Graduate visa

Open to eligible graduates of UK Student/Tier 4 visas who have completed their course; the standard duration is due to shorten for applications made on or after 1 January 2027.

Lets eligible international students stay in the UK to work or look for work after finishing a UK degree.

Qualification / course requirement

Completed an eligible UK bachelor's, postgraduate, or PhD/doctoral course while on a Student or Tier 4 (General) visa

Job offer required

Not required

Sponsorship required

Not required

Required

Partner and children already in the UK as dependants on the Student visa can apply to extend as dependants; new dependants generally cannot be added under this route.

• PassportMandatory
• Biometric Residence Permit / eVisaMandatory
• Confirmation from education provider of course completionMandatory

Application fee

£937

Must apply from inside the UK while the Student visa is still valid.

Duration is 2 years (bachelor's/master's) or 3 years (PhD/doctoral) for applications made on or before 31 December 2026; reducing to 18 months for bachelor's/master's for applications made on or after 1 January 2027, per gov.uk as checked. Immigration health surcharge (usually £1,035/year of stay) applies, waived for public sector healthcare workers. Cannot be extended; visa holder may switch to another route such as Skilled Worker.