The Graduate visa allows international students who have completed an eligible course in the UK to stay and work for up to two years (or three years for PhD graduates). It provides flexibility to work, switch jobs, or be self-employed without sponsorship. This route does not lead directly to settlement, but dependants may be eligible to join if they were previously in the UK as your dependants.

The Graduate visa is designed for international students who have successfully completed an eligible UK degree or other higher education qualification. It allows graduates to remain in the UK to work, look for work, or be self-employed without the need for employer sponsorship.

This visa route was introduced to retain international talent and gives graduates the freedom to gain work experience in the UK after their studies.

To be eligible for the Graduate visa, you must:

• Be in the UK at the time of application
• Hold a valid Student visa (or Tier 4 visa)
• Have successfully completed an eligible UK qualification (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or specific professional qualifications)
• Have your education provider (e.g., university) confirm to the Home Office that you completed the course

Your qualification must have been gained during your last grant of leave as a Student, and the institution must be a licensed sponsor with a track record of compliance.

• You can stay for up to 2 years if you completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• You can stay for up to 3 years if you completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification.

You cannot extend the Graduate visa, but you may be able to switch into another immigration route from within the UK, such as Skilled Worker or Innovator Founder, if you meet the requirements.

Graduate visa holders can:

• Work in most types of jobs
• Be self-employed
• Look for work without restriction

However, you cannot:

• Work as a professional sportsperson or coach
• Access public funds
• Apply for settlement based on time spent in this route

You can only bring dependants (partner and children) if they were already in the UK as your dependants on your Student visa. New dependants are not permitted under the Graduate route.

Eligible dependants can work and study in the UK.

We provide practical legal guidance for international graduates considering the Graduate visa route. We:

• Confirm your eligibility and timing for the application
• Assist in ensuring your university has correctly notified the Home Office
• Help prepare and check your visa application and documents
• Advise on future immigration planning, including switching to routes that lead to settlement

We will support you in securing your post-study work rights and planning your long-term UK immigration pathway.