Graduate Visa – UK Requirements & Application

The UK Graduate visa allows international students to remain in the UK after completing their studies for up to two years, or three for doctoral graduates.

If you are looking to apply for a Graduate visa, you’ll need to understand the eligibility criteria and the process to follow to make your application to the Home Office on time. If you do not secure lawful status before your student visa expires, you risk overstaying.

In this guide, we look at the various requirements to qualify for a Graduate visa, and the process, costs and timing involved when applying.

 

Section A: What is the UK Graduate Visa?

 

The Graduate Visa is a post-study work visa aimed at foreign students who are looking to stay on to work in the UK, or to look for work, having successfully completed a course of study at UK bachelor’s degree level or above with a Home Office-approved higher education provider.

As an unsponsored work route, visa applicants are not required to meet strict requirements like under the Skilled Worker visa. It can be used to work in any type of job role or to spend time in the UK looking for work. If a Graduate Visa is granted, the visa-holder will be allowed to earn an income and gain work experience in a number of jobs across a wide range of UK businesses for a period of either 2 or 3 years, depending on the level of degree qualification.

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. This pathway also helps graduates transition to other long-term visas, promoting stability and growth in the UK workforce.

 

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.

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.

 

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.

 

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 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 any other professional course qualifying someone 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, or a PhD or other doctoral qualification, or any one of the prescribed professional qualifications.

 

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.

 

Section C: How to Apply for a Graduate Visa

 

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.

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 graduated or received their degree or postgraduate degree 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.

If their application is successful, a graduate with a PhD or other doctoral qualification will be granted permission to stay on in the UK for a period of 3 years, while a successful applicant with a UK bachelor’s degree-level qualification will be granted permission to stay for 2 years.

 

Supporting Documents

Document	Description
Passport	A valid passport or other travel document to prove your identity and nationality.
Confirmation of Degree Completion	Official evidence from your UK higher education provider that you have successfully completed your degree.
Current Visa Evidence	Proof of your current Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)	If applicable, you must provide your BRP issued for your current visa.
Proof of Relationship	If you are including dependants in your application, you must provide documents to prove your relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates.
Financial Evidence	Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself, if required by the UK Home Office.
Tuberculosis Test Results	If you are from a country where you have to take the tuberculosis test, you must provide your test results.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Payment	Confirmation of payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is required for accessing the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Police Registration Certificate	If you were required to register with the police, you must provide your Police Registration Certificate.
Photographs	Recent passport-sized photographs, if required by the UK Home Office guidelines.

 

 

Section D: Graduate Visa Fee & Processing Times

 

1. How much does the Graduate Visa cost?

 

Having submitted an online application for a Graduate Visa, the applicant must pay a fee of £822. 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. This will apply for each year of stay and will be payable in full when making the application.

 

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

 

Having submitted an online application, paid the relevant fee and, where applicable, the applicant’s biometric information has been re-enrolled, a Graduate Visa will usually take up to 8 weeks to process, although the applicant can stay in the UK while they wait for a decision.

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 the applicant is eligible to use the ‘UK Immigration ID Check’ app instead. 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 typically be given digital immigration status, known as an eVisa. Visa nationals will also be given a new Biometric Residence Permit for use when travelling in and out of the UK. 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 can be done by providing their employer with a share code to check their immigration status using the online Right to Work Checking Service.

 

Section E: 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, provided they are already in the UK as a dependant on the Student route and meet the eligibility requirements. The eligibility requirements for a Graduate dependant visa include a relationship requirement, together with an additional age and care requirement for dependent children.

The application fee for dependants on the Graduate route is again £822, where they must apply separately. They will also have to pay the healthcare surcharge. If an application is successful, a dependent partner will be granted permission ending on the same date as their partner’s permission, while permission for a dependent child will end on the same date as the parents’ permission that ends first.

 

Section F: Rights & Restrictions

 

1. Work Rights

 

Holders of the Graduate Visa in the UK are granted significant freedom in terms of employment. You are permitted to work at any skill level, which means you can take up jobs that may not necessarily require a degree, such as administrative roles, retail positions, or even internships. There is no restriction on the type of employment you can undertake, allowing you to explore various industries and gain diverse work experience. Additionally, you can work full-time or part-time, depending on your personal and professional preferences. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for recent graduates who are looking to build their careers and gain practical experience in the UK job market.

 

2. Study Rights

 

While on a Graduate Visa, you are also allowed to pursue further studies. However, the study must not be at an institution that requires a Student Visa, and it must not interfere with your primary intention of working. This provision allows you to enhance your skills and qualifications while gaining work experience. For instance, you might choose to take short courses, professional training, or certification programmes to bolster your employability.

 

3. Self-Employment and Volunteering

 

The Graduate Visa also permits self-employment, giving you the opportunity to start your own business or work as a freelancer. This is an attractive option for graduates who have entrepreneurial ambitions or prefer the flexibility of freelance work. Moreover, you can engage in voluntary work, contributing to non-profit organisations and gaining valuable experience in the charitable sector.

 

4. Restrictions

 

Despite the broad rights provided by the Graduate Visa, there are several important restrictions to be aware of. Firstly, you cannot extend the Graduate Visa beyond its two-year duration. Once the visa expires, you will need to switch to another visa category if you wish to continue living and working in the UK. This often means applying for a Skilled Worker Visa or another type of work visa, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.

Another key restriction is that you cannot access public funds while on a Graduate Visa. This means you are not entitled to benefits such as unemployment assistance, housing benefits, or other forms of financial support provided by the UK government. You must be financially self-sufficient during your stay.

Additionally, you are not permitted to work as a professional sportsperson or coach under the Graduate Visa. If you aspire to work in professional sports, you would need to explore other visa options specifically designed for that sector.

 

5. Pathways After the Graduate Visa

 

As the Graduate Visa cannot be extended, planning for the future is essential. Many graduates use this visa as a stepping stone to apply for other visas that could lead to long-term residency. For example, if you secure a job that meets the criteria for a Skilled Worker Visa, you can switch to this visa before your Graduate Visa expires. The Skilled Worker Visa is a potential pathway to permanent residency, as it allows you to stay in the UK for up to five years, after which you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

 

Section G: After your Graduate Visa Expires

 

The Graduate Visa cannot be extended and does not provide a path to settlement. This means that, once leave to remain on this route expires, after either 2 or 3 years, the visa-holder and any dependants in the UK will need to consider switching to a different route to avoid overstaying. By applying to switch to a different visa, for example, the Skilled Worker route, which is also a route to settlement, new dependants may be able to come to the UK.

To qualify for a visa under the Skilled Worker route, the principal applicant would need to have a valid CoS from a licensed sponsor, with the offer of a job meeting the minimum skill and salary requirements under this route. Any dependants would also need to meet the eligibility requirements as a partner or dependent child, including a financial requirement.

As permission to work in the UK under a Graduate Visa is time-limited, employers will be required to conduct repeat right to work checks when an employee’s permission to work in the UK is due to expire. This means that steps must be taken to ensure that the requirements for a suitable alternative work visa can be met, if the employee is to continue to be employed, and that a valid application is submitted prior to expiry of their Graduate Visa. Where applicable, the employer must also ensure that they have a sponsorship licence in place. For example, on the Skilled Worker route, the employer must be authorised by the Home Office to sponsor a migrant worker under this route. They must also be able to offer genuine employment in an eligible skilled occupation that meets the salary threshold.

 

Section H: Advice for Employers to Maximise Graduate Visa Recruitment

 

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.

 

1. Benefits of Hiring Graduate Visa Holders

 

Employing graduates who hold a Graduate Visa offers several advantages. Firstly, these individuals have already demonstrated their academic capabilities by completing their studies in the UK. They bring fresh perspectives, international experience, and multilingual abilities that can enhance your business operations and expand your global reach.

Additionally, there are no restrictions on the type of work that Graduate Visa holders can undertake. They can be employed in any role and at any skill level, from entry-level positions to highly specialist roles. This flexibility allows employers to fill various vacancies without the constraints often associated with other visa categories.

 

2. Simplified Recruitment Process

 

The process of hiring Graduate Visa holders is straightforward and less administratively burdensome compared to other immigration routes. Employers do not need to sponsor the visa, which eliminates the need for a sponsorship licence and the associated costs and paperwork. Graduate Visa holders apply for their visas independently, and once granted, they are free to work for any employer in the UK.

 

3. Leveraging the Graduate Visa for Long-Term Recruitment

 

While the Graduate Visa itself is valid for only two years (three years for doctoral graduates), it provides an excellent opportunity for employers to assess and integrate international talent into their workforce. During this period, employers can evaluate the performance and potential of these graduates, making informed decisions about long-term employment.

As the Graduate Visa cannot be extended, planning ahead is crucial. Employers can support their Graduate Visa employees in transitioning to other visa categories, such as the Skilled Worker Visa. To qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa, the role offered must meet specific salary and skill requirements, and the employer must hold a valid sponsorship licence. This transition allows employers to retain valuable employees for a longer period, providing continuity and stability in their workforce.

 

4. Compliance and Legal Considerations

 

Employers must ensure they comply with all legal requirements when hiring Graduate Visa holders. It is essential to verify the visa status of potential employees and keep accurate records as part of right-to-work checks. Employers should also stay informed about any changes in immigration laws and regulations that might affect the employment of international graduates.

 

5. Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion

 

Hiring Graduate Visa holders contributes to a more diverse and inclusive workplace. These graduates bring cultural insights and perspectives that can enrich team dynamics and drive creativity and innovation. By embracing diversity, employers can create a more dynamic and adaptable workforce, better equipped to respond to global challenges and opportunities.

 

Section I: 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 J: 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 be awarded a minimum of 70 points under the UK’s points-based system for a successful course completion requirement, a qualification requirement and a study in the UK requirement.

 

Can Graduate Visa be rejected?

A Graduate Visa can be rejected if the applicant fails to meet the validity requirements under Appendix Graduate, for example, they must be in the UK when they apply and 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. 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. There is also an application fee that must be paid.

 

What documents are required for the Graduate Visa application?

The required documents for the Graduate Visa application include your passport, a 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.

 

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

The processing time for the Graduate Visa application can vary, but it generally takes around 8 weeks from the date of application. However, processing times may be longer during peak periods or if additional information is required.

 

Can I work with a Graduate Visa?

You are allowed to work with a Graduate Visa. You are allowed to take up employment at any skill level, including part-time or full-time jobs, without restrictions on the type of work you can do.

 

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. You also cannot access public funds or work as a professional sportsperson. After the two-year period, you will need to 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, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, if you meet the eligibility requirements for that visa. This can enable you to continue working and living in the UK.

 

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 work experience in the UK, which can be beneficial if you plan to apply for a visa that could lead to settlement in the future, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.

 

Section K: Glossary

 

Term	Definition
Graduate Visa	A type of visa that allows international students who have completed a degree in the UK to stay and work, or look for work, at any skill level for two years.
Eligibility Criteria	The specific requirements that an applicant must meet to be considered for the Graduate Visa.
Application Process	The series of steps an applicant must follow to apply for the Graduate Visa.
Required Documents	The necessary paperwork and evidence that must be submitted as part of the visa application.
Application Fees	The costs associated with submitting a visa application.
Processing Times	The duration it takes for the visa application to be reviewed and a decision to be made.
Work Rights	The entitlements a Graduate Visa holder has in terms of employment, including types of jobs and working hours.
Restrictions	The limitations imposed on Graduate Visa holders, such as types of activities or jobs they cannot engage in.
Permanent Residency	The status allowing a person to live in the UK indefinitely without any immigration restrictions.
UKCISA	UK Council for International Student Affairs, an organisation providing support and information for international students in the UK.
UUKi	Universities UK International, a body representing UK universities and providing guidance on international student policies.
British Council	An organisation offering resources and advice for international students in the UK.
Home Office	The UK government department responsible for immigration, security, and law and order.
Immigration Rules	The regulations set by the Home Office that govern who can enter and stay in the UK and under what conditions.

 

Section L: Additional Resources

 

UK Government Official Guide on Graduate Visa
https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa
Visit the official UK government page for comprehensive details about the Graduate Visa, including eligibility, application process, and more.

 

UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)
https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information–Advice/Visas-and-Immigration
UKCISA provides a wealth of information and support for international students in the UK, including guidance on visas and immigration.

 

Universities UK International (UUKi)
https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/what-we-do/policy-and-research/immigration-and-visas
This organisations offers insights and updates on policies affecting international students, including visa regulations.

 

British Council
https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/moving-uk/visas-requirements
The British Council provides resources and advice for international students studying in the UK, including visa information.

 

Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immigration-rules
For detailed legal information and policy documents regarding the Graduate Visa and other immigration matters.