UK Graduate Visa
The UK Graduate Visa allows eligible international students to remain in the United Kingdom after completing an eligible degree or qualification. It provides an opportunity to work, look for employment or become self-employed without requiring sponsorship from an employer.
Hudson McKenzie advises international graduates, individuals and families on Graduate Visa applications and longer-term UK immigration options.
What Is the UK Graduate Visa?
The UK Graduate Visa is an unsponsored immigration route for international students who have successfully completed an eligible course in the UK. Also known as the Graduate route and commonly described as a UK post-study work visa, it allows eligible graduates to undertake most types of employment, seek work or become self-employed.
Unlike the Skilled Worker Visa, the Graduate Visa does not require a job offer or sponsorship from a licensed UK employer. It is not a direct route to settlement. Graduates who wish to remain in the UK beyond their Graduate Visa may need to qualify for another immigration route.
Who Is Eligible for a UK Graduate Visa?
To qualify, applicants must satisfy the relevant requirements under the UK Immigration Rules. Generally, applicants must:
- Be in the UK when applying.
- Hold, or have last held, permission as a Student or Tier 4 (General) student.
- Have successfully completed an eligible course.
- Have studied with a higher education provider that has a track record of compliance.
- Meet the applicable UK study duration requirements.
- Have their education provider notify the Home Office of successful course completion before applying.
- Meet the relevant validity and suitability requirements.
Applicants must not have previously been granted permission under the Graduate route or the Doctorate Extension Scheme.
You should apply before your existing Student permission expires. You do not need to wait for your graduation ceremony or degree certificate, provided your education provider has notified the Home Office that you have successfully completed the eligible course.
UK Graduate Visa Requirements and Application
Eligible Courses and UK Study Requirements
How Long Does the UK Graduate Visa Last?
Working in the UK and Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa
Dependants and Settlement
How to Apply for a UK Graduate Visa
You must apply online from within the UK after your education provider has notified the Home Office that you have successfully completed your eligible course. Apply before your Student permission expires.
As part of the application, you will need to provide the required information, pay the applicable fees and prove your identity. Depending on your circumstances, identity verification may involve the UK Immigration: ID Check app or an appointment to provide biometric information.
Documents You May Need
The application will normally require:
- A valid passport or another accepted identity and nationality document.
- Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference from the relevant Student visa application.
- Evidence of your current immigration permission, as requested during the application.
- Relationship evidence where eligible dependants are applying.
- Written consent where required from a government or international scholarship agency that funded both your tuition fees and living costs.
- Certified translations of documents that are not in English or Welsh.
Additional evidence may be required depending on your circumstances.
UK Graduate Visa Fees
As at September 2026, the Graduate Visa application fee is £937 per applicant.
The main applicant will normally also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge at £1,035 per year of permission. At current rates, this is £2,070 for two years or £3,105 for three years, in addition to the application fee.
Eligible dependants pay separate application fees and any applicable healthcare surcharge. Government charges are separate from professional fees for immigration advice and application assistance. Check the charges in force when applying.
How Long Does a Graduate Visa Application Take?
A decision is usually made within eight weeks after you have applied online, proved your identity and provided the required documents. Some applications take longer where further checks are needed. Do not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while awaiting a decision. Doing so will result in your application being withdrawn.
Why Hudson McKenzie?
Hudson McKenzie advises international graduates, individuals and families on Graduate Visa applications and longer-term UK immigration planning. Our UK immigration lawyers can assess eligibility, review supporting documents, advise on dependant applications and explain potential options for remaining in the UK after Graduate permission expires.
If you are looking for Graduate Visa solicitors in London, or need advice on your circumstances before applying, contact Hudson McKenzie to discuss your UK immigration options.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information and should not be relied upon as advice on an individual case. Graduate Visa rules, fees and application procedures can change. Obtain advice tailored to your circumstances and check the requirements that apply when you submit your application.
