Graduate Visa

The Graduate Visa allows international students who have successfully completed a degree at a UK higher education provider to stay in the UK for a period of time after completing their studies. This visa provides the opportunity to work or look for work at any skill level for up to two years (or three years for doctoral graduates), making it an excellent option for those who want to gain work experience in the UK.

The Graduate Visa is not a route to settlement in the UK, but it can lead to other visa routes if you transition to an eligible work visa.

Eligibility

To qualify for a Graduate Visa, you must satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

• You have completed a degree at a recognized UK higher education institution.
• You are in the UK when applying for the visa.
• You hold a valid student visa at the time of your application.
• You have successfully completed your course at degree level or above (this includes bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees).
• Your course was at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance with UK immigration rules.

Duration of Stay

You can stay in the UK with a Graduate Visa for:

• 2 years if you completed an eligible undergraduate or master’s degree.
• 3 years if you completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification.

The Graduate Visa is non-extendable, but you may be able to switch to another visa route (such as a Skilled Worker Visa) if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Application Process

Timeline

You can apply for a Graduate Visa after your course has been completed and your results have been confirmed. You can apply up to 2 months after receiving your final results. As part of your application, you will need to:

• Prove your identity.
• Provide your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and evidence of your degree completion.
• You may need an appointment to complete this process, which can add time to your application. You will be informed if an appointment is necessary.

Decision Timeframe

• 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK.

Rights and Restrictions

What You Can Do:

• Work at any skill level in the UK (subject to the terms of your visa).
• Look for work or set up your own business.
• Bring your partner and children as dependants, if eligible.
• Travel abroad and return to the UK during the validity of your visa.

What You Cannot Do:

• Apply for most benefits (public funds) or the state pension.
• Extend your Graduate Visa.
• Switch to another visa route (except to a Skilled Worker Visa or other work-based visa) without meeting the requirements.

Get in touch with us now at Squadlead to make your Graduate Visa application process seamless and stress-free!