Graduate Work Visa
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Overview Of The Graduate Visa
The Graduate visa allows individuals who have successfully completed an eligible UK degree to remain in the UK to work, look for work or undertake other permitted activities. It is an unsponsored route, meaning applicants do not need a job offer and employers do not need a sponsor licence.
The route provides flexibility for graduates to gain work experience in the UK after completing their studies.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Graduate visa, an applicant must demonstrate that:
- They have successfully completed an eligible UK qualification.
- The qualification was completed during their most recent period of Student permission.
- Their education provider has reported the successful completion to the Home Office.
- They are applying from within the UK.
- They currently hold valid Student permission.
Eligible qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degrees.
- Master’s degrees.
- PhDs and other doctoral-level qualifications.
- Certain professional qualifications, where permitted.
Length And Conditions Of Stay
Graduate visas are granted for:
- Two years for applicants who have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
- Three years for applicants who have completed a PhD or other doctoral-level qualification.
During their stay, Graduate visa holders can:
- Work in most roles.
- Be self-employed.
- Look for work.
- Undertake voluntary work.
- Study, subject to any ATAS requirements.
They cannot work as a professional sportsperson.
The Graduate route does not lead directly to Settlement and cannot be extended. Individuals who wish to remain in the UK long-term must switch into another eligible immigration category before their Graduate visa expires.
Switching To Other Immigration Routes
Graduate visa holders may be able to switch into other categories from within the UK, including:
- Skilled Worker.
- Scale-up.
- Global Talent.
- Innovator Founder.
- Other work or family routes.
Eligibility will depend on the requirements of the new route.
Dependants
Dependants are permitted only if they were already dependants under the applicant’s Student visa. New dependants cannot be added under the Graduate route.
Dependants who hold permission under this route may be able to work in the UK.
How Our Immigration Partners Can Help
We advise individuals on eligibility for the Graduate visa, evidence requirements and options for switching into longer-term immigration categories. If you would like to discuss your circumstances or plan your next steps, please contact us or complete our enquiry form below.