Graduate

What is a Graduate visa

The Graduate route is designed for international students who have recently completed their undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. Successful applicants on this route will be able to stay in the UK for 2 or 3 years to work, or look for work, without the need of a sponsor.

You usually must have one of the followings to apply:

• a UK bachelor’s degree
• a UK master’s degree
• a UK PhD or doctorate
• a law conversion course approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
• the Legal Practice Course in England and Wales, the Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland, or a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland
• the Bar Practice Course in England and Wales, or the Bar Course in Northern Ireland
• a foundation programme in medicine or dentistry
• a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
• a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)

You may also be able to apply if passing your course made you eligible for a job that’s regulated by UK law or a UK public authority. 

General requirements

In order to qualify for a Graduate visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration the following requirements:

• You have successfully completed a UK degree, or other eligible course;
• You have studied at a Higher Education Provider which is a student sponsor with a track record of compliance;
• You have held permission as a Student, which was granted to study the relevant qualification in the UK, for a minimum period of time (at least 12 months for courses of more than 12 months and full time for courses of 12 months or less);
• You are applying from within the UK and have valid leave as a Student or Tier 4 Student at the date of application;
• You have not previously held permission on the Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES), or the Graduate route;
• You do not fall for refusal on grounds of suitability.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration specialist for expert advice.

How long can you stay in the UK

If successful, you will be granted a 2-year visa, or a 3-year visa if you have completed a PhD degree or other doctoral qualification. You cannot extend your stay under this route and will only be admitted to this route once.   

The Graduate route does not lead to settlement. However, at the end of your Graduate visa. you may apply to switch into other work-related routes, such as Skilled Worker route, Global Talent route and Innovator route, which may lead to settlement after completing the respective qualifying period. 

Dependants

If your family members (spouse/partner and any children under 18) are already in the UK as your Dependants, they can switch to Graduate Dependant visa with you. You cannot bring your family as your dependant if they are not your Dependants already.

Processing time and application fees 

The applications can only be made from within the UK. The current visa application fee is £715. The application will usually be processed within 8 weeks.

Applicants will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the application, set at £624 per year (or £470 per year for Student / Youth Mobility Scheme / applicant under 18). 

How we can help

Our knowledgeable and experienced immigration team can:

• Assess your case and advise whether you are eligible to apply
• Provide you with a tailored & comprehensive document list
• Review all your documents and advise on necessary amendments
• Suggest on how to improve your application
• Complete your application forms in accordance with the UKVI requirements
• Assist you to complete the application submission process
• Provide our representation letter to support your application with necessary legal arguments
• Liaise with UKVI on your behalf

Depending on your need and budget, we have different levels of services that you may choose from. Check out Our Services to see which one is for you. 

Want to discuss your case with an immigration specialist? Contact Us now.