The UK Graduate Visa Pathway allows international students to remain in the UK for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) after successfully completing an eligible course of study. This route is unsponsored, offering freedom to work or look for work without employer restrictions.
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What is the UK Graduate Visa Pathway?
The Graduate Visa is a temporary visa route introduced on 1 July 2021, designed for international students who’ve completed a UK degree or other eligible qualification. It allows them to live, work, or seek employment in the UK without requiring sponsorship from an employer.
This visa does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), but it offers a stepping stone to longer-term routes like the Skilled Worker Visa, Global Talent Visa, or Start-up Visa.
🔗 Official UK Home Office page on Graduate Visa
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a UK Graduate Visa, the applicant must:
- Have been sponsored by a licensed student sponsor (i.e., a UK university or college).
- Have completed one of the eligible qualifications (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD).
- Have studied the course in the UK on a Student Visa or Tier 4 Visa.
- Be physically in the UK at the time of application.
- Apply before the current student visa expires.
- Receive confirmation from the sponsor (educational institution) that the qualification has been successfully completed.
Note: There is no minimum salary requirement or job offer needed.
Eligible Courses and Institutions
You must have completed one of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Postgraduate (Master’s) degree
- PhD or doctoral-level degree
- Specific eligible professional qualifications like PGCE or PGDE
Only Higher Education Providers (HEPs) with a track record of compliance are eligible sponsors. These include most UK universities and some colleges.
🔗 Check your university’s sponsor licence status
Graduate Visa Application Process
Step-by-step Process:
- Complete your qualification at a UK educational institution.
- Your sponsor (university) will notify the Home Office of your course completion.
- Apply online via the UK Government website.
- Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Upload documents and verify your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
- Await decision – processing usually takes 8 weeks.
Documents Required
- Current passport
- BRP (Biometric Residence Permit), if issued
- CAS reference number used in your student visa application
- Confirmation from your university that your qualification has been awarded
- Proof of identity via app
No English language or financial proof is required again.
Graduate Visa Costs
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | £822 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035/year |
Total for 2 years: £822 + (£1,035 × 2) = £2,892
Total for 3 years (PhD): £822 + (£1,035 × 3) = £3,927
There is no refund even if you leave the UK before the visa expires.
Duration and Conditions
- 2 years for Bachelor’s or Master’s degree holders.
- 3 years for PhD or doctoral-level graduates.
The visa is non-extendable, but you can switch to other visa routes if eligible.
You can:
- Live and work freely in most roles.
- Be self-employed.
- Travel in and out of the UK.
You cannot:
- Apply for most public benefits.
- Work as a professional sportsperson.
- Study a course that would require a Student Visa.
Rights to Work and Study
Employment Rights:
- No restrictions on job type or salary.
- You can work part-time or full-time.
- You can change jobs freely.
Study Rights:
You can study courses that do not meet the requirements of the Student Visa, such as:
- Short online courses
- English language classes
- Non-degree diplomas
For degree-level study, a Student Visa is required.
Switching to Other UK Visas
The Graduate Visa does not count towards ILR, but it can lead to longer-term residency through other visas.
Popular Options:
- Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2): For those with a job offer from a licensed sponsor paying the appropriate salary.
- Global Talent Visa: For those showing exceptional promise or talent.
- Start-Up or Innovator Founder Visa: For entrepreneurs with viable business ideas.
- Spouse or Partner Visa: If married to a British citizen or settled person.
🔗 Switch to Skilled Worker Visa guide
Graduate Visa vs Skilled Worker Visa
| Criteria | Graduate Visa | Skilled Worker Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship Required | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Work Restrictions | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (job-specific) |
| Leads to ILR | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (after 5 years) |
| Minimum Salary | ❌ None | ✅ Yes (varies) |
| Visa Duration | 2–3 years | Up to 5 years |
Common FAQs
Can I bring dependants on a Graduate Visa?
No, dependants are not allowed unless they were already in the UK on a dependant visa under your Student Visa.
Can I leave the UK while waiting for a decision?
No. Your application will be withdrawn if you leave the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man during processing.
Can I switch to Skilled Worker while on the Graduate Visa?
Yes. You can switch anytime during the validity of your Graduate Visa, provided you meet the job and salary requirements.
Does the Graduate Visa count towards ILR?
No. Time spent under the Graduate Visa does not count toward the 5-year requirement for ILR.
Internal Resources at UKBloom
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- 🔗 Life in the UK Test – Mock Exam
- 🔗 UK Income Tax Calculator
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult the UK Home Office or an immigration lawyer for personalized advice.
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