Graduate Visa UK: Requirements & Application Guide

Section A: What is the UK Graduate Visa?

The Graduate Visa is a post-study work visa for international students who want to remain in the UK to work, or to look for work, after successfully completing a course of study at UK bachelor’s degree level or above with a Home Office-approved higher education provider. The route was introduced in 2021 as part of the UK’s immigration reforms to attract and retain global talent, making it easier for graduates of UK universities to remain after their studies.

Unlike the majority of UK work visas, the Graduate visa is an unsponsored work route, meaning applicants are not required to meet the strict requirements that apply under the Skilled Worker visa. There is no requirement for employer sponsorship, no minimum salary threshold, and no restriction on the type of work that can be undertaken. This makes the Graduate Visa one of the most flexible post-study options, as it allows holders to take employment in any sector or to use the time to seek suitable opportunities. They can also combine employment with self-employment or voluntary work, giving broad scope for professional and personal development.

1. What does the Graduate Visa Allow?

If a Graduate Visa is granted, the visa-holder will be allowed to earn an income and gain work experience across a wide range of UK businesses for a period of either 2 years or 3 years, depending on the level of degree qualification. Graduates of bachelor’s and master’s level programmes are granted 2 years, while doctoral graduates receive 3 years. In September 2025, the UK Government has proposed reducing the visa to 18 months under the May 2025 Immigration White Paper, although this change has not yet taken effect. The current visa periods of 2 years and 3 years remain in force.

The Graduate Visa does not itself provide a path to settlement in the UK, but it can be used as a stepping stone to other visas which do lead to settlement, such as the Skilled Worker route. It is designed to give graduates a limited period to gain UK experience, build connections with employers, and consider long-term options. Employers benefit by being able to access international talent quickly and without sponsorship obligations, while graduates benefit from freedom to explore career opportunities in the UK immediately after study.

As a recruitment pathway, the Graduate Visa is attractive both to graduates and employers. It offers students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and explore diverse career paths without needing sponsorship. For UK employers, it provides access to a pool of talented, educated individuals who bring fresh perspectives and international insights. The visa’s flexibility supports both full-time and part-time employment, benefiting businesses by enhancing diversity and fostering innovation. The route also helps graduates transition to other long-term visas, supporting workforce stability and growth.

a. Work Rights

Holders of the Graduate Visa in the UK are granted significant freedom in terms of employment. They are permitted to work at any skill level, which means they can take up jobs that may not necessarily require a degree, such as administrative roles, retail positions or internships. There is no restriction on the type of employment that can be undertaken, allowing graduates to explore various industries and gain diverse work experience. They can also work full-time or part-time, depending on their circumstances. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for recent graduates who want to build their careers and gain practical experience in the UK job market. The only exception is professional sports, as Graduate Visa holders are not permitted to work as professional sportspersons or coaches.

b. Study Rights

While on a Graduate Visa, holders are also allowed to pursue further studies. However, they cannot study a course that would normally require sponsorship under the Student route. In practice, this means they can take courses such as short training programmes, professional certifications or qualifications that are not subject to student sponsorship requirements. Any study that would ordinarily require a Student Visa is not permitted on the Graduate route.

c. Self-Employment and Volunteering

The Graduate Visa also permits self-employment, giving holders the opportunity to start their own business or work as freelancers. This is a useful option for those with entrepreneurial ambitions or for graduates who prefer the independence of freelance work. In addition, they can engage in voluntary work, contributing to non-profit organisations and gaining valuable experience in the charitable sector. There are no restrictions on the type of voluntary work that can be undertaken.

d. Restrictions

Despite the broad rights provided by the Graduate Visa, there are several restrictions to be aware of. The Graduate Visa cannot be extended beyond its two-year or three-year duration. Once the visa expires, the holder will need to switch to another visa category if they wish to continue living and working in the UK. The route also does not provide a direct path to settlement.

Graduate Visa holders are not entitled to access public funds, which means they cannot claim benefits such as Universal Credit, housing assistance or other forms of state support. They must remain financially independent during their stay in the UK. As noted above, they are also prohibited from working as professional sportspersons or sports coaches.

2. Graduate Visa Dependants

Under current rules, the partner and dependent children of the primary Graduate visa-holder may be able to apply to stay on in the UK, but only if they already hold permission as dependants under the Student route at the time of application. It is not possible to bring new dependants under the Graduate route. This restriction means family members who are overseas cannot join a graduate in the UK by applying as dependants on this visa.

The eligibility requirements for a Graduate dependant visa include meeting the relationship requirement and, for children, the additional age and care requirements under the Immigration Rules. The Home Office will require documentary evidence of the relationship, such as a marriage certificate for a spouse or a birth certificate for a child. Applications that do not meet these criteria will be refused.

The application fee for dependants on the Graduate route is £880. Dependants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge at the current rate of £1,035 per year. This fee is charged for each year of the dependant’s visa and must be paid in full at the time of application.

If the application is successful, a dependent partner will be granted permission that expires on the same date as the main visa holder. For dependent children, their visa will expire on the same date as whichever parent’s permission ends first. Dependants will receive digital immigration status (eVisa) in line with the main applicant. They will also need to prove their right to work or study by generating a share code for online verification.

Section B: Graduate Visa Eligibility Requirements

The Graduate route is a flexible work route for overseas students already in the UK who want to find employment. Under this route, the applicant will not need to prove the offer of a job. They will also not be required to meet any finance or maintenance requirements or demonstrate any English language ability, as they will have already satisfied these requirements under the Student Visa route. The Graduate Visa is therefore designed to reduce administrative barriers for applicants who have already proven their capability by completing a UK degree.

However, there are various other requirements that must still be met to be eligible for leave to remain under the Graduate route. As this route is an immigration route under the points-based system of the UK’s Immigration Rules, an applicant must be awarded a minimum of 70 points to apply. These points will be awarded for three different requirements: a successful completion requirement, a qualification requirement and a study in the UK requirement. Each requirement must be met in full. There is no flexibility to combine partial compliance across categories, and the Home Office will only grant the visa if all three elements are evidenced properly.

In practice, this means applicants must have studied a qualifying course at an approved higher education provider, must have completed that course in line with the conditions of their Student Visa, and must meet the prescribed residency requirement for time spent physically studying in the UK. Their education provider must also formally notify the Home Office that the applicant has successfully completed their studies before an application can be submitted.

Graduate Visa Eligibility Requirements

1. Successful Completion Requirement

Under the successful completion requirement for a Graduate Visa, the applicant must have last been sponsored by a Student sponsor in the UK, which is a higher education provider with a track record of compliance at the date when they apply. The applicant must have successfully completed the course which was undertaken during their last grant of leave to study on the Student route, and, by the date of application, their sponsor must have informed the Home Office that the applicant has completed their course of study to the required standard.

This means that an applicant will potentially qualify for a Graduate Visa if they have successfully completed the qualification specified on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) linked to their Student Visa, or following any change of course which was permitted without them having to apply for further permission as a student. If the sponsor has not sent the Home Office confirmation of completion, the application will be refused even if the student has their results, making timely communication between the sponsor and the Home Office critical.

2. Qualification Requirement

Under the qualification requirement for a Graduate Visa, the applicant must have completed a course of study for which they have been, or are due to be, awarded a UK bachelor’s or postgraduate degree or one of a number of prescribed professional qualifications at degree level or above. These qualifications include a validated law conversion course, the Legal Practice Course for solicitors, the Bar Practice Course for barristers, a foundation programme in Medicine or Dentistry, a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Education, and other specified professional courses that qualify a person for a job regulated by UK law or a UK public authority.

This means that an applicant will potentially qualify for a Graduate Visa if they have either been awarded, or are due to be awarded, a bachelor’s or master’s degree, a PhD or other doctoral qualification, or one of the prescribed professional qualifications. The Home Office will not exercise discretion outside the qualifications set out in Appendix Graduate, so applicants should ensure their course is listed before applying.

3. Studying in the UK Requirement

Under the study in the UK requirement for a Graduate Visa, the applicant must have held permission as a Student visa holder, which was granted to study the relevant qualification in the UK for a minimum period of time. Apart from permitted study abroad programmes, this means that if the course length was for 12 months or less, the applicant must have studied for the full duration of that course in the UK. If the length of the course was more than 12 months, the applicant must have studied in the UK on that course for at least 12 months.

Periods of remote study outside the UK due to the COVID-19 concessions no longer count, as those temporary arrangements ended on 30 June 2022. Today, applicants must show they physically undertook the minimum required study in the UK, and failure to meet this requirement will result in refusal even if all other criteria are met.

Section C: How to Apply for a Graduate Visa

The application process involves completing the online application, paying the relevant fees, verifying your identity either through the UK Immigration ID Check app or at a UKVCAS appointment and then waiting for a decision from the Home Office. You can only apply once your university or higher education provider has formally confirmed to the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course.

1. Graduate Visa Application Process

An application for a Graduate Visa is an online application, although the applicant must be in the UK with valid leave on the Student route to be able to apply. They must also not have ever been granted leave under either the Doctorate Extension Scheme or as a Graduate. Applications made from outside the UK will be refused, so applicants must ensure they apply before their Student visa expires.

An application can be made once the approved education provider has notified the Home Office that the applicant has successfully completed their course. The applicant does not have to wait until they have formally graduated or received their degree or postgraduate certificate, although they will need to use the CAS number from their current Student Visa to apply. They will also be required to prove their identity and may need to attend a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to enrol their biometric information.

Having started an online application for a Graduate Visa, the applicant will be invited via email to use the ‘UK Immigration ID Check’ app if they are eligible to do so. If eligible, they will be able to verify their identity online, and their biometrics from their Student Visa application will be re-used. However, ineligible applicants will instead need to attend an in-person appointment at a UKVCAS service point to complete their application. The application process is therefore dependent on both the applicant’s nationality and the biometric data previously held by the Home Office.

If their application is successful, a graduate with a PhD or other doctoral qualification will be granted permission to stay in the UK for 3 years, while a successful applicant with a UK bachelor’s degree or master’s level qualification will be granted permission to stay for 2 years. The visa is issued as a digital status (eVisa), and applicants should expect to receive confirmation of their status by email rather than being issued a new Biometric Residence Permit, since BRPs have been phased out from 1 January 2025.

2. Graduate Visa Supporting Documents

Applicants should note that there is no requirement under the Graduate route to provide financial evidence, nor is there a requirement to submit a police registration certificate. Both of these obligations applied under earlier immigration rules but no longer form part of the Graduate Visa application process. Submitting unnecessary documents can delay processing, so applications should be limited to those items specified in official Home Office guidance.

3. How much does the Graduate Visa cost?

Having submitted an online application for a Graduate Visa, the applicant must pay a fee of £880. The cost of applying under the Graduate route is the same for degree-level and postgraduate-level applicants, even though doctoral students will be granted a longer visa.

The applicant will also be liable to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, giving them access to the UK’s National Health Service on generally the same basis as a permanent resident in the UK. The surcharge is payable in full at the point of application for the entire visa period. The current rate is £1,035 per year for Graduate visa applicants. This means an applicant granted a two-year visa will pay £2,070, while an applicant granted a three-year visa will pay £3,105. Dependants applying on the Graduate route must also pay the surcharge at the same rate.

4. How long does the Graduate Visa take to process?

Having submitted an online application, paid the relevant fee and, where applicable, re-enrolled their biometric information, a Graduate Visa will usually take up to 8 weeks to process. Applicants can remain in the UK while they wait for a decision, provided their application was made before their Student Visa expired.

The point at which the estimated 8-week turnaround time will run depends on whether the applicant is required to attend a UKVCAS service point to enrol their biometric information or whether they are eligible to use the ‘UK Immigration ID Check’ app. When using the app, the 8 weeks will run from the point at which the applicant’s identity has been verified online and any supporting documents uploaded. If the applicant is required to attend a UKVCAS service point, time will run from the date of that appointment.

If permission to stay on the Graduate route is granted, the applicant will be issued with digital immigration status, known as an eVisa. From 1 January 2025, Biometric Residence Permits are no longer being issued, so successful applicants should expect to evidence their immigration status entirely online. If an individual with a Graduate Visa is offered a job, even though they do not require sponsorship, they will still need to prove their right to work. This is done by generating a share code and providing it to their employer, who can then check their immigration status using the Home Office’s online Right to Work Checking Service.

Section D: Visa Options After the Graduate Visa

As the Graduate Visa cannot be extended, planning for the future is important. Many graduates use this visa as a stepping stone to apply for other visas that can lead to long-term residency. For example, if a graduate secures a job that meets the criteria for a Skilled Worker Visa, they can apply to switch before their Graduate Visa expires. The Skilled Worker Visa is a route to settlement, as it allows the holder to remain in the UK for up to five years, after which they may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain. Other options include switching to visas under the Global Business Mobility routes or Innovator Founder Visa if the applicant meets the eligibility requirements.

The most common option is to apply to switch into the Skilled Worker route. This requires the principal applicant to have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer, offering a role that meets the minimum skill and salary thresholds. Any dependants would also need to meet the eligibility requirements for partners or children, including financial criteria. Employers must hold a sponsor licence to employ a Skilled Worker, so forward planning between the graduate and the employer is crucial.

Other possible options depend on the graduate’s circumstances and future plans. These can include:

Switching visas is a significant step, and it is important to review all available options carefully. The choice of route will depend on career goals, personal circumstances and long-term settlement ambitions. Early preparation is key to avoiding gaps in lawful status and to securing a future in the UK beyond the Graduate Visa.

Other possible options depend on the graduate’s circumstances and future plans. These can include switching into the Global Business Mobility routes, the Innovator Founder visa, certain Family visas or back into the Student route. Each has its own requirements and limitations.

1. Global Business Mobility routes

These visas are designed for workers transferring to the UK under specific business arrangements, such as intra-company transfers, service supply or secondments. They require sponsorship by an authorised UK employer and the role must meet eligibility criteria. These routes are temporary and do not provide a direct path to settlement, but they can be a useful option for graduates already employed by an international business with a UK branch.

2. Innovator Founder visa

This route is aimed at individuals with an endorsed business idea that is innovative, viable and scalable. A recognised endorsing body must back the application, and the graduate must show they will play an active role in developing the business. It is one of the few work routes leading to settlement after three years, but endorsement is highly competitive and requires a detailed business plan.

3. Family visas

Graduates with a British or settled partner, or in some cases a settled parent, may be eligible to switch into a Family visa. Applications must provide strong evidence of the relationship and meet financial and English language requirements. Family visas provide a direct path to settlement after five years, but refusals are common where documentation is incomplete or thresholds are not met.

4. Further study

Graduates who want to continue their education can switch back into the Student route, provided they enrol on a new qualifying course at a licensed sponsor institution. They must meet financial and English language requirements again, and will need to pay tuition fees as well as visa costs. The Student route does not lead directly to settlement, but it allows graduates to continue building their academic and professional profile in the UK.

Section E: Employer Best Practice: Hiring under the Graduate Visa

The Graduate Visa offers a valuable recruitment pathway for UK employers looking to tap into the pool of talented international graduates. Introduced as part of the UK’s post-Brexit immigration reforms, the Graduate Visa allows international students who have completed a degree at a recognised UK university to stay and work in the UK for two years, or three years for doctoral graduates. This visa provides employers with access to a highly skilled and diverse workforce, fostering innovation and growth in their businesses. For employers, the route is particularly useful because it avoids the administrative and financial costs associated with sponsorship, while still allowing access to motivated graduates already familiar with UK culture and higher education.

1. Benefits of hiring international graduates

Employing graduates who hold a Graduate Visa offers several advantages. These individuals have already demonstrated their academic capabilities by completing their studies in the UK, often in demanding subject areas. They bring fresh perspectives, international experience and multilingual abilities that can enhance business operations and expand global reach. Graduate Visa holders can be employed in any role and at any skill level, from entry-level positions to specialist functions. This flexibility allows employers to fill vacancies quickly without the limitations that often apply under other visa categories. For industries facing acute skills shortages, the Graduate route can provide immediate relief and help maintain continuity of operations.

The process of hiring Graduate Visa holders is straightforward and far less administratively burdensome compared to other immigration routes. Employers do not need a sponsor licence to hire someone on a Graduate Visa. This removes the costs and compliance responsibilities associated with sponsorship, such as monitoring and reporting duties. Graduate Visa holders apply independently and once granted, they are free to take up employment with any UK employer. This makes the Graduate route one of the most accessible ways for employers to benefit from international talent.

Even though sponsorship duties do not apply, employers must still comply with right to work requirements when hiring Graduate Visa holders. It is essential to verify immigration status through the Home Office’s online Right to Work service using a share code. Records of these checks should be retained in line with Home Office guidance. Employers should also be aware of the visa’s expiry date, since they are legally responsible for ensuring they do not continue to employ someone whose immigration permission has lapsed. Planning ahead avoids last-minute disruption to projects and workforce continuity. Employers should also monitor government announcements, as changes to the Graduate Visa are under active consideration and could alter the route’s duration in the future.

Hiring Graduate Visa holders contributes to a more diverse and inclusive workplace. These graduates bring cultural insights, international perspectives and valuable skills that can enrich team dynamics and strengthen client relationships. For sectors operating internationally, employing graduates with language skills or global experience can directly support business expansion. A more diverse workforce can also improve innovation and problem-solving, helping employers stay competitive in rapidly changing markets. Employers who proactively use the Graduate route not only gain access to talent but also demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion in their recruitment strategy.

2. Retaining Graduate Route Workers

While the Graduate Visa itself is valid for only two years, or three years for doctoral graduates, it gives employers an excellent opportunity to assess international graduates in a real workplace setting. Employers can evaluate performance, adaptability and potential without committing to sponsorship immediately. If the graduate proves to be a valuable long-term asset, the employer can plan to transition them onto a Skilled Worker visa or another appropriate immigration route before the Graduate Visa expires. This allows businesses to retain strong performers and build a more stable workforce. Employers with existing sponsor licences should prepare to use them strategically, while those without should consider applying in advance if they expect to retain graduates beyond the Graduate Visa period.

As permission to work in the UK under a Graduate Visa is time-limited, employers must conduct repeat right to work checks when an employee’s permission is due to expire. This means steps should be taken to ensure that the requirements for a suitable alternative work visa can be met if the employee is to continue working in the UK, and that a valid application is submitted before the Graduate Visa ends. Where the Skilled Worker route is being considered, employers must ensure they are authorised by the Home Office to sponsor workers and can offer genuine employment in an eligible occupation that meets the salary threshold.

Section F: Summary

The Graduate Visa is one of the most flexible post-study options in the UK immigration system. It gives international students who have completed a qualifying course the chance to remain in the UK for two or three years without the need for sponsorship or a job offer. During this time, graduates can gain professional experience, explore self-employment, or pursue further training, while employers benefit from immediate access to a pool of talented candidates.

Although the route does not provide a direct path to settlement, it is often used as a stepping stone to longer-term visas such as the Skilled Worker route, family visas or business routes like the Innovator Founder. Graduates and employers should plan early to secure continuity of employment beyond the Graduate Visa, as applications to switch into other categories must be submitted before expiry.

Employers gain short-term access to highly skilled staff without the costs or responsibilities of sponsorship, but they must comply with right to work rules and plan for visa expiry. Graduates must consider their long-term goals and explore all available immigration options. Used strategically, the Graduate Visa supports career development and strengthens the UK workforce with international talent.

Section G: Need Assistance?

DavidsonMorris are experienced UK immigration advisers, working with UK employers and workers to support with work visa applications. For specialist advice, contact us.

Section H: Graduate Visa FAQs

What is a Graduate Visa?

The Graduate Visa is an unsponsored work visa for overseas graduates wanting to work in the UK, or to look for work, following the successful completion of a UK bachelor’s or postgraduate degree with an approved higher education provider.

How do you qualify for a Graduate Visa?

To qualify for a Graduate Visa, you must meet the three core requirements set out in Appendix Graduate: the successful course completion requirement, the qualification requirement and the study in the UK requirement. Meeting all three requirements awards the applicant the 70 points needed to apply. Points are automatically granted if the requirements are met in full.

Can a Graduate Visa be rejected?

A Graduate Visa can be rejected if the applicant fails to meet the validity requirements under Appendix Graduate. For example, applications must be made from within the UK, the applicant must apply before their Student Visa expires, and they must have, or have last had, leave as a Student.

How do I apply for the Graduate Visa?

You can apply for the Graduate Visa online through the UK government’s official visa application website. Applications must be made from inside the UK while you still hold valid Student permission. You will need to provide personal details, information about your studies and supporting documents such as your passport, proof of completion of your degree, and evidence of your current visa status. An application fee is also payable.

What documents are required for the Graduate Visa application?

The required documents for the Graduate Visa application include your passport, confirmation of degree completion from your UK education provider, proof of your current visa status and any other documents specified by the UK Home Office. If you are applying with dependants, you will also need to provide evidence of your relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates. From 1 January 2025, successful applicants are issued a digital immigration status (eVisa) rather than a Biometric Residence Permit.

How long does it take to process the Graduate Visa application?

The processing time for the Graduate Visa application is usually up to 8 weeks. The timeframe runs from the point at which identity has been verified, either through the UK Immigration ID Check app or at a UKVCAS service point. Applicants can remain in the UK while awaiting a decision, provided they applied before their Student Visa expired.

Can I work with a Graduate Visa?

You are allowed to work with a Graduate Visa. You can take up employment at any skill level, including part-time or full-time jobs, without restrictions on the type of work you can do. The only exception is that you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach.

What are the restrictions on the Graduate Visa?

While the Graduate Visa allows you to work at any skill level, you cannot extend this visa and it does not lead directly to settlement. You also cannot access public funds, nor can you study a course that would normally require a Student Visa. After the two- or three-year period, you must switch to another visa category if you wish to stay in the UK.

Can I switch to another visa after my Graduate Visa expires?

Before your Graduate Visa expires, you can apply to switch to another visa category if you meet the eligibility requirements. Common options include the Skilled Worker Visa, the Innovator Founder Visa, certain Family visas or switching back to the Student route for a new course. You will have to apply to switch before your Graduate Visa expires. After expiry, you cannot switch in-country.
 

Is the Graduate Visa a pathway to permanent residency?

The Graduate Visa itself does not lead directly to permanent residency. However, it provides an opportunity to gain UK work experience, which can be beneficial if you later apply for a visa that does lead to settlement, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.

Section I: Glossary

Section J: Additional Resources