UK Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work Route)
Work unsponsored in the United Kingdom for 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates) after completing your UK degree.
Checked against official Immigration Rules & GOV.UK guidance on 2026-10-30
The UK Graduate Visa is an unsponsored post-study work route that allows international students who have successfully completed an eligible undergraduate, master's, or doctoral degree at a licensed UK higher education institution to remain and work in the UK. Bachelor's and master's graduates receive 2 years; doctoral (PhD) graduates receive 3 years.
Key Advantages of the Graduate Route
Unlike sponsored work visas, the Graduate Visa offers total employment flexibility:
- No job offer or Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) required.
- No minimum salary threshold or specific occupation code restrictions.
- Freedom to work for any employer, change jobs freely, or engage in self-employment and freelancing.
- Can switch into the Skilled Worker route or Innovator Founder visa at any point.
Critical Eligibility Conditions
To qualify, you must apply from inside the UK while holding valid Student Visa permission. Your university must have formally notified the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course before you submit the application.
Key Requirements & Highlights
- 2-year permission for bachelor's and master's graduates; 3 years for PhD holders.
- No sponsor required; full employment and self-employment rights.
- Must apply from within the UK before your Student Visa expires.
- One-time only visa: you can only be granted a Graduate Visa once in your lifetime.
Step-by-Step Application Timeline
- Course NotificationAwait official email from your university confirming they have notified the Home Office of your completion.
- In-Country FilingApply online on GOV.UK using the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' smartphone app before student visa expires.
- Fees PaymentPay statutory visa application fee (£822) and IHS (£1,035 per year: £2,070 for 2 years).
- Digital eVisaReceive digital eVisa confirmation, usually within 3 to 8 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Graduate Visa lead directly to permanent settlement (ILR)?
No. Time spent on a Graduate Visa does not count towards the 5-year settlement route. However, it counts towards the 10-year Long Residence ILR route, and allows you to transition into the Skilled Worker or Innovator Founder route which does lead to settlement.
Can I travel outside the UK while my Graduate application is pending?
No! If you travel outside the Common Travel Area while your in-country visa application is pending, the Home Office will automatically treat your application as withdrawn under paragraph 34K of the Immigration Rules.
Need Guidance on Your Application?
Priyanshu Decodes provides clear route explanations, document planning, and consultation calls. For regulated legal advice or formal Home Office representation, always consult an IAA-registered adviser or an immigration solicitor.