Graduate Visa

Overview

The Graduate visa in the UK allows international students who have successfully completed an eligible course at a UK higher education institution to stay in the UK after completing their studies. For applications made on or before 31 December 2026, the visa is granted for 2 years. For applications made on or after 1 January 2027, it will normally be granted for 18 months. PhD and other doctoral graduates can still receive a 3-year Graduate visa.

Eligibility Requirements:

Completion of an Eligible Course:

• You must have successfully completed an eligible course with a UK higher education provider that has a track record of compliance.
• Eligible courses generally include a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, PhD or other eligible qualifications.

Current Visa Status:

• You must be in the UK when you apply.
• Your current immigration permission must be a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.

Application Timing:

• You must apply before your current Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa expires.
• Your education provider must have notified the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course. You do not have to wait until you receive your degree certificate before applying.

Duration of the Visa

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree Holders: The visa is granted for 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026.
• From 1 January 2027: The Graduate visa for most graduates will normally be granted for 18 months.
• PhD or Other Doctoral Qualification Holders: The visa is granted for 3 years.

Work Rights

• You are allowed to work in most jobs.
• You can look for work or be self-employed.
• You can undertake voluntary work where permitted.
• You cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

Application Process

• Online Application: You must apply online through the official UK government website.
• Payment: The current Graduate visa application fee is £937. You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is usually £1,035 for each year of the visa.
• Biometrics: You must prove your identity and provide your documents. Depending on your circumstances, you may use the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

Additional Conditions

• The Graduate visa does not directly lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
• You cannot extend the Graduate visa.
• You may be able to switch to another visa route, such as the Skilled Worker visa, if you meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
• You can generally study on a Graduate visa only where the course is not eligible for a Student visa.

Dependants

• Your partner and children may apply to stay in the UK as your dependants if they are already in the UK as your dependants under your Student or Tier 4 visa and meet the relevant requirements.
• Each dependant must make a separate application and pay the relevant visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.

Post-Visa Opportunities

• The Graduate visa provides an opportunity to gain work experience in the UK after completing an eligible course.
• You can work in most jobs, look for employment or become self-employed during the validity of the visa.
• After the Graduate visa expires, you may switch to another immigration route if you qualify, such as the Skilled Worker visa, which can provide a potential pathway to settlement.

Important 2026 Update

The most important change for this article is the upcoming reduction in the Graduate visa duration:

Applications made on or before 31 December 2026: most graduates receive 2 years.

Applications made on or after 1 January 2027: most graduates receive 18 months.

PhD and other doctoral graduates: remain eligible for a 3-year Graduate visa.

Written on: 24 August 2026