What is the Graduate Visa?
The Graduate visa lets you stay and work in the UK after completing your degree. You don't need a job offer or sponsorship - you can work in any job (except professional sports).
Who Can Apply?
- You completed a bachelor's degree, master's, or PhD at a UK university
- You studied in the UK for at least 12 months
- You were on a Student visa or Tier 4 visa
- Your university confirmed you successfully completed your course
- You're still in the UK when you apply
How Long Can You Stay?
| Qualification | Before Dec 31, 2026 | From Jan 1, 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's or Master's | 2 years | 18 months |
| PhD / Doctorate | 3 years | 3 years (unchanged) |
What You Can Do
You CAN:
- Work in most jobs
- Be self-employed
- Study (non-visa courses)
- Travel abroad and return
- Look for work
You CANNOT:
- Claim benefits
- Work as professional sportsperson
- Work as sports coach
Costs
| Application fee | £882 |
| Healthcare surcharge (2 years) | £2,070 |
| Healthcare surcharge (18 months) | ~£1,552 |
| Healthcare surcharge (3 years PhD) | £3,105 |
How to Apply
- Wait for your university to confirm completion to UKVI
- Apply online at gov.uk before your Student visa expires
- Pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge
- Prove your identity (biometrics or app)
- Wait for decision - you can stay and work while waiting
After Graduate Visa Expires
When your Graduate visa ends, you can:
- Switch to Skilled Worker visa - if you have a job offer from a licensed sponsor
- Switch to other visa - family visa, investor visa, etc.
- Return home - with UK work experience on your CV
Planning Tip
Use your Graduate visa time wisely. Start job hunting before graduation. Many employers hire international graduates for Skilled Worker sponsorship if you prove yourself during the Graduate visa period.
Deadline Strategy
If you want the full 2 years, plan your studies so you complete by late 2026:
| Start Date | Likely Completion | Graduate Visa Duration |
|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | September 2026 | 2 years |
| January 2026 | January 2027 | 18 months |
| September 2026 | September 2027 | 18 months |