Launch Your UK CareerAfter Graduation
Graduate visa guidance with 98%+ success rate. Work for 2-3 years without sponsor, then switch to settlement route.
NO sponsor needed! Work in ANY job at any level. 2 years (bachelor's/master's) or 3 years (PhD). Complete work freedom while you find a Skilled Worker job for permanent settlement.
*Success rates based on properly prepared cases. UKVI makes final decisions on all applications.
Free Graduate Visa Assessment
Expert advice for UK graduates • Same-day callback
What is the Graduate Visa?
The Graduate Visa (formerly Post-Study Work Visa) allows international students who complete a UK degree to stay and work in the UK for 2-3 years. No sponsor needed - complete work freedom while you build your UK career.
No Sponsor Required
Work without Certificate of Sponsorship. No job offer needed to apply. Complete freedom to explore careers.
Any Job, Any Level
Work in ANY occupation at any skill level. Change jobs freely. Multiple jobs allowed. Full flexibility.
2-3 Years Duration
2 years for bachelor's/master's graduates. 3 years for PhD holders. Use time to secure Skilled Worker job.
No English or Financial Tests
Already proved English and financial means for Student visa. No additional tests required for Graduate Visa.
Existing Dependents Can Join
If family were your Student visa dependents, they can switch to Graduate dependant visas with work rights.
Gateway to Settlement
Use 2-3 years to find Skilled Worker job (£38,700+) leading to ILR after 5 more years. Common path for graduates.
Perfect Bridge from Study to Career
The Graduate Visa is the ideal transition from international student to UK professional. After investing in your UK education, this visa gives you 2-3 years of complete work freedom to gain experience, build networks, and secure a sponsoring employer for the Skilled Worker visa. Work in any role (from internships to senior positions), switch employers freely, try different industries, or even start your own business. Use this time strategically to land a job meeting Skilled Worker requirements (£38,700+ salary, eligible occupation), then switch for the settlement pathway leading to permanent residence and British citizenship.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Graduate Visa, you must have completed eligible UK degree while in UK on Student visa.
Degree Requirements
- Successfully completed UK bachelor's, master's, or PhD
- From approved UK higher education provider with track record
- University confirmed completion to Home Office
- Studied in UK physically (not distance learning)
- 12+ months course must have 12+ months in UK
- Courses under 12 months must be entirely in UK
One-Time Opportunity
You can only get Graduate Visa ONCE in your lifetime. Cannot reapply even if you complete another UK degree later. Use it wisely!
Application Requirements
- Currently in UK with valid Student or Tier 4 visa
- Apply BEFORE your Student visa expires
- Must apply from inside UK (cannot apply from abroad)
- Not previously held Graduate Visa or Doctorate Extension Scheme
- No suitability issues (criminal/immigration violations)
Apply Early!
Don't wait until last minute. Apply 2-3 months before Student visa expires once university confirms course completion. Processing takes up to 8 weeks.
What You Can Do on Graduate Visa
✓ Allowed Activities
- Work in any job at any skill level (from entry to senior)
- Change employers as many times as you want
- Be self-employed or start your own business
- Work multiple jobs simultaneously
- Do volunteer work
- Study (no restrictions on course or hours)
- Look for work (unemployment allowed)
- Travel in and out of UK freely
✗ Not Allowed
- ×Work as professional sportsperson or sports coach
- ×Access public funds (benefits, housing assistance)
- ×Extend beyond 2-3 years (one-time visa only)
- ×Apply if you've previously had Graduate Visa/Doctorate Extension
Application Process
Simple 6-step process for Graduate Visa - apply from inside UK before Student visa expires.
Complete Your UK Degree Successfully
Finish your bachelor's, master's, or PhD at approved UK university. Your institution must confirm to Home Office that you've successfully completed your course. You don't need to wait for graduation ceremony or degree certificate - just need completion confirmation.
Apply Online from Inside UK (Before Student Visa Expires)
Submit application through UK government website BEFORE your Student visa expires. You must be physically in UK when applying. Most students apply 2-3 months before Student visa expiry once course completion is confirmed. Application can be saved and completed later.
Pay Application Fees
Pay £822 application fee plus Immigration Health Surcharge. IHS: £2,070 for 2-year visa (bachelor's/master's) or £3,105 for 3-year visa (PhD). Total: £2,892 (2 years) or £3,927 (3 years). One-time payment for entire visa period.
Provide Identity Verification
Use UK Immigration ID Check app for identity verification (if eligible), or attend UKVCAS appointment for biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Submit passport, current BRP, and degree completion confirmation. No other documents typically required.
Wait for Decision (8 Weeks)
Processing time: up to 8 weeks. You can stay in UK while waiting (automatic extension of leave). Super Priority Service available for faster processing (5 working days for £1,000 extra). Track application status online.
Start Your UK Career with Complete Freedom
Once approved, work in any job for 2 years (bachelor's/master's) or 3 years (PhD). Use this time to gain experience and secure Skilled Worker job (£38,700+, eligible occupation code). Switch to Skilled Worker before Graduate Visa expires for settlement pathway (ILR after 5 years, citizenship after 6).
Settlement Pathway Timeline
Year 0-4: Complete UK degree on Student visa
Year 4-6/7: Graduate Visa (2-3 years) - gain experience, find Skilled Worker job
Year 6/7-11/12: Skilled Worker visa - 5 years continuous residence
Year 11/12: Apply for ILR (permanent residence)
Year 12/13: Apply for British citizenship
Total: 12-13 years from arriving as student to British citizenship. Graduate Visa is crucial bridge!
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about the Graduate Visa for UK degree holders.
Speak to Graduate Visa Specialist
Get expert advice about application timing, switching to Skilled Worker, and settlement planning.
Call 0121 271 0499Free consultation • Same-day callback • Graduate visa experts
Free Settlement Pathway Planning
Get a personalized roadmap from Graduate Visa to Skilled Worker to ILR and citizenship.
Completely confidential • No obligation • Expert reviewed
98%+ Success Rate for Graduate Visas
Our specialist knowledge of Graduate Visa applications and settlement pathways has helped over 18,500 UK degree holders successfully obtain Graduate Visas and transition to Skilled Worker routes with Loading... requirements. We guide graduates from all universities to permanent UK residence.
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Satisfied With Outcome
"Graduate visa approved! Now working in tech in London while looking for Skilled Worker sponsorship."
"After finishing my Masters at UCL, the Graduate visa gave me 2 years to find the perfect job."
"PhD holder here - 3 year Graduate visa was perfect. Now switching to Skilled Worker for settlement."
Outstanding Client Satisfaction – 4.7/5 Rating
Trusted by clients worldwide with 251 verified Google reviews. BSB-regulated immigration specialists helping thousands achieve their UK visa goals.
Google Maps - 4.7 Rating with 251 Google reviews →Dated: 04 April 2025
Meet the Specialists Behind Your Success
Our experienced team of immigration professionals is dedicated to helping you navigate the UK visa process with confidence.
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Malik Ansar
Immigration Consultant
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Admin
Mohamed Mohamed
Immigration Case Worker
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Legal Assistant
Musa Babal
Immigration Consultant
With decades of combined experience, our team has successfully helped thousands of families reunite in the UK.
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