UK Graduate Visa

UK Graduate Visa

The Graduate visa allows international students who have successfully completed a degree at a UK higher education institution to remain in the UK and work (or look for work) after graduation. It is an open work permission — holders can work in virtually any job, for any employer, in any sector — including working as self-employed.

Key Features

• 2 years of open work permission for bachelor's and master's degree holders
• 3 years of open work permission for PhD and doctoral degree holders
• No job offer required — students can stay to find work, gain experience, or explore opportunities
• Cannot be extended — the Graduate visa is a once-in-a-lifetime route; it cannot be renewed
• Can be used as a stepping stone to the Skilled Worker visa or other immigration routes

Eligibility Requirements

1. 1.Must have a current or recently expired Student visa
2. 2.Must have studied at a UKVI-licensed higher education institution (with a valid sponsor licence)
3. 3.Must have completed and passed the full course leading to the degree (not just attended)
4. 4.Must apply from inside the UK
5. 5.Must not have previously held a Graduate visa

Pathway to Skilled Worker

The Graduate visa is highly valued because it provides the time needed to secure a Skilled Worker sponsor. Many graduate visa holders use the period to build UK work experience, receive an RLMT-exempt job offer, and transition to the Skilled Worker route — which then leads to ILR after 5 years.

Immigration Health Surcharge

Graduate visa holders pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) upfront for the full 2 or 3-year visa duration, giving full access to the NHS.