UK GRADUATE VISA

(Formerly known as Post-study work visa)

Have you recently completed a degree in the UK and want to stay and work? The UK Graduate Visa (also known as the Post-Study Work Visa) allows international students to live, work, and job-hunt in the UK for up to 2 or 3 years after graduating.

The Graduate Visa allows international students who have successfully completed a degree at a UK Higher Education Provider to stay in the UK and work without sponsorship.

It is designed to give recent graduates the freedom to work, switch jobs, or look for employment across any sector—without needing a job offer.

Duration:

• 18 months from (22 July 2025) for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree graduates
• 3 years for PhD or Doctorate graduates

Who Is Eligible for the Graduate Visa?

You can apply if:

• You are currently in the UK on a Student Visa (Tier 4 or Student Route)
• You have successfully completed an eligible UK degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
• Your education provider is a licensed Student Sponsor
• Your university or college has notified the Home Office of your course completion
• You apply within your student visa validity period

What You Can and Cannot Do

You can:

• Work in any job or sector, including self-employment
• Look for jobs after graduation
• Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa later
• Bring dependants (if they were with you on your student visa)
  
  

You cannot:

• Extend the Graduate Visa beyond 2 or 3 years
• Claim public funds or benefits
• Study at a course that would otherwise require a Student Visa
• Use time on this visa to count toward indefinite leave to remain (ILR)

Documents Required

You’ll need:

• Valid passport
• Valid Student Visa (still active at time of application)
• Confirmation of course completion from your university (reported to UKVI)
• BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) (if issued)
• Proof of dependants’ relationship (if applying with family)
  
  

No financial documents or English tests are needed if you’re applying immediately after your UK studies.

When to Apply

You must apply:

• While still in the UK
• Before your Student Visa expires
• After your university has notified UKVI of your successful course completion

We can connect you with a solicitor who will ensure the timing of your application aligns perfectly with UKVI regulations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Applying after your Student Visa expires
• University hasn’t reported your completion to the Home Office
• Applying from outside the UK
• Dependants who weren’t on your student visa applying as new entrants

Your solicitor will help ensure that your timeline, documents, and eligibility are aligned to avoid refusal or delays.

How We Help

We can help you connect with a specialist UK immigration solicitor who will:

• Confirm your eligibility and timeline
• Guide you through the application process
• Ensure your university has fulfilled its reporting duties
• Handle dependant applications
• Advise you on next steps after the Graduate Visa.