Graduate visa

The graduate visa allows eligible graduates to stay in the UK, and gives them the right to work, or look for work, in the UK. It lasts for 2 years, or 3 for PhD or doctoral qualification graduates.  

Your visa starts immediately from the day it’s approved. 

What is the graduate visa for? 

The graduate visa allows you to find and accept jobs in the UK, as well as be self-employed.  

Note: On the graduate visa, you cannot apply for most benefits or the state pension. 

If you’d like to stay in the UK to continue your education, you can extend your student visa, rather than apply for this graduate route.  

You can apply online via the gov.uk website.  

It’s a good idea to apply early if you decide you want to stay after you graduate. You don’t need to wait until after graduation to apply, but your university (or higher education provider) will need to inform the home office that you’ve successfully completed your course under your current student visa.  

You don’t need a certificate or need to wait until after graduation to apply.  

Once your application and documents are submitted, you should receive a decision within 8 weeks.  

Your immigration status as a student is extended while you wait for a decision. So, if you apply after your completion has been confirmed, and before your current student visa ends, then you can stay in the UK until you receive a decision.  

If, for any reason, your decision might take longer, you’ll be contacted directly. This may be due to some documents needing to be verified, or questions about your personal circumstances.  

You may also cancel your visa application.
Be aware: You’ll only be refunded if your application hasn’t started to be processed.  

Note: While your application is pending, you cannot leave the UK or go outside the “Common Travel Area (CTA)”, or your application with be automatically withdrawn.  

A graduate visa cannot be extended. At the end of your two (or three) years, should you want to stay and work in the UK, you’ll have to switch to a different visa, such as a Skilled Worker Visa. 

There are also other routes available should you be eligible. Check out what visa you could apply for on the gov.uk website.  

If you wish to stay in the UK under a different visa, there’s a few options depending on your circumstances.  

Skilled worker visa 

This lasts for up to five years and requires a sponsored job offer and a minimum salary.  

Temporary work – creative worker visa 

This lasts up to 12 months and can be extended. It requires you to have a sponsored job offer for work in the creative industries (such as working for a film crew, or as a dancer). 

Temporary work – government authorised exchange visa 

This visa allows you to come to the UK for a programme listed on the list of authorised exchange schemes.  

Temporary work – international agreement visa 

You can apply for this visa if you’ve been contracted to work under international law.  

Innovator visa 

This visa is for graduates who wish to start a business in the UK, and your plan must be endorsed by an approved body. 

Global talent visa 

You must have an endorsement, or win an eligible prize for achievements in science and the arts to apply for this visa.  

High potential individual (HPI) visa 

This route is for overseas students who have achieved a qualification from an eligible university outside of the UK.