Everything You Need to Know About the UK Graduate Visa

The UK Graduate Visa, often referred to as the post-study work visa, provides a chance for international students to stay in the UK following their studies. This visa is intended for gaining work experience, looking into job opportunities, or getting ready for long-term residency. It is a flexible, self-supported path that creates opportunities for graduates in various fields.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you need to:

• Be present in the UK when you apply.

• Have a current Student visa or Tier 4 (General) visa.

• Complete a recognized UK qualification, which can include:

• A bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree.

• A law conversion course (like PGDL).

• The Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Practice Course (BPC).

• A foundation course in medicine or dentistry.

• A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

• A Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).

• Your university or institution must verify your completion to the Home Office.

Application Process

1. Let your educational institution inform the relevant authorities at the Home Office initially.

2. Gather all necessary paperwork including your passport, details from biometrics, and confirmation of finishing your course.

3. Submit your request electronically through the official UK government website.

4. Prove who you are either through the UK Immigration application or by visiting a physical visa application center.

5. Expect to get an answer in approximately two months.

 Costs

• The application processing charge amounts to £880.

• The Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,035 annually.

• The IHS for a visa valid for two years is £2,070.

• For a three-year visa, typically for PhD studies, the IHS comes to £3,105.

• An 18-month visa (starting in 2027) carries an IHS of £1,552.50.

This payment enables you to use the National Health Service for medical care while you are in the country.

Work Rights

• You are allowed to take any job, self-employed, or provide volunteer services.

• You are not permitted to engage in professional sports.

• Length of time:

• 2 years for those who graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees

• 3 years for individuals with a PhD

• 18 months for bachelor’s or master’s graduates beginning in January 2027

Family

Partners and children can apply as dependents if they were already in the UK under your student visa.

Why It Matters

The Graduate Visa serves as a preliminary phase before obtaining the Skilled Worker visa, affording individuals the opportunity to gain expertise, establish connections, and attain employer endorsement. The visa encompasses various specialized credentials, including legal, medical, and pedagogical fields, thereby enabling support for diverse career trajectories and rendering it an adaptable selection for graduates from abroad.