Are you an international student approaching graduation from a UK university? Wondering what your options are to stay and work in the UK after completing your studies? The UK Graduate Visa route might be the perfect next step for you.
Introduced in July 2021, the UK Graduate Visa (also called the Graduate Route or Post-Study Work Visa) allows international students who have completed their degree in the UK to stay and work, or look for work, for up to 2 years after graduation. If you’ve completed a PhD, you can stay for 3 years. This visa has become extremely popular among international graduates who want to gain valuable UK work experience before returning to their home countries or exploring other UK immigration pathways.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for the UK Graduate Visa in 2025, breaking down the eligibility requirements, application process, costs, timeline, and answering the most common questions.
What is the UK Graduate Visa?
The UK Graduate Visa is a dedicated immigration category designed specifically for international students who have successfully completed a degree at undergraduate level or above at a qualifying UK higher education provider.
Key Features of the Graduate Visa
- Duration: Allows you to stay in the UK for 2 years after completing your course (3 years if you’ve completed a PhD)
- Work Rights: You can work in almost any job, be self-employed, look for work, or even start your own business
- No Sponsorship Required: Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, you don’t need a job offer or employer sponsorship
- No Minimum Salary: There are no minimum salary requirements for jobs you take
- Travel Flexibility: You can travel abroad and return to the UK throughout the visa period
- Dependents: Family members who were with you during your studies as dependents can also apply
- One-Time Opportunity: This visa can only be granted once and cannot be extended beyond the initial period
Who the Graduate Visa is Perfect For
- Graduates who want to gain work experience in the UK job market
- Those who need time to find a sponsored job for a Skilled Worker visa
- Entrepreneurs looking to explore business opportunities or establish startups
- Graduates who want to experience living and working in the UK before returning home
- PhD graduates seeking to commercialize their research or work in their specialized field
Detailed Eligibility Requirements for the UK Graduate Visa
To qualify for the Graduate Visa in 2025, you must meet all of the following criteria:
Educational Requirements
- Successful Completion: You must have successfully completed a qualifying course at a UK higher education provider. “Successfully completed” means you’ve been awarded the qualification for which your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) was assigned.
- Qualifying Courses: Your course must have led to one of these qualifications:
- UK bachelor’s degree
- UK postgraduate degree (master’s or PhD)
- Law conversion course validated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Legal Practice Course
- Bar Practice Course
- Foundation Programme in Medicine or Dentistry
- PGCE or PGDE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education or Postgraduate Diploma in Education)
- Professional qualification at least at RQF level 6 in a profession with statutory regulation in the UK
- Educational Institution: Your education provider must be a licensed Student sponsor with a track record of compliance with the UK’s immigration requirements at the time you apply. The institution must also have been assessed by the Office for Students as meeting specific requirements.
Study Location Requirements
- UK Study Requirement: You must have studied in the UK for a minimum period during your course:
- For courses lasting 12 months or less: You must have studied in the UK for the entire duration of your course
- For courses lasting longer than 12 months: You must have studied in the UK for at least 12 months in total
- COVID-19 Exceptions: If part of your studies was conducted remotely due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, specific exceptions may apply. These are carefully evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Current Immigration Status
- Location: You must be physically present in the UK when you apply for the Graduate Visa
- Valid Student Visa: You must hold a valid Student visa (formerly Tier 4) at the time of application
- Compliance: You must have complied with all visa conditions during your stay in the UK, including attendance requirements and not working more hours than permitted
Other Key Requirements
- Timeframe: You must apply before your current Student visa expires
- Notification: Your education provider must have notified UK Visas and Immigration that you’ve successfully completed your course before you apply
- Previous Graduate Visa: You must not have previously been granted permission under the Graduate Route, as it’s a one-time opportunity
- Criminal Record: You must meet the suitability requirements, which include having no serious criminal convictions
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Confirm Your Qualification and Course Completion
Before you can apply for the Graduate Visa, your education provider must confirm to UK Visas and Immigration that you’ve successfully completed your qualification. This is a crucial first step.
How this works:
- You complete all course requirements and assessments
- Your university reviews your final results
- Your university reports your successful completion to UKVI through the Sponsorship Management System
- This notification typically happens within 10 working days of your official course completion date
Step 2: Prepare All Required Documents
Gather the following documents and information before starting your application:
Essential Documents:
- Current passport or other valid travel document with at least 6 months validity
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you have one
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number used for your Student visa application
- Evidence of your qualification (one or more of these):
- Degree certificate
- Official academic transcript
- Formal letter from your institution confirming award of qualification
- Current UK address and contact details
- Details of any time spent outside the UK during your studies
Additional Supporting Documents (Not Required But Helpful):
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds to support yourself (though there is no specific financial requirement, having savings is advisable)
- Proof of accommodation in the UK
- Passport-sized photograph meeting UK visa specifications
Document Preparation Tips:
- Ensure all documents are in English or Welsh, or have certified translations
- Scan documents in color at high resolution (at least 300 DPI)
- Name files clearly (e.g., “Passport_JohnSmith.pdf,” “DegreeCertificate_JohnSmith.pdf”)
- Keep file sizes under 6MB each, as required by the application system
Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form
The Graduate Visa application must be submitted through the official UK government website:
Application Process:
- Go to the UK Visas and Immigration website
- Click on “Apply Online” to start your application
- Create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration account
- Fill in all sections of the Graduate Visa application form, including:
- Personal details
- Passport/travel document information
- UK immigration history
- Course and qualification details
- Criminal record declaration
- Any public health declarations
Application Form Tips:
- Set aside at least 1-2 hours to complete the form
- Save your progress regularly as you go through the application
- Answer all questions truthfully and consistently with previous visa applications
- Double-check all dates and reference numbers before submission
- For the “reason for application” section, clearly state that you’ve successfully completed your qualification and want to work in the UK
Step 4: Pay Application Fees
When you apply for a Graduate visa, you’ll need to:
- pay the £822 application fee
- pay the healthcare surcharge – this is usually £1,035 for each year you’ll be in the UK
You’ll be told how much you need to pay when you apply.
Healthcare surcharge
You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge when you apply.
If you’re eligible for a Graduate visa for:
- 2 years – it will cost £2,070
- 3 years – it will cost £3,105
Total costs
For a 2-year Graduate visa:
- Application fee: £822
- Healthcare surcharge: £2,070
- Total: £2,892
For a 3-year Graduate visa (PhD graduates):
- Application fee: £822
- Healthcare surcharge: £3,105
- Total: £3,927
Step 5: Verify Your Identity
Depending on your nationality and the type of passport you hold:
Digital Identity Verification:
- Most applicants can use the “UK Immigration: ID Check” smartphone app
- This app scans your biometric passport or BRP and takes a photo of your face
- The app is available for iPhone 7 or newer (with iOS 13.2 or later) and most Android phones with NFC capability
In-Person Biometric Appointment:
- If you cannot use the app, you’ll need to book an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center
- At this appointment, they will:
- Take your fingerprints
- Take your photograph
- Scan your supporting documents if you haven’t uploaded them online
Identity Verification Tips:
- If using the app, ensure you’re in a well-lit area with no glare
- Remove any passport cover before scanning
- If booking a UKVCAS appointment, do so as early as possible as slots fill quickly
- Take all original documents to your biometric appointment
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
After submitting your application and providing biometrics:
Processing Timeline:
- Standard processing time: Up to 8 weeks from the date of application
- Many applications are processed faster, often within 3-4 weeks
- No priority service is currently available for Graduate Visa applications
During the Waiting Period:
- Continue to check your email regularly for updates or requests for additional information
- Log into your UKVI account periodically to check the status of your application
- Do not travel outside the UK while your application is pending, as this may lead to automatic withdrawal
- You can continue to live and work in the UK under the conditions of your existing Student visa until a decision is made
Step 7: Receive Your Graduate Visa
Once your application is approved:
Confirmation Process:
- You’ll receive an email notification of the decision
- You’ll be granted digital immigration status (eVisa), which you can view and prove through the online “View and Prove” service
- If you provided biometrics at a UKVCAS center, you may receive a new Biometric Residence Permit
Next Steps After Approval:
- Update your CV/resume to reflect your new right to work in the UK
- Inform your employer or potential employers about your new immigration status
- Save your digital status information securely
- Set a reminder for 3-6 months before your Graduate Visa expires to plan your next steps
Comprehensive Timeline for Graduate Visa Application
Understanding the timeline is crucial for a successful Graduate Visa application:
Pre-Application Timeline (Before Your Course Ends)
3-6 months before course completion:
- Research the Graduate Visa requirements and process
- Check that your passport will be valid for the duration of the visa
- Ensure your contact details are up to date with your university
- Begin saving for application fees and living expenses
1-2 months before course completion:
- Speak with your university’s international student advisors about the Graduate Visa
- Confirm your expected course completion date
- Check when your university will report your completion to UKVI
- Start gathering required documents
Working in the UK on a Graduate Visa: Detailed Guide
The Graduate Visa offers significant flexibility for working in the UK:
Full Work Rights and Opportunities
Employment Types Allowed:
- Full-time permanent employment
- Part-time work
- Temporary or contract positions
- Multiple jobs simultaneously
- Internships and graduate training programs
- Self-employment and freelance work
- Starting and running your own business
Salary and Skill Levels:
- No minimum salary requirement
- No requirement to work in a job related to your degree
- Freedom to work at any skill level (though professional-level work is recommended for career development)
Job Search Resources for Graduate Visa Holders:
- University career services (many offer lifetime access to alumni)
- Graduate job boards (Prospects, Milkround, Graduate Jobs)
- LinkedIn and other professional networks
- Industry-specific recruitment agencies
- Graduate fairs and networking events
Important Work Restrictions
Prohibited Roles:
- Professional sportsperson (including as a coach)
- Doctor or dentist in training (unless you completed a UK medical or dental degree)
Public Funds Restrictions:
- No access to public funds or benefits
- No ability to claim job seekers allowance or universal credit
Self-Employment and Business Opportunities
Starting a Business:
- No separate authorization needed to start a business
- Can register as a sole trader or limited company
- Must comply with all UK business regulations and tax laws
- Can hire employees following UK employment law
Freelance Work:
- Can undertake freelance contracts
- Must register as self-employed with HMRC for tax purposes
- Required to complete an annual Self Assessment tax return
Building Your Career on the Graduate Visa
Strategic Approaches:
- Use the visa period to gain UK work experience relevant to your long-term career goals
- Build a professional network through industry events and groups
- Consider roles with employers who offer visa sponsorship for the Skilled Worker route
- Develop specialized skills that align with UK skills shortages
- Maintain professional development through courses and certifications
Comprehensive Guide for Dependents on the Graduate Visa
Family members can join or remain with you on the Graduate Visa under specific conditions:
Who Qualifies as an Eligible Dependent
Partner:
- Spouse (husband or wife)
- Civil partner
- Unmarried partner (must have been living together in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least 2 years)
Children:
- Under 18 years of age at the time of application
- Not living independent lives
- Not married or in civil partnerships
Key Requirements for Including Dependents
Essential Criteria:
- Must have been your dependents on your Student visa
- Must be physically present in the UK at the time of application
- Must apply either at the same time as you or after your application has been approved (but before their current visa expires)
Important Limitations:
- You cannot add new dependents who were not on your Student visa
- Children born in the UK during your Student visa period can be included
- If your child turns 18 during your Student visa period, they may still qualify as a dependent
Application Process for Dependents
Documents Required:
- Dependent’s current passport or valid travel document
- Dependent’s current BRP if they have one
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
- Proof of living together for unmarried partners (joint tenancy agreement, joint bank statements spanning 2 years)
Application Steps:
- Complete a separate online application form for each dependent
- Pay the application fee (£822 per dependent)
- Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge
- Provide biometrics through the app or at an appointment
- Wait for decision alongside your application or after yours is approved
Rights and Restrictions for Dependents
What Dependents Can Do:
- Stay in the UK for the same duration as the main applicant
- Work in most jobs without restrictions (same work rights as main applicant)
- Study at UK institutions
- Access NHS healthcare after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge
Restrictions for Dependents:
- Cannot work as professional sportspersons
- Cannot access public funds
- Cannot switch to become the main visa holder on the Graduate route
- Cannot stay in the UK if the main applicant’s visa is curtailed or they leave the UK permanently
Conclusion
The UK Graduate Visa represents an exceptional opportunity for international students to transition from education to employment in the UK job market. With its generous work rights, straightforward application process, and flexible conditions, it serves as an ideal bridge between student life and professional career development.
Whether you’re looking to gain valuable international work experience before returning home, planning to transition to a long-term UK immigration route, or simply wanting to explore life in the UK beyond your studies, the Graduate Visa provides the time and freedom to achieve your goals.
Remember that while this guide aims to be comprehensive, immigration rules can change. Always verify the most current requirements through official channels before making any application decisions.
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