Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work Visa)

On this page:

• Graduate Visa at a glance
• What is the Graduate Visa (GV)?
• Am I eligible for a Graduate Visa?
• Do you hold a qualifying visa?
• Have you completed a qualifying course?
• Have you met the UK study requirement?
• Have you only made allowable programme changes?
• Has your travel been within the rules?
• When can I apply for a Graduate Visa?
• How do I apply?
• How long does the application take?
• Can I work while my application is being processed?
• What can I do on a Graduate Visa?
• What happens when my Graduate Visa expires?
• Important reminder

Graduate Visa at a glance

What is the Graduate Visa (GV)?

The Graduate Visa (GV) allows international graduates to remain in the UK to work or look for work after successfully completing their studies.

The Government has published:

• Appendix Graduate in the Immigration Rules
• Graduate Caseworker Guidance

Before applying, read the guidance on this page carefully to understand the eligibility requirements, application process, visa conditions and your options after the visa expires.

Important

Graduate Visa applications are assessed by the Home Office. Applying before you meet the requirements could result in a visa refusal.

The information on this page is intended as guidance only. You should always check the latest Home Office guidance before submitting an application.

Am I eligible for a Graduate Visa?

Not all graduates are eligible. Eligibility is based on your immigration history, course, study location and circumstances.

You cannot apply if:

• you have a Chevening Scholarship
• you have previously been granted a Graduate Visa
• you have previously been granted permission under the Doctorate Extension Scheme
• you owe a debt to the University

If you are not eligible, see the guidance on alternative visa options and working in the UK after your studies.

You may be eligible if:

• you hold a qualifying Student or Tier 4 visa
• you have completed a qualifying course
• you meet the required study period in the UK
• any programme changes were permitted under Student visa rules
• any travel outside the UK complies with Graduate Visa requirements

Do you hold a qualifying visa?

You must hold a valid Student or Tier 4 visa when you submit your application.

You may also be eligible if:

• you hold a part-time Student or Tier 4 visa
• you are a Students' Union Sabbatical Officer with Student or Tier 4 permission

No other visa types qualify for a Graduate Visa. 

If your visa will expire before the Exam Board has confirmed your award, see the Graduate Visa FAQs for guidance.

Have you completed a qualifying course?

Most undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral degrees qualify.

Some lower award qualifications may also qualify, including:

• PGCE and PGDE qualifications
• recognised legal professional qualifications
• foundation programmes in Medicine or Dentistry
• regulated professional qualifications recognised by UKVI

Have you met the UK study requirement?

You must have completed a minimum period of study in the UK on a Student or Tier 4 visa.

• If your course lasted 12 months or less, you must have studied in the UK for the full duration.
• If your course lasted more than 12 months, you must have studied in the UK for at least 12 months.

You must have obtained your eligible qualification during your most recent period of Student or Tier 4 permission.

Eligibility is based on when you successfully complete your studies, not when you started them.

If you complete your studies more than two weeks before the end date stated on your CAS, the University may need to report this to UKVI and your visa may be curtailed. Learn what happens when you have been reported as an early completer. 

Have you only made allowable programme changes?

Your final award should normally be the qualification listed on the CAS used for your current Student visa.

You may still be eligible if you:

• completed an approved placement year
• completed an approved study abroad period
• transferred programmes without needing new Student permission
• transferred through an approved change permitted under Student visa rules

The University cannot confirm whether an individual student meets all Home Office eligibility requirements

Has your travel been within the rules?

Travel outside the UK during or after your studies may affect Graduate Visa eligibility in some circumstances.

If you travelled during your studies or plan to leave and return to the UK before applying, see the Graduate Visa FAQs for further guidance.

• Will I still be eligible if I went on holiday during my studies?
• Can I travel home for a vacation after I have completed, and return to the UK to apply?

When can I apply for a Graduate Visa?

You must apply before your current Student visa expires.

To minimise the risk of refusal, do not apply until:

1. You have been notified that you successfully completed your course.
2. Your final award has been confirmed and recorded by the University.
3. The University has reported your successful completion to the Home Office.

• If your visa expires before these steps are completed, review the Graduate Visa FAQs and contact the Student Immigration Team if you need further advice.
• If your visa is due to expire before the Exam Board sits
• If you have been reported as an early completer

How do I apply?

Applications must be made online from within the UK.

You must still have valid Student or Tier 4 permission when you submit your application.

How much does it cost?

You must pay:

• a Graduate Visa application fee of £937
• an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year

This means:

• Degree students will normally pay £2,070 for the IHS
• PhD students will normally pay £3,105 for the IHS

Financial requirements

• There is no separate maintenance requirement.
• You must be able to support yourself while looking for work.
• You cannot access public funds.
• If your studies were fully funded by a government or international scholarship agency, you may need written permission from your sponsor.

Identity and security checks

As part of the application process, you may need to:

• provide biometric information
• verify your identity
• complete criminality and security checks

For details of the documents and information required, see the Graduate Visa FAQs.

How long does the application take?

The Home Office aims to make a decision within 8 weeks.

Do not make travel plans until a decision has been made and you have received your BRP/Digital status. 

Can I work while my application is being processed?

Yes.

Once you have submitted a valid Graduate Visa application, you can usually start working full-time, including in a permanent full-time role according to Appendix Student (paragraph ST 26.6)

However, if you plan to:

• work as an entertainer
• become self-employed

you must wait for a decision on your application before starting that work.

Some employers may not be aware that Student visa holders who have submitted a Graduate Visa application can fill a permanent full-time vacancy. You may need to explain this provision to your employer.

What can I do on a Graduate Visa?

Once your application has been approved, you can find more information about:

• how long the visa is valid
• whether it can be extended
• the types of work you can do
• studying while holding a Graduate Visa

See the Graduate Visa FAQs for detailed guidance.

What happens when my Graduate Visa expires?

Before your Graduate Visa expires, you may be able to:

• switch to another immigration route if eligible
• apply for a new Student visa if you meet the requirements
• leave the UK

See the Graduate Visa FAQs for detailed information about your options.

• Can I stay in the UK after my Graduate Visa ends?
• Will I be able to switch back to the Student Route from the UK at the end of my Graduate Visa?

Important reminder

The information on this page should not be relied upon to establish eligibility for a Graduate Visa.

Immigration rules can change, and all applications are assessed by the Home Office. You are always advised to check Home Office guidance prior to making any application as the rules are subject to change.  Please refer to the Home Office guidance: Appendix Graduate in the Immigration Rules and the Graduate Caseworker Guidance.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) also has information on their website which you may find useful, including some international students' experience of apply for the Graduate Visa and seeking employment in the UK.

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