Post-study UK immigration advice
Graduate Visa Solicitors
Current advice for international graduates who want to work in the UK after completing an eligible course. We check eligibility, timing, dependant issues and the route that may follow your Graduate permission.
Graduate visa eligibility: the short answer
You normally need to be in the UK, hold or last have held Student permission, have successfully completed an eligible course with a compliant higher education provider, and apply before your current permission expires. Your provider must have notified the Home Office that you successfully completed the course.
The Graduate route may be granted only once. It does not require a job offer, employer sponsorship or a Certificate of Sponsorship.
What the Graduate visa allows
Work and job search
You can usually work in most roles, look for work, be self-employed and undertake voluntary work. Work as a professional sportsperson is not permitted.
Time to plan the next route
The Graduate route is temporary and cannot be extended. Depending on your circumstances, a later application may be possible under Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder or another route.
Important: time spent on the Graduate route does not count towards the usual five-year Skilled Worker settlement period. Do not wait until the last weeks of permission to assess your next route.
Key requirements
Course and provider
Your last Student sponsor must normally be a higher education provider with a track record of compliance. The provider must have told the Home Office that you successfully completed the relevant course.
Study in the UK
For a course lasting 12 months or less, you must normally have studied in the UK for the full duration. For a longer course, the normal requirement is at least 12 months of study in the UK. Historic distance-learning provisions apply only to specified pandemic periods; they are not a current deadline or new concession.
When and where to apply
You must apply online from inside the UK before your Student permission expires. You do not have to wait for graduation or the physical certificate if your provider has confirmed successful completion to the Home Office.
How long permission lasts
Applications before 1 January 2027
Most bachelor’s, master’s and other eligible non-doctoral qualifications: two years from the date of decision.
Applications from 1 January 2027
Most eligible non-doctoral qualifications: 18 months. A PhD or other doctoral qualification continues to attract three years.
Partner and child dependants
A partner or child who already held permission as your Student dependant can usually apply to continue as your Graduate dependant. The Graduate route does not generally allow new overseas dependants.
From 3 August 2026, the rules also allow a child born in the UK during a parent’s current Graduate permission to apply as a dependant and receive permission in line with that parent. The child does not receive immigration permission or British citizenship automatically: an application is still required.
A focused guide to the new UK-born child rule will be linked here after Najma Ali approves it for publication.
Current application cost
The Home Office Graduate application fee is currently £937 per applicant. The immigration health surcharge is usually £1,035 for each year of permission. GOV.UK currently gives total surcharge figures of £1,152.50 for 18 months, £2,070 for two years and £3,105 for three years.
Home Office fees can change. Check the official fee page immediately before applying.
How NA Law Solicitors can help
- check whether your course, Student history and timing meet the Graduate requirements;
- identify dependant issues, including a child born in the UK;
- prepare and submit the application with the correct evidence;
- compare the Graduate route with an immediate Skilled Worker or other application; and
- plan switching and settlement strategy before Graduate permission expires.
We cannot guarantee a Home Office outcome. Advice is based on the facts and rules at the time of instruction.
Graduate visa FAQs
Do I need an employer sponsor?
No. The Graduate route is unsponsored and does not require a job offer or Certificate of Sponsorship.
Can I apply from outside the UK?
No. A Graduate application must be made from inside the UK while you have, or last had, Student permission.
Can I extend a Graduate visa?
No. The route can normally be granted only once and cannot be extended, although you may be able to switch into another route.
Does the Graduate visa lead to settlement?
No. The route itself does not lead to settlement. Some later routes can lead to settlement if their separate requirements are met.
Can a child born during my Graduate visa apply?
Yes, from 3 August 2026 a child born in the UK to a parent holding current Graduate permission can apply as that parent’s dependant. The grant is in line with the parent and is not automatic.
Get advice before you apply or switch
Tell us your current route and expiry date, the course completed, your provider’s confirmation, any dependant circumstances and your intended next step.
Official sources
- Immigration Rules: Appendix Graduate
- GOV.UK Graduate visa costs
- Statement of Changes HC 259, 9 July 2026
Last legally reviewed: 6 August 2026. General information only; it is not advice on individual circumstances.