With its vibrant cultural scene and excellent universities, the UK has long been a popular destination for international students. In 2021, the United Kingdom (UK) launched the Graduate visa (also called the Graduate Route), which allows visa holders to stay in the UK for at least two years after successfully completing an eligible course of study. The Graduate Route makes the UK an even more attractive option, especially for students who dream of starting or building their careers in the UK after graduation.
Below, we’ll talk about who is eligible for the Graduate Route, how to apply, and what you can do as a Graduate visa holder.
Note: this blog is for informational purposes only, and program details are subject to change. For the most current info about the Graduate visa, visit the GOV.UK website.
Graduate Route Eligibility
To apply for the Graduate visa, both you (as the student) and your education provider (or academic institution) must meet some specific criteria. We’ll take a closer look at some of these requirements below.
Applicant Criteria
You’re eligible for the UK’s Graduate visa if you:
- Are in the UK
- Are currently holding a Student visa or Tier 4 (general) student visa
- Earned a degree at the undergraduate or postgraduate level (or other eligible course) at a qualifying UK Higher Education Provider
- Have studied in the UK for either at least 12 months (if your course is 12 months long or longer) or the total length of your course if it lasted under 12 months.
To determine if your course is eligible for a Graduate visa, check with your education provider.
Note: Any time spent studying outside the UK between January 24, 2020 and June 30, 2022 due to the COVID-19 virus still counts as time spent studying in the UK.
Provider Criteria
Your academic institution must tell the Home Office that you’ve successfully completed your course before you apply for the Graduate visa. If you’re not sure if this has happened, you can ask your institution.
Your institution must also have a track record of compliance with the UK government. To check if it does, see the federal Register of Licensed Sponsors.
Learn more about what studying in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, or England is like with our “Countries within the UK” blog series!
What You Can Do While Holding a Graduate Visa
If you’re granted a Graduate visa, you can continue to live in the UK and work (or search for work) at any skill level for up to two years. If you are a PhD or other doctoral degree graduate, you can remain in the UK and work for up to three years. In either case, your visa will start on the day it is issued.
As a Graduate visa holder, you may work in most jobs, including entrepreneurship or self-employment. You may also do unpaid volunteer work for a registered charity, voluntary organization or its associated fundraising body, or a statutory body like Historic England. While on a Graduate visa, you’re allowed to travel abroad and return to the UK, too.
Your partner/spouse and dependent children may also apply to stay in the UK with you while you hold a Graduate visa.
If you’d like to pursue further studies, you can only study with a Graduate visa if your course is ineligible for a Student visa. If your course is eligible for a Student visa, you can extend your Student visa instead.
A Graduate visa may not be renewed or extended. However, you may be able to transfer to a Skilled Worker visa.
The UK government’s 2025 Immigration White Paper included a proposal to reduce the Graduate Route’s duration from two years to 18 months. While this change is not in effect yet, our team is carefully following this suggestion, as it could significantly affect how international students choose their study destination.
Applying for the Graduate Visa
All applications for Graduate visas must be completed online through the UK Home Office’s website. In most cases, Graduate visa applications are processed within eight weeks.
When you apply for a Graduate visa, your application fee will cover the cost of the visa and the mandatory yearly Immigration Health Surcharge. Check the Home Office’s website for current details, as the visa application fee and requirements may change over time.
When you apply, you must provide:
- A valid passport or other eligible travel document with your identity and nationality
- Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number
- Either your biometric residence permit (BRP) or online proof of your immigration status if you have an eVisa
Note: You received your CAS reference number when you applied for your student visa. If you don’t remember what it is, ask your academic institution for it.
You may also need to provide:
- Proof of relationships (marriage license, birth certificates) of any family members accompanying you
- A letter from your scholarship or sponsorship provider if they covered your tuition and living expenses in the last 12 months
Discover what international students need to know about studying in the UK.
Could the Graduate visa be the next step after your studies in the UK? For many international students, it’s a valuable opportunity to build a global network and gain hands-on work experience at some of the country’s top businesses.
Ready to start searching for a course in the UK? Start exploring your options on the ApplyBoard platform.