Overview
The Graduate visa in the UK allows international students who have completed an eligible course at a UK higher education institution to stay in the UK for up to two years (or three years for PhD graduates) after they have finished their studies. Here are the key points about this visa route:
Eligibility Requirements:
Completion of an Eligible Course:
- You must have completed a degree at the undergraduate level or above (such as a bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or other eligible qualifications).
- The course must be from a UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance.
Current Visa Status:
- You must be in the UK on a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa at the time of your application.
Application Timing:
- You must apply before your current Student visa expires.
Duration of the Visa
- Bachelor’s or master’s Degree Holders: The visa is granted for 2 years.
- PhD or Other Doctoral Qualification Holders: The visa is granted for 3 years.
Work Rights:
- You are allowed to work in most jobs.
- You can look for work or be self-employed.
- You cannot work as a professional sportsperson.
Application Process
- Online Application: You need to apply online through the UK government’s visa application portal.
- Payment: Pay the application fee of £822 and the healthcare surcharge, which is £1035 per year.
- Biometrics: Provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph.
Additional Conditions
- The Graduate visa does not directly lead to settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK.
- You can switch to another visa route, such as the Skilled Worker visa, if you meet the eligibility criteria for that visa.
Dependants
- Dependants who are already in the UK as your dependants on a student visa can apply to stay as dependants on your Graduate visa.
Post-Visa Opportunities
- This visa provides an opportunity to gain work experience in the UK.
- After the Graduate visa expires, you can switch to other types of visas if you qualify, such as the Skilled Worker visa, which could eventually lead to settlement.
FAQ (Frequently asked questions):
The Graduate visa allows international students who have completed an eligible course at a UK higher education provider to stay in the UK for two years (or three years for PhD graduates) to work or look for work.
- You must have completed a degree at the undergraduate level or above at a UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance.
- You must be in the UK on a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa when you apply.
No, you must be in the UK on a valid Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa to apply.
You need to apply online through the UK government’s visa application portal, pay the application fee, and provide your biometric information.
- The application fee is £822.
- And the Health Surcharge Fee is £1035.
Yes, you need to pay the healthcare surcharge, which is £1035 per year.
Two years for bachelor’s or master’s degree holders and three years for PhD or other doctoral qualification holders.
No, the Graduate visa cannot be extended. However, you may be able to switch to another visa category, such as the Skilled Worker visa.
You can work in most jobs, look for work, or be self-employed. However, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson.
Yes, you can study, but any study should not interfere with the main purpose of the Graduate visa, which is to work or look for work.
Yes, dependants who are already in the UK as your dependants on a Student visa can apply to stay as dependants on your Graduate visa.
No, you cannot bring new dependants. Only those who are already in the UK as your dependants can extend their stay.
Yes, you can switch to other visa routes such as the Skilled Worker visa, if you meet the eligibility requirements.
No, the Graduate visa itself does not lead to settlement. However, you may transition to other visa categories that can lead to settlement.
No, you do not need a job offer to apply. The Graduate visa allows you to stay in the UK to look for work.
You should apply before your current Student visa expires and after you have received confirmation of your degree completion.
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