Graduate Route Visa UK: 18-Month Post-Study Work Visa
Planning to begin your studies in the January 2027 UK intake? Understand the latest Graduate Visa rules, eligibility, requirements, cost and post-study work options before you plan your journey.
For most eligible bachelor's, master's and other non-doctoral qualifications from 2027.
What Is the UK Graduate Visa?
A post-study immigration route designed to help eligible international students move from UK education into employment and professional experience.
A Bridge From University to Your Career
The UK Graduate Visa is a post-study work route for eligible international students who successfully complete a qualifying course in the UK.
It allows eligible graduates to remain in the UK after completing their studies and gives them time to work, look for employment, gain professional experience and explore their next career or immigration option.
Student Visa
Primarily intended for studying in the UK.
Graduate Visa
Lets eligible graduates stay and work in the UK.
Build Your UK Career Without Immediate Sponsorship
You do not need to secure a sponsored job before applying for the Graduate Visa. Eligible graduates can generally work in most jobs, look for employment, become self-employed and undertake permitted voluntary work.
Search for suitable opportunities after completing your degree.
Build professional experience in the UK employment market.
Develop relationships that can support your future career.
Understand the UK job market and identify suitable career paths.
Use the period to explore a future sponsored work route.
Use your Graduate Visa period strategically.
The Graduate Visa is temporary and cannot itself be extended, so students should use the available period strategically.
The Graduate Visa Is Changing in 2027
For most eligible Bachelor's and Master's graduates, the Graduate Visa period will change for applications submitted from 1 January 2027.
Graduate Visa
Eligible graduates could generally receive two years of post-study permission.
Graduate Visa
For most eligible Bachelor's and Master's graduates under the new rule.
PhD & Doctoral Graduates Still Get 3 Years
Eligible PhD and other doctoral graduates can continue to receive three years of Graduate Visa permission.
Plan Your Next Step Early
With a shorter standard Graduate Visa period, planning your career and future route in the UK becomes even more important.
Know Your Timeline
Understand which Graduate Visa duration applies to your application.
Start Career Planning Early
Use your post-study period strategically to build relevant experience.
Explore Future Routes
Consider suitable employment and long-term immigration options.
Make Your Time Count
Focus on your career, professional network and opportunities in the UK.
Most eligible Bachelor's and Master's graduates will receive 18 months instead of two years for Graduate Visa applications submitted from 1 January 2027. Eligible doctoral graduates remain eligible for three years.
Who Can Apply for the UK Graduate Visa?
The Graduate Visa is designed for eligible international students who successfully complete an eligible course in the UK and want to remain in the country after graduation.
You must successfully complete an eligible UK course
Your course and student status must meet the requirements for the Graduate Visa. The application is made after you have successfully completed your studies in the UK.
Complete Your Eligible Course
You need to successfully complete an eligible UK degree or other qualifying course.
COURSE REQUIREMENTBe in the UK When You Apply
Your application needs to meet the relevant requirements for applying from within the UK.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTHold the Required Student Status
Your immigration status and previous permission must satisfy the Graduate Visa requirements.
VISA STATUSMeet the Visa Requirements
You must meet the applicable eligibility, documentation and application requirements.
ELIGIBILITYYour UK qualification matters.
The Graduate Visa is linked to successful completion of an eligible course in the UK.
Eligibility depends on your course, immigration status and individual circumstances. Always check the applicable requirements before submitting your application.
Build Your Career Without Immediate Sponsorship
You do not need to secure a sponsored job before applying for the Graduate Visa. Eligible graduates can generally work in most jobs, look for employment, become self-employed and undertake permitted voluntary work.
Use this time to build your future.
The Graduate Visa gives eligible graduates time to explore employment opportunities, gain experience and plan their longer-term career route in the UK.
Search for Suitable Opportunities
Search for suitable opportunities after completing your degree and identify roles that match your skills.
Gain UK Work Experience
Build professional experience and develop practical skills that can support your future career.
Build Professional Connections
Develop relationships with employers, professionals and industry contacts that can support your future career.
Explore Career Opportunities
Understand the UK job market and identify suitable career paths based on your qualifications and experience.
Consider Skilled Worker
Use the Graduate Visa period to explore opportunities that could support a future sponsored work route.
Plan Your Long-Term Career
Use your Graduate Visa period strategically and plan your next professional step before your permission comes to an end.
The Graduate Visa is temporary and cannot itself be extended, so graduates should use the available period strategically.
How to Apply for the Graduate Visa
Once you have successfully completed your eligible course, the application process should be planned carefully. Follow each stage and make sure your application is submitted within the required timeframe.
Complete Your Course
Successfully complete your eligible UK course before moving forward with your Graduate Visa application.
Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet the Graduate Visa requirements, including the relevant course and immigration requirements.
Prepare Your Application
Gather the required information and supporting documents and make sure the details in your application are accurate.
Submit Your Application
Submit your Graduate Visa application through the official application process and complete any required identity or biometric steps.
Receive Your Decision
Once your application has been processed, you will receive the outcome and information about your immigration permission.
A quick application check
Taking a little time to check your application can help you avoid unnecessary mistakes.
Make sure you understand the timing of your application and the immigration requirements that apply to you.
Get Your Application Ready Before You Apply
Preparing the right information in advance can make your Graduate Visa application more organised and help you avoid unnecessary delays or mistakes.
Keep your important information organised.
Before beginning your application, make sure you have access to the information and documents relevant to your personal circumstances and immigration history.
Passport & Identity
Keep your valid passport and relevant identity information available for the application.
Course Information
Make sure the details relating to your completed UK course are available when required.
Immigration Details
Keep details of your current and previous immigration permission available where applicable.
Payment Information
Be prepared for the applicable application costs and payment requirements when submitting your visa.
Contact Information
Check that your contact details are accurate and accessible throughout the application process.
Supporting Information
Additional information may be required depending on your individual circumstances and application.
Before you submit
The exact information and supporting documents required depend on your circumstances. Check the official requirements applicable to your application.
Understand the Cost Before You Apply
Planning your Graduate Visa budget in advance helps you understand the main expenses involved in the application and prepare financially before submitting it.
What will you need to pay?
Your total cost can include the visa application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge and other personal expenses associated with your application.
Visa Application Fee
You will need to pay the applicable fee when submitting your Graduate Visa application.
Immigration Health Surcharge
The Immigration Health Surcharge may form a significant part of the overall cost of your application.
Other Expenses
Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to consider additional application or personal expenses.
Think beyond the application fee.
When planning your move from student status to the Graduate route, consider the complete cost of your application and your living plans in the UK.
Visa fees and immigration charges can change over time. Always check the latest official UK Government information before submitting your application.
Understand Your Graduate Visa Period
The Graduate Visa gives eligible international students an opportunity to remain in the UK after completing their studies and plan their next professional step.
Time to build your future.
During your Graduate Visa period, you can use your time in the UK to gain professional experience, explore opportunities and decide what comes next for your career.
Gain Experience
Use your time after graduation to gain relevant professional experience and develop your career.
CAREERExplore Work
Explore employment opportunities that match your skills, qualifications and long-term career plans.
OPPORTUNITIESPlan What's Next
Consider your longer-term immigration and career options before your Graduate Visa permission ends.
NEXT STEPDon't wait until the last moment.
Your Graduate Visa is a period to plan your next move. Keep your career goals and future immigration options in mind throughout this period.
Visa duration, eligibility and conditions may depend on the rules applicable to your circumstances. Always check the latest official UK Government guidance.
Make the Most of Your Graduate Visa
The Graduate Visa can give you valuable time to explore employment opportunities in the UK after completing your eligible course.
Turn your UK education into career experience.
Your post-study period can be an important opportunity to gain professional experience, develop your skills and understand the UK employment market.
What you should know
Work in the UK
The Graduate Visa is designed to allow eligible graduates to remain in the UK and pursue work opportunities after their studies.
Build Professional Experience
Use this period to strengthen your CV, gain industry experience and develop skills relevant to your career.
Explore Career Opportunities
You can use your Graduate Visa period to explore opportunities that align with your qualifications, experience and future plans.
Know the conditions.
Graduate Visa holders must follow the conditions attached to their immigration permission. Some activities may have specific restrictions.
Before starting a job, business activity or other work, make sure you understand the conditions that apply to your individual visa.
Don't just look for a job. Build your next step.
Your Graduate Visa period can be used strategically. Focus on gaining experience that supports your long-term career direction and future plans.
Immigration conditions and permitted activities can change. Check the latest official UK Government guidance for the rules that apply to your circumstances.
From Graduation to Your Next Chapter
Understanding the application journey can help you prepare the right information, follow the process carefully and avoid unnecessary delays.
Know the process. Prepare with confidence.
Your Graduate Visa application involves several important stages. Make sure you understand what needs to be completed before submitting your application.
Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for the Graduate Visa and that your circumstances meet the applicable immigration rules.
Prepare Your Information
Gather the information and documents required for your application. Check that the details you provide are accurate and consistent.
Submit Your Application
Complete the online application using the information relevant to your circumstances and follow the instructions provided during the application process.
Complete Required Steps
Follow any instructions given as part of your application, including identity or biometric requirements where applicable to your circumstances.
Wait for the Decision
Once your application has been submitted and the required steps have been completed, your application will be considered according to the applicable immigration rules.
A quick preparation check.
Take a moment to review the important points before submitting your application.
Immigration requirements and application procedures can change. Always check the latest UK Government guidance applicable to your circumstances before applying.
Prepare Before You Apply
Having your information organised before you begin can make the application process clearer and help you avoid unnecessary delays caused by missing or incorrect details.
Keep your information ready.
The exact information and supporting documents required can depend on your individual circumstances. Use this section as a preparation checklist and verify the latest requirements before applying.
Key information to have available.
Identity Information
Keep the personal and identity information required for your application accurate and readily available.
Current Immigration Details
Make sure you have the relevant details about your current immigration permission and status in the UK.
Study Information
Have the relevant information about your course, institution and successful completion of your studies available where required.
Supporting Documents
Organise any supporting documents that are relevant to your circumstances and the application process.
Payment Information
Be prepared for any applicable application fees and other charges associated with the application process.
Final Review
Review the information you are submitting and check that the details are complete, accurate and consistent.
One final document check.
The documents and information you need may vary depending on your circumstances. Always check the latest official UK Government guidance before submitting an application.
Your Questions. Clear Answers.
Find answers to some of the common questions students have about the UK Graduate Visa and the application journey.
Still unsure about something?
Every student's circumstances can be different. If you need help understanding your options, getting the right information before applying can make your journey much easier.
01 What is the UK Graduate Visa? +
The Graduate Visa allows eligible international students who have successfully completed an eligible course in the UK to stay and work or look for work after their studies, subject to the applicable immigration rules.
02 Who can apply for the Graduate Visa? +
Eligibility depends on factors including your immigration status, your course and whether you have successfully completed the relevant qualification. Always check the latest official eligibility requirements.
03 When should I apply for the Graduate Visa? +
You should make sure you understand the applicable application window and requirements before submitting your application. The timing of your application is important, so check the latest official guidance.
04 Can I work while on the Graduate Visa? +
The Graduate Visa is designed to allow eligible graduates to work or look for work in the UK, subject to the conditions that apply to the visa.
05 Can I change jobs during the Graduate Visa? +
The Graduate Visa generally provides flexibility to work in different roles, subject to the conditions of your immigration permission. Check the latest official rules for your specific circumstances.
06 What happens when my Graduate Visa ends? +
If you want to remain in the UK after your Graduate Visa ends, you may need to qualify for another immigration route. Your options will depend on your circumstances and the requirements of the relevant route.
07 Can I apply for another visa after the Graduate Visa? +
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to move into another eligible immigration route. You should carefully review the requirements of the route you are considering before making an application.
08 How long does the application process take? +
Processing times can vary depending on the application and the circumstances involved. Always check the latest official UK Government information for current processing time guidance.
Your next step starts with the right guidance.
Get your questions answered and understand the next steps relevant to your study and visa journey.
Immigration rules and requirements can change. The information on this page is for general guidance and should be checked against the latest official UK Government guidance before making an application.
Don't let uncertainty slow your journey.
Whether you're planning your next step after graduation, exploring your visa options, or simply need clarity about the process, the right guidance can make your journey easier.
Tell us what you need help with.
Share your details and our team will understand your requirements.
"*" indicates required fields
Your information is kept private and used only for providing relevant guidance.
Immigration rules and requirements may change. Always refer to the latest official guidance before making an immigration application.