For international students who have completed their degrees in the UK, the Graduate Visa offers a unique opportunity to stay and work in the country without the need for employer sponsorship. This visa allows graduates to gain valuable work experience, explore different job opportunities, and potentially transition to a long-term visa route, such as the Skilled Worker Visa or Innovator Founder Visa.
However, despite its many benefits, the Graduate Visa has strict eligibility criteria, application procedures, and conditions that applicants must understand before applying. Failing to comply with these requirements can lead to visa refusals, delays, or limited career opportunities.
At Sahin Legal Consultancy, we specialize in UK immigration law, helping international graduates successfully apply for the Graduate Visa while planning their long-term settlement in the UK. This guide will cover everything you need to know, from eligibility criteria and application steps to employment rights and visa switching options.
1️⃣ What is the UK Graduate Visa?
The Graduate Visa, also known as the Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa, allows international students to stay in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates) after completing a qualifying degree from a UK university.
✅ Key Benefits of the Graduate Visa:
✔ No job offer required – You can work in any field at any skill level.
✔ No salary threshold – Unlike the Skilled Worker Visa, there are no minimum salary requirements.
✔ Full-time work, part-time work, self-employment, and freelancing are allowed.
✔ Visa validity of 2 years for undergraduate and master's graduates, 3 years for PhD graduates.
✔ Freedom to switch to a work visa, Innovator Visa, or Skilled Worker Visa later.
✔ Dependents can stay in the UK if they were already on a Student Visa with you.
📌 Important: The Graduate Visa does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), but it allows time to find a job that qualifies for a long-term visa.
2️⃣ Who Can Apply for the UK Graduate Visa?
✅ You Must Meet the Following Criteria:
✔ Hold a valid UK Student Visa at the time of application.
✔ Have successfully completed a degree-level qualification (or higher) from a Home Office-approved institution.
✔ Your university must confirm to the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course.
✔ You must apply before your Student Visa expires.
📌 What Courses Qualify for the Graduate Visa?
✔ Bachelor’s degree (BA, BSc, BEng, etc.)
✔ Master’s degree (MA, MSc, MEng, etc.)
✔ PhD or doctoral qualification (provides 3 years of stay)
✔ Law conversion courses
✔ Postgraduate certificates in education (PGCE or PGDE)
✔ Specific professional courses approved by the Home Office
3️⃣ What Jobs Can You Do on a Graduate Visa?
Unlike the Skilled Worker Visa, which restricts work to specific job roles, the Graduate Visa allows full flexibility.
✔ Work in any job at any skill level.
✔ Self-employment and freelance work are allowed.
✔ No sponsorship is required from an employer.
✔ Start a business (though switching to an Innovator Visa is recommended for long-term business plans).
🚫 However, You CANNOT:
❌ Apply for most public benefits or government-funded services.
❌ Work as a professional sportsperson or coach.
📌 Important: If you plan to stay in the UK long-term, you must transition to a visa category that leads to settlement before your Graduate Visa expires.
4️⃣ How to Apply for the UK Graduate Visa (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Ensure Your University Has Reported Your Completion to the Home Office
✔ Your university must confirm your course completion before you apply.
✔ If your university has not updated the Home Office, your application may be delayed.
Step 2: Submit Your Application Online
✔ Apply through the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) portal.
✔ Provide your biometric details (fingerprints and a digital photograph).
✔ Upload necessary documents.
📌 You can apply from within the UK only – applications from outside the UK are not permitted.
Step 3: Pay the Visa Fees & Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
✔ Graduate Visa fee: £822
✔ Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year
📌 Total costs:
- £2,892 for a 2-year Graduate Visa
- £3,927 for a 3-year PhD Graduate Visa
Step 4: Wait for a Decision
✔ Standard processing time: 8 weeks
✔ Priority service may be available for an additional fee
📌 Key Tip: Do not travel outside the UK while waiting for your visa decision, as it may be withdrawn.
5️⃣ Common Mistakes That Lead to Graduate Visa Refusals
🔴 Applying before your university confirms course completion
💡 Solution: Wait for confirmation from your university before applying.
🔴 Applying after your Student Visa expires
💡 Solution: Submit your application before your visa expiry date.
🔴 Not meeting the qualification requirements
💡 Solution: Ensure your degree is from a Home Office-approved institution and qualifies for the Graduate Visa.
6️⃣ What Are My Options After My Graduate Visa Expires?
Since the Graduate Visa does not lead to ILR, you must switch to a visa category that allows long-term residence before your visa expires.
🔹 Option 1: Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa
✔ You must find an employer who is a licensed UK sponsor.
✔ The job must pay at least £38,700 per year (or £30,960 if on the Shortage Occupation List).
✔ This visa leads to ILR after 5 years.
🔹 Option 2: Apply for an Innovator Founder Visa
✔ If you have a unique, innovative business idea, you can apply for endorsement.
✔ The business must be scalable and viable.
✔ This visa leads to ILR after 3 years.
🔹 Option 3: Apply for a Health & Care Worker Visa
✔ If you qualify for roles in healthcare, nursing, or social work, you can apply.
✔ Lower salary thresholds and visa fee exemptions apply.
✔ Leads to ILR after 5 years.
🔹 Option 4: Apply for a Family Visa
✔ If you have a British partner or child, you may qualify for a Family Visa.
✔ Leads to ILR after 5 years.
7️⃣ FAQs About the UK Graduate Visa
Q1: Can I extend my Graduate Visa?
❌ No. The Graduate Visa cannot be extended. You must switch to a different visa before it expires.
Q2: Can I study while on a Graduate Visa?
✔ Yes, but not at a student visa-restricted institution.
Q3: Can I bring dependents on a Graduate Visa?
✔ Only if they were already in the UK on your Student Visa as dependents.
Q4: Can I apply if I studied remotely due to COVID-19?
✔ Yes, if you completed your course in the UK for at least the final 6 months.
Final Thoughts: Plan Your Future in the UK with Sahin Legal Consultancy
The Graduate Visa is a great opportunity for international students to gain UK work experience, but it does not lead to settlement. Planning your next steps early is essential to transition into a long-term visa route.
At Sahin Legal Consultancy, we specialize in helping graduates secure work visas, business visas, and family visas for long-term UK residency.
📩 Need expert advice on your Graduate Visa or future immigration options? Contact Sahin Legal Consultancy today! 🚀
