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification can remain for up to three years. This visa provides a pathway for graduates to integrate into the UK job market.

While the Graduate Visa does not directly lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), it provides a valuable opportunity for graduates to gain work experience in the UK. During this time, graduates can switch to other work-based visa routes, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, which can eventually lead to settlement in the UK. In reality, it offers a flexible transition for graduates looking to establish their careers in the UK while working towards long-term residency.

Eligibility Criteria for the Graduate Visa

To qualify for a UK Graduate Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Current Location: You must be physically present in the UK at the time of application.
• Visa Status: You must hold a valid Student visa or Tier 4 (General) visa.
• Educational Qualifications: You must have studied and completed a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, PhD, or another eligible course under your Student visa.
• Course Completion: You must have successfully completed your degree.

Key Requirements

To qualify for a Graduate visa, applicants must:

1. Have completed a UK degree or qualifying course
2. Have studied at an approved Higher Education Provider
3. Meet minimum UK study period requirements
4. Hold valid Student/Tier 4 permission when applying
5. Not fall under general grounds for refusal

No sponsor is required for this visa.

Validity of the Graduate Visa

The Graduate Visa is valid for:

• 2 years for graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• 3 years for those who have completed a PhD.

This visa provides a critical opportunity for international students to gain experience and set the stage for potential long-term residency. For more detailed guidance or to explore your eligibility, contact us for a free consultation. We can help you review or manage your applications, for the best chance of a successful outcome.

Requirements Graduate Visa 

To qualify for a UK Graduate Visa, you must successfully prove that you meet the following criteria as set by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI):

• Successful Completion of a UK Degree: You must have successfully completed an eligible degree or other recognised qualification at a UK institution.
• Study at a Compliant Higher Education Provider: The institution where you studied must be a UK Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance as a licensed student sponsor.
• Valid Student Visa: You must have held a valid Student Visa (or Tier 4 Visa) during your studies in the UK. This visa must have been granted specifically for the course you completed, and you must meet the minimum required duration of study in the UK.
• Application from Within the UK: You must apply for the Graduate Visa while you are in the UK, with valid leave as a Student or Tier 4 Student on the date of your application.
• No Previous Graduate Route or DES Visa: You are ineligible if you have previously held a visa under the Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES) or the Graduate route.
• Suitability Criteria: You must not fall under any of the general grounds for refusal, such as criminality or breach of immigration laws.

The specific requirements may vary based on individual circumstances; therefore, it is advisable to consult with our immigration solicitors for tailored advice. For personalised guidance and to ensure a smooth application process, contact Axis Solicitors today.

Eligible Courses

To qualify for the Graduate Immigration Route, you must have successfully completed one of the following in the UK:

• Degree-Level Qualification: A UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or another eligible higher education qualification.
• Professional Courses: A professional course that requires study at the UK bachelor’s degree level or higher. The course must be in a profession involving reserved activities that are regulated by UK law or a UK public authority.

Additionally, you may be eligible for the Graduate Visa if you were sponsored to serve as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer after completing an eligible qualification in your most recent grant of permission to study.

This pathway allows graduates to stay in the UK and gain valuable work experience, contributing to their long-term career goals. If you’re unsure whether your course qualifies, consult with our immigration experts at Axis Solicitors for tailored advice and support in securing your Graduate Visa.

Student Permission Period

To be eligible for a UK Graduate Visa, you must have held valid Student permission while studying the relevant qualification in the UK for a minimum period, which varies based on the length of your course:

• Courses of 12 Months or Less: You must have held Student permission throughout the entire duration of the course in the UK.
• Courses Longer Than 12 Months: You must have held Student permission for at least 12 months of the course, and that time must have been spent studying in the UK.

Sponsorship

No sponsor is required, the Graduate Visa is an unsponsored route, meaning you do not need a job offer or a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to apply. This visa allows you to stay in the UK to work or look for work after completing your studies without needing an employer to sponsor your stay.

This route offers graduates the flexibility to explore career opportunities across the UK, making it an attractive option for those looking to gain work experience and potentially transition to other long-term visa routes. For more detailed guidance and to ensure you meet all requirements, consult with our experienced immigration solicitors at Axis Solicitors.

UK Graduate Visa Fees 2024

Application Costs and Healthcare Surcharge

If you are planning to apply for the UK Graduate Visa in 2024, it is essential to be aware of the associated costs. As an international student looking to extend your stay in the UK post-graduation, you will need to budget for the application fee and the healthcare surcharge.

Application Fee

The current application fee for the UK Graduate Visa is £822. This is a mandatory cost that all applicants must pay when submitting their visa application.

Healthcare Surcharge

In addition to the application fee, you will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This surcharge grants you access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay in the UK. 

The IHS is calculated based on the length of your visa:

• 2-year Graduate Visa (for Bachelor’s/Master’s graduates): £2,070 (£1,035 per year)
• 3-year Graduate Visa (for PhD graduates): £3,105 (£1,035 per year)

The exact amount you will need to pay for the IHS will be confirmed when you apply for your Graduate Visa.

Total Costs

To summarise, the total costs for the UK Graduate Visa in 2024 are:

• 2-year Graduate Visa: £2,892 (£822 application fee + £2,070 IHS)
• 3-year Graduate Visa: £3,927 (£822 application fee + £3,105 IHS)

Note: Fees are subject to change, schedule a free initial consultation with one of our expert immigration solicitors for the latest information.

Supporting Documents

When applying for a UK Graduate Visa, you will need to provide several essential documents to support your application. These documents help verify your identity, legal status, and eligibility.

Supporting Documents Includes

• Valid Passport or Travel Document: This is essential to prove your identity and nationality. Ensure your passport is up-to-date and has sufficient validity.
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): If you have been issued a BRP during your previous stay in the UK, this must be included in your application.
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): You must provide the CAS reference number from your original Student Visa application. This number is issued by your educational institution and confirms your acceptance and completion of an eligible course in the UK.
• Financial Evidence: Unlike other visa applications, the Graduate Visa does not require you to provide financial evidence, such as bank statements, as part of the application process. This simplifies the application, but it’s essential to ensure all other documents are accurate and complete.

Unlike other visa applications, you do not need to provide financial evidence when applying for the Graduate Visa. Ensuring these documents are accurate and complete will significantly enhance the success of your application, and help to avoid delays or refusals. 

If you need expert advice or assistance in preparing your application, our experienced immigration solicitors are here to help. Contact us for a consultation to ensure your application is as strong as possible.

Settlement and The Graduate Visa

While the Graduate Route visa does not directly lead to settlement in the UK, it provides a valuable opportunity for international students to gain work experience and explore their career options after completing their studies.

However, if you wish to settle permanently in the UK, you may be eligible to switch to another visa category that offers a path to settlement, such as the Skilled Worker visa or the Innovator visa, depending on your circumstances and qualifications.

To qualify for a visa that leads to settlement, you will typically need to meet the following requirements:

• Secure a job offer from a UK employer that meets the salary and skill level thresholds for the relevant visa category
• Demonstrate your English language proficiency
• Prove your ability to support yourself financially during your stay in the UK
• Meet the specific eligibility criteria for your chosen visa category

If you are considering switching to a visa that allows you to settle in the UK after completing the Graduate Route, it is advisable to seek professional guidance from experienced immigration solicitors. They can assess your individual circumstances, advise you on the most suitable visa options, and guide you through the application process to maximise your chances of success.

At Axis Solicitors, our team of knowledgeable immigration lawyers is well-versed in the various visa categories and can provide you with the expert advice and support you need to achieve your goal of settling in the UK. Contact us today to discuss your options and take the first step towards building your future in the UK.

Post-2024 Applications

Future of the Graduate Visa Post-2024

As of now, there are no confirmed plans to abolish the UK Graduate Visa, but the scheme is under review by the Migration Advisory Committee. Any potential changes will depend on the outcomes of this review. Until further updates are announced, the current guidelines for extensions and applications remain in place. For the latest developments and to ensure your application aligns with any future changes, consult with our immigration experts or keep an eye on official UK government updates.

Our Graduate Visa Services

The UK Graduate Visa application process can become complicated, but at Axis Solicitors, we have a proven track record of helping graduates successfully apply and secure their future in the UK. Whether you are applying for the first time, need help with a refusal, or exploring alternative visa options, our experienced team is here to assist you every step of the way.

How We Can Help

• Eligibility Assessment: We will assess your circumstances to determine if the Graduate Visa is the right option or if alternatives, such as the Student Visa or Skilled Worker Visa, may be more suitable.
• Application Support: We guide you through the application process, ensuring all required documentation is submitted correctly to maximise your chances of success.
• Refusals, Appeals & Judicial Reviews: If your Graduate Visa application is refused, we can help you explore all your legal options, whether that means reapplying by submitting a stronger application, appealing the decision, or seeking a judicial review.
• Alternative Visa Options: For those continuing their studies or who have a job offer from an approved employer, we can advise on alternative visa routes such as the Student Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, or other relevant visas.

Why Choose Us

• Proven Track Record: Our immigration solicitors have a high success rate, ensuring your application has the best chance of approval.
• High Success Rate: We are proud of our high success rate in securing Graduate Visas for our clients.
• Tailored Advice: We provide personalised guidance to match your specific situation, ensuring you choose the best visa route for your long-term plans.
• Stress-Free Process: We handle the entire process, from initial consultation to application submission, making it as convenient and reliable as possible for you as the applicant.

For expert advice on your Graduate Visa application, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our solicitors are available for in-person meetings, phone calls, or online consultations via Zoom, Teams, or Skype.