Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work)

What is the Graduate visa?

The Graduate route lets eligible students who have successfully completed a qualifying UK course stay to work or look for work without a sponsor. It is usually granted for two years, or three years for eligible PhD and other doctoral graduates.

Who may qualify?

You may qualify if you currently hold Student permission (or recently held it in limited cases), your sponsor has reported successful course completion to the Home Office, and you apply in the UK within the required window. Course level and sponsor type must meet the Graduate route rules.

After the Graduate visa

The Graduate visa is not normally extendable. Many graduates later switch to Skilled Worker, Global Talent, or another route. We help you plan timing so you do not fall out of lawful status when Graduate leave ends.

Course completion confirmation

Your education provider must have notified the Home Office that you successfully completed the qualifying course. Apply only after that notification is in place.

Current Student permission

You generally need valid Student leave (or a pending application in limited scenarios) and identity documents or eVisa details that match your previous applications.

Dependants on the Graduate route

Existing Student dependants may be able to apply as Graduate dependants in line with the rules. New dependants are more restricted — we check your family situation before you apply.

How to apply

Apply online in the UK after your provider has reported completion. You will pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, then complete an identity check. Timing matters — applying too early (before completion is reported) or too late (after leave expires) can cause refusal.

Costs & processing time

A Home Office application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge apply for the full grant period. Amounts change; confirm current figures on GOV.UK as of 2026. Our fees cover eligibility checks and application preparation — confirmed in your free consultation.

Common reasons applications are refused

• Education provider has not yet reported successful course completion

• Application made after Student permission expired without a valid basis

• Course or sponsor does not qualify for the Graduate route

• Previous immigration breaches or deception issues

• Dependants applied when not eligible under Graduate rules

Related guidance: Adult Student Visa, Child Student Visa, Student Dependants, and Settlement & ILR.