Graduate Visa UK: Work After Studying in the UK

What Is the Graduate Visa?

The Graduate visa allows international students who have completed a UK degree to stay in the UK and work (or look for work) for a set period. It's a great way to gain work experience after studying.

Key Details

• Duration: 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates)
• Work: You can do any work, at any skill level
• Study: You can study (but not with student visa sponsorship)
• Switching: You can switch to another visa (like Skilled Worker) from within the UK
• Dependants: Your dependants on the Student visa can also apply

Eligibility

1. You must have a valid Student visa or be within the visa expiry date
2. You must have completed a degree at a UK institution that is a licensed student sponsor
3. The course must have been at bachelor's level or above
4. You must have been studied in the UK for the duration of the course

How to Apply

1. Apply online on gov.uk before your Student visa expires
2. Pay the application fee (£715 — check for updates)
3. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (if applicable)
4. Provide biometric information

Important Rules

• You cannot extend the Graduate visa — it's granted once only
• You cannot use it as a pathway to settlement directly — you'll need to switch to another visa route
• You must apply before your Student visa expires
• You must have received your degree result before applying

From Graduate Visa to ILR

The Graduate visa doesn't lead directly to ILR. To get settlement, you'll need to switch to a route like the Skilled Worker visa, then apply for ILR after 5 years on that route.

Is the Graduate Visa Worth It?

Yes, if you want to gain UK work experience. It gives you 2-3 years to work freely, build your career, and potentially find an employer who will sponsor you for a Skilled Worker visa.

For more about UK visas, see our UK visas guide.