UK Graduate Visa
UK Graduate Visa: Post Study Work Visa
The UK Graduate Visa allows international students who have completed an eligible UK degree to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates) without needing employer sponsorship. This visa provides graduates with the flexibility to gain work experience, switch jobs, or set up a business.
What is the UK Graduate Visa?
The UK Graduate Visa is a post-study work visa that allows international students to remain in the UK after completing a degree at a UK higher education institution. This visa offers flexibility, as graduates can:
- Work without needing employer sponsorship.
- Take up any job at any skill level.
- Switch employers freely.
- Be self-employed or start a business and potentially move to the Self Sponsorship Visa route.
However, the visa does not lead directly to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), but graduates may switch to a visa that does.
Who Can Apply for a UK Graduate Visa?
To qualify for te UK Graduate or Post Study Work Visa, you should:
- Be in the UK when you apply.
- Have completed a degree or eligible qualification at a UK Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance.
- Have valid Student Visa permission when applying.
- Have completed the full duration of your course in the UK.
Eligible qualifications include:
- UK bachelor’s degree
- UK master’s degree
- UK PhD or doctorate (PhD holders can stay for 3 years instead of 2)
Other qualifications, such as diplomas and professional certificates, generally do not qualify unless listed explicitly by the UK government.
How Long Can You Stay on a UK Graduate Visa?
- 2 years if you completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
- 3 years if you completed a PhD or doctorate.
- The visa cannot be extended.
- You must switch to another visa or leave the UK when your Graduate Visa expires.
What You Can and Cannot Do on a UK Graduate Visa
You can:
- Work at any skill level without sponsorship.
- Be self-employed or start a business.
- Switch employers without restrictions.
- Travel in and out of the UK during the visa period.
You cannot:
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under this visa.
- Claim public funds or benefits.
- Work as a professional sportsperson or coach.
- Extend this visa beyond 2 or 3 years.
Required Documents for a UK Graduate Visa
To apply, you will need:
- A valid passport.
- Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or digital visa status.
- Confirmation from your university that you completed an eligible course.
You do not need a job offer to apply.
How to Apply for a UK Graduate Visa
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Ensure you have successfully completed your degree and still hold valid Student Visa permission in the UK.
Step 2: Apply Online
- Submit your application through the official UK government website.
- Pay the visa fee (£822) and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
- You may need to attend a biometric appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre.
- If you applied digitally, you should be able to verify your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
Step 4: Await a Decision
- Processing time: Typically 8 weeks from the date of application, expedited service options are available for an additional fee.
- If approved, you will receive digital immigration status as an eVisa.
Once granted, you can start working immediately.
Can You Bring Dependants?
- Only dependants already in the UK on a Student Visa can extend their stay under the Graduate Visa.
- New dependants cannot apply unless they are already in the UK as your Student Visa dependant.
- Spouses and children must switch to another visa if they wish to stay longer.
What Happens After the UK Graduate Visa?
Since the UK Graduate Visa does not lead to settlement, you must switch to another visa before it expires.
Popular Visa Routes After the Graduate Visa in the UK:
| Visa Type | Description | Leads to ILR? |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa | Sponsored employment in an eligible job. | ✅ Yes (after 5 years) |
| Innovator Founder Visa | Start a business in the UK. | ✅ Yes (after 3 years) |
| Scale-up Worker Visa | High-growth company sponsorship. | ✅ Yes (after 5 years) |
| Self-Sponsorship Visa | Start your own UK business and sponsor yourself. | ✅ Yes (after 5 years) |
| Student Visa | Further studies in the UK. | ❌ No |
| Youth Mobility Visa | Work and live in the UK for 2 years (for eligible nationalities). | ❌ No |
Self-Sponsorship Visa: An Alternative for Entrepreneurs
If you want to start your own business in the UK but do not qualify for an Innovator Founder Visa, Self-Sponsorship may be a viable route. This allows you to:
- Establish a UK business and act as your own sponsor.
- Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa under your own company.
- Work in your own business without relying on external sponsorship.
- Qualify for ILR after 5 years.
This route requires careful business planning and compliance with Home Office regulations.
How Immtell Can Help
Navigating your next steps after the UK Graduate Visa can be complex, whether you’re looking for employment, starting a business, or securing long-term residency. Immtell provides expert immigration and business support to help you make the right move.
We can assist with:
- Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa – Helping you secure a sponsorship and work towards settlement.
- Self-Sponsorship for Business Owners – If you want to start your own UK business, we can guide you through the Self-Sponsorship Visa route, ensuring you can work for your own company.
- Business Setup & Support – Assisting with company formation, sponsor licence applications, and compliance, so you can operate legally in the UK.
- Exploring Other Visa Options – Whether it’s the Innovator Founder Visa, Scale-up Worker Visa, or Youth Mobility Visa, we help you find the best path forward.
- Ensuring Compliance & Future Planning – Making sure you meet all Home Office requirements for your visa and long-term UK immigration goals.
Take Your Next Step in the UK
Whether you're looking to start your career, secure long-term work, or build your own business, we’re here to help. Explore your options and take control of your future in the UK.
Whether you're looking to start your career, secure long-term work, or build your own business, we’re here to help. Explore your options and take control of your future in the UK.
Further Reading
What is the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?
Your Guide to the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK: Meeting Eligibility and Navigating Compliance
UK Business Residency: UK Self-Sponsorship and Expansion Worker Visas
A Guide to UK Business Residency. Leverage the UK Self-Sponsored and Expansion Worker Visas in 2025
Self Sponsorship Visa UK
Mastering the UK Self Sponsorship Visa Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Home Office Sponsor Licence Holders: Reporting Duties
A Guide to Complying with Home Office Sponsor Duties for Employers
Become a Sponsor: Steps for Employers and Businesses
Business Requirements for a Sponsorship Licence in 2025
All You Need to Know About Sponsor Licences
Guide to Hiring Global Talent: Everything You Need to Know About Sponsor Licences
