Graduate route (PSW)
Post-study work after your UK degree, and what changes in January 2027.
Checked against gov.uk on 22 Oct 2026
Who this is for: Students who hold a Student visa and are finishing an eligible UK course.
The Graduate visa lets you stay in the UK to work or look for work after you finish an eligible course. You apply from inside the UK, after your university has reported your successful completion to the Home Office. You do not have to wait for your graduation ceremony or certificate.
Length of stay depends on the date you apply. Per gov.uk, applications made on or before 31 December 2026 get 2 years. Applications made on or after 1 January 2027 get 18 months. Doctoral qualifications get 3 years either way.
A Graduate visa cannot be extended. You may be able to switch to another route, such as Skilled Worker or Innovator Founder, if you meet that route's rules.
Key points
- You must be in the UK and hold a Student visa when you apply.
- Apply after your university has reported completion, and before your Student visa expires.
- Gov.uk says decisions usually take up to 8 weeks, and you can stay in the UK while you wait.
- Fees change. Check the current application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge on gov.uk before you plan your budget.
- The visa cannot be extended, so plan your next step early.
Typical order of events
- Course endYour university reports successful completion to the Home Office.
- Before Student visa expiresSubmit your Graduate visa application from inside the UK.
- Up to about 8 weeksDecision time per gov.uk. You can remain in the UK while you wait.
- Graduate leaveWork, look for work, or prepare to switch to another route.
- Before it endsGraduate visas cannot be extended. Line up your next route in advance.
General information only. This page does not say whether you qualify for anything, and rules change, so check the linked gov.uk pages. For advice on your own case, use an IAA-registered adviser or a solicitor.