UK Graduate Visa

Explore your post-study options with the UK Graduate Visa. Stay in the UK after completing your studies. Contact us to learn more about your eligibility and application process.

What is the Graduate Visa?

The Graduate Visa, also known as the ‘Graduate Route’ is a new post-study immigration route that opened on 1 July 2021 to international students who have finished their studies in the UK.

The Graduate visa allows student visa holders to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after they have completed their course of study. The Graduate route has replaced the Doctorate Extension Scheme and international students who have a PhD or other doctoral qualification will be able to stay for at least 3 years.

This visa is a post-study work visa that gives you the right to both live and work in the UK. The Graduate Visa cannot be extended but if you wish to remain in the UK after your visa expires you could be eligible to switch to the Skilled Worker Visa instead.

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Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Graduate Visa you must be able to meet several certain requirements, you could be eligible if you:

• Are currently in the UK

• Hold a valid Student Visa (Including the old Tier 4 Student Visa)

• Have studied on an eligible course

• Have completed your course of study in the UK

You will need to have studied at an educational institution that is a licensed sponsor and you will need to have studied for 12 months or the full length of your course, whichever is shorter.

Eligible courses include:

• Bachelor’s degrees

• Master’s degrees

• PhD or doctorates

• Law conversion courses that have been approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

• The Legal Practice Course in England and Wales, the Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland, or a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland

• The Bar Practice Course in England and Wales, or the Bar Course in Northern Ireland

• Foundation programs in medicine or dentistry

• Postgraduate Certificates in Education (PGCE)

• Postgraduate Diplomas in Education (PGDE)

How to apply for a Post-Study Work Visa

Applying for the UK Graduate Visa, officially known as the Graduate Route, is a straightforward process for international students who have completed their degree in the United Kingdom and wish to stay for work after graduation. To initiate the application, individuals must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, including successfully finishing an eligible course at a recognized UK institution and holding a valid student visa during their studies. Once eligibility is confirmed, applicants create an online account on the official UK government website, where they access and complete the online application form. Alongside the application, individuals must gather required documents, including confirmation of their qualification, passport or travel document, and evidence of UK residence during their study. After paying the application fee, applicants schedule and attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph.

The next step involves uploading supporting documents as part of the online application, and the final submission concludes the process. Upon submission, applicants receive a confirmation email with details about the next steps. The Graduate Route offers a stay of either two or three years, allowing graduates to work or seek employment in any field or skill level. Dependents, such as spouses and children, can also join the graduate in the UK. Throughout the process, it is essential to keep contact details updated, and any changes in circumstances should be promptly communicated. The Graduate Route provides a valuable opportunity for international graduates to seamlessly transition into the UK workforce and contribute to the nation's professional landscape. As immigration policies may change, applicants should regularly check the official UK government website or consult with the UK Visas and Immigration for the latest information on the Graduate Route.

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